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Required German Skills

Do you have a foreign school or university degree and want to study at Philipps University of Marburg, but don't yet have the required German language skills? 

In this case, you can apply for your desired degree program via uni-assist without German language skills. If you meet all the other requirements for an admission-free degree program, you will receive a conditional admission.

Exception: For degree programs with restricted admission, the required German language skills must be submitted via uni-assist by the end of the application period.

  • Proof of German language proficiency

    For most degree courses, you need to take the German Language Examination for University Admission (DSH). The proficiency levels are divided into DSH-1, DSH-2 and DSH-3. You can find out which proficiency level is required for your selected degree course on the relevant degree course website.

    You can furnish proof of your German language skills via the following certificates and diplomas:

    DSH-1 level

    • DSH-1 certificate
    • TestDaF certificate with at least 3 points in all examination parts
    • Goethe Certificate B2
    • telc B2 certificate
    • ÖSD B2 certificate
    • UNIcert II

    DSH-2 level

    • DSH-2 certificate
    • TestDaF certificate with at least 4 points in all examination parts
    • Assessment test at the preparatory course with a pass in the “German language section”
    • German Language Diploma of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs – Second Level (DSD II) with C1 in all examination parts
    • Goethe Certificate C2: Advanced German Language Diploma (GDS)
    • ÖSD C2
    • telc German C1 University
    • German-language school leaving certificate equivalent to a German higher education entrance qualification
    • First professional qualification from a German university, if the language of instruction is German at DSH-2 level
    • Foreign certificates listed in “Admission of foreign applicants with foreign educational qualifications to study at German universities: proof of German language skills (Order of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of 02.06.1995, as stated in the respective, valid, version).”

    DSH-3 level

    • DSH-3 certificate
    • TestDaF certificate with at least two 4s and two 5s in the exam parts
    • Assessment examination at the preparatory course with grade 1.0 and a pass in the “German examination” with grade 1

    Higher-value certificates may be used for lower levels.
    In some cases, you can furnish proof of your German language skills via your certificates.

  • Applying without German language skills?

    Do you have a foreign school or university degree and would like to study at Philipps University of Marburg, but don’t yet have the required German language skills?

    In such a case, the following applies: you can apply for your selected degree course via uni-assist without any knowledge of German. Therefore, we do not require proof of language proficiency at the time of application, but recommend at least B1 level proficiency. If you meet all the other requirements for the programme, you will be offered conditional admission (exception: this does not apply to programmes with restricted admission (NC)).

  • Conditional approval

    Conditional admission means that you have the opportunity to enrol as a language student for two semesters before starting your degree course and can participate in language courses. Once you have passed the language test for the required level of German, you can apply to transfer to the degree course you originally applied for. Please note: this does not apply to degree courses with restricted admission (NC). If you would like to study a different degree course, you must reapply via uni-assist.

  • Enrolment in DSH preparation

    Your conditional admission will be offered via the Marvin portal. Then please proceed as follows:

    1. Transfer the semester fee. Please note the “Transfer details.”
    2. Apply in Marvin for enrolment in the DSH preparation course (not for the degree course).
    3. Upload the following documents to Marvin:

    • Proof of payment of the semester fee
    • Proof of identity (copy of your identity card or passport)

    4. Complete your enrolment in Marvin.

    The university does not require proof of health insurance if you are enrolled in the DSH preparation course. This is only required at the start of the desired degree course.

    When you enrol in the DSH preparation course, you will receive a semester ticket and have the opportunity to apply for a place in a student residence. If you have received conditional admission to a non-NC degree course, you can reserve your place at university. After successfully passing the language test, you can transfer to the degree course without having to reapply.

    Please note that in addition to enrolment, you must register for a language course yourself and pay the associated costs. The language courses can be taken with external or internal providers. However, when using external providers, make sure that they issue certificates that are recognised by the university. 

    According to Section 16b (5) Sentence 3 of the German Residence Act, the duration of preparatory language courses is generally one year and should not exceed two years. To ensure compliance with this requirement, we request additional documentation for re-registration in the third and fourth DSH semesters, such as a certificate of attendance for language courses and examination results. However, re-enrolling in a fifth semester is not possible.

  • Transfer to a specialised course of study

    Have you successfully completed your language course with the corresponding examination and would like to study? To that end you need to either re-register or reapply.

    Degree programmes without admission restrictions

    1. Looking to study the same degree course that you were admitted to last year? Please submit a transfer request in your student account under “My Course” - “Student Services.” Please upload the following documents:

    • Proof of German language proficiency
    • Proof of payment of the semester fee

    2. Have you chosen a different degree course for which you were not admitted? Please reapply via uni-assist.

    Degree programmes with restricted admission (numerus clausus)

    Please reapply via uni-assist.

    Students in preparatory courses (Studienkolleg) need reapply via uni-assist.

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