Degree from a foreign university

In order to take up studies with German as the language of instruction at the University of Bamberg, you need proof of German language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for most Master's programs.

** In the study programs for which the C2 level must be proven, provisional enrollment is granted upon presentation of proof at the C1 level with the condition that the module "German as a Foreign Language for International German Studies Students C2" (12 ECTS, module sub-examinations: portfolio and oral examination) in accordance with the examination regulations for language practice modules of the Otto-Friedrich University of Bamberg or equivalent proof of language proficiency at the C2 level must be proven by the end of the second semester at the latest.

If you would like to learn German at the University of Bamberg, it is possible to attend a DSH semester course. For more information, please contact the International Office.

Without German language skills you can only apply for some of our International Study Programs:

If you would like to learn German at the University of Bamberg, there is the possibility to attend a DSH semester course. For more information, please contact the International Office.

The following certificates are recognized as proof of level B2 CEFR:

• German Language Examination for University Admission with an overall result of DSH-1.
• Goethe Certificate B2
• Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) with level 3 in all sub-skills; here the 4 individual subjects must be passed in one examination date
• telc German B2 University
• ÖSD Certificate B2

German studies do not count as proof of German language skills!

Master's programs that require German language skills at the DSH-2 level:

• Psychologie
• Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie
• Literatur und Medien

German language skills on the DSH-2 level can also be proven by one of the following certificates:

• DSH-2
• Goethe Certificate C1
• TestDaF level 4 or 5 in all four examination parts
• German Language Diploma Level II
•  telc German C1 University
• ÖDS Certificate C1

Master's programs that require German language skills at the DSH-3 level:

• Deutsche Sprachwissenschaft
• Germanistik
• Neuere deutsche Literatur:Geschichte, Gegenwart, Vermittlung
• Joint Master's Degree Deutsche Philologie des Mittelalters und der Frühen Neuzeit

German language proficiency at the DSH-3 level can also be demonstrated by one of the following certificates:

•  DHS-3
• Goethe Certificate C2

Further information:

→ DSH examination regulations of the University of Bamberg

→ Resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on proof of German language skills

→ German Language Proficiency for University Admission (KMK)

Official certifications are available in Germany from authorities that are authorized to use an official seal, e.g. the residents' registration offices of municipal and city administrations and notary's offices.

Not sufficient are, for example, certifications from lawyers, student institutions, savings banks, health insurance companies and churches.

Abroad, copies of certificates can also be officially certified at the offices listed above or at German embassies or consulates.

The official certification must contain at least:

1. A note certifying that the copy/transcript matches the original (certification note).
2. Signature of the certifier
3. The imprint of the official seal. An official seal usually contains an emblem. A simple hand stamp is not sufficient.

If the copy/transcript consists of several individual sheets, it must be proven that each page originates from the same document. It is sufficient if only one page bears the certification mark and signature, provided that all sheets are overstamped (e.g., in a scale-like manner) so that part of the official seal impression appears on each page.

Of course, each page can also be certified separately. In this case, however, make sure that your name appears on each page of the original. If it does not appear everywhere, it must be included in the certification endorsements, along with an indication of the type of document.

If there is a copy on both the front and back of a sheet and the contents of both pages are important, the certification endorsement must refer to both the front and back (e.g., "This certifies that the front/back copy is the same as the original"). If this is not the case, the front and back must be certified separately.

Please note that officially certified copies can only be made from an original. Copies made and certified from officially certified copies cannot be considered.

Important: If the certification does not meet the above requirements, the Office of Student Affairs will not recognize the document. Unfortunately, even simple copies cannot be recognized.

After the formal check, your documents will be scanned into our system and then destroyed!