The ÖSD certificate is recognized worldwide as evidence of German language proficiency. However, authorities or individual companies may have additional requirements, so it's advisable to inquire about these in advance. Detailed information regarding the conditions for a residence permit and admission to studies can be found on the ÖSD website.
Validation in Austria
- ÖSD Certificate A1 (ZA1) and higher-level ÖSD exams (ZA2–ZC2) as proof of German language skills in the context of granting various residence permits (including German before immigration)
- For admission to certain vocational institutions (such as the Diplomatic Academy, Caritas Training Center for Social Professions, etc.)
- For admission to German-language studies at Austrian universities as proof of German language proficiency (for the application process or admission to a pre-study program ('application for a study place'): ÖSD Certificate A2 or ÖSD IP A2. For enrollment in regular studies (Inskription) the required level varies by university and field of study: ÖSD Certificate B1, B2, C1, or C2)
First application for residence permits
German before immigration, family reunification
German exams at the level A1 are not relevant for the fulfilment of the Integration Agreement. Third-country nationals who apply for a residence permit in Austria must prove basic German language proficiency according to level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). ÖSD Zertifikat A1 and higher are recognised as proof of language competence in German. The certificate must be less than one year old at the time of the application.- Red-White-Red Card plus (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus)
- Settlement Permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung)
- Settlement Permit - Gainful Employment Excepted (Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit)
- Settlement Permit - Dependant (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger)
- Family Member (Familienangehöriger)
- Settlement Permit - Artists (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Künstler)
- Settlement Permit - Special Cases of Dependent Gainful Occupation (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit)
Recognition at Austrian universities
A proof of German language proficiency is required to be admitted to a regular study at an Austrian university. The level of German language proficiency depends on the requirements of the field of study. Regarding the proof of language proficiency required, please contact the respective institution in advance.Universität | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 | |
Boku Wien | X | X | |||
Medizinische Universität Innsbruck | X | ||||
Medizinische Universität Wien | X | ||||
TU Graz | X | ||||
Universität Graz | X | ||||
Universität Innsbruck | X | X* | *for the Master’s degree programme in Translation | ||
Universität Klagenfurt | X | X* | *for German studies and the Bachelor’s degree in Teaching | ||
Universität Linz | X | ||||
Universität Salzburg | X | ||||
Universität Wien | X | ||||
Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien | X | X | |||
Masterstudium DaF/DaZ an der Universität Wien | X | ||||
Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien | X | ÖSD Zertifikat B1 is recognised for the following studies: some instrumental studies, Conducting, Composition or Musical Theory | |||
Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien | X | The following studies request a B2-certificate: some instrumental studies, Sound Engineering, Bachelor’s degree programme Singing, Master’s degree programme Song and Oratorio, Master’s degree programme Stage Performance, Musical Theatre Direction, Acting or Drama Directing | |||
Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien | X | ||||
TU Wien | X |
Validation in Germany
- ÖSD Zertifikat A1 (ZA1) and higher levels of ÖSD exams (ZA2–ZC2) as proof of German language proficiency within the scope of the immigration of spouses (German Immigration Act) for submission at German agencies abroad according to the Federal Foreign office’s instruction.
- ÖSD Zertifikat B1 (ZB1) as proof of German language proficiency for naturalisation in Germany.
- For admission to study programmes at German universities as proof of language competence in German (depending on the university, see below: ÖSD Zertifikat B2, ÖSD Zertifikat C1 or ÖSD Zertifikat C2)
Recognition at German universities
Universität | B2 | C1 | C2 | |
Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg | X | X | X | B2, C1 and C2 are accepted for application |
Universität Bayreuth | X | X | B2 and C1 are accepted for application | |
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | X | |||
Ruhr-Universität Bochum | X | |||
Universität Bonn | X | |||
Hochschule Bremen | X | X | ||
Hochschule Bremerhaven | X | X | X | |
Technische Universität Darmstadt | X | |||
Universität Erfurt | X | X | ||
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | X | X | X | |
TU Bergakademie Freiberg | X | |||
Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen | X | B2 and C1 are accepted for application | ||
FernUniversität Hagen | X | X | X | |
Universität Hamburg | X | |||
Universität Hohenheim | X | |||
Technische Universität Ilmenau | X | X | ||
Hochschule Karlsruhe | X | |||
Karlsruher Institut für Technologie | X | |||
Universität Leipzig | X | X | C2 is accepted for all economic studies | |
Universität zu Lübeck | X | |||
Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg | X | |||
Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz | X | |||
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg | X | |||
Universität Passau | X | sufficient for admission, enrolment subject to the evidence of DSH-2 or equal | ||
Universität Potsdam | X | |||
Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Künste Stuttgart | X | X | ||
Hochschule Vechta | X | |||
Bauhaus Universität Weimar | X | |||
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg | X | X |
Validation in Switzerland
For admission to study programmes at Swiss universities as proof of language competence in German (depending on the university, see below: ÖSD Zertifikat B2, ÖSD Zertifikat C1 or ÖSD Zertifikat C2)
Regarding the proof of language proficiency required, please contact the respective institution in advance.
Recognition at Swiss universities
Universität | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 | |
Universität Zürich | X | X | |||
Universität St. Gallen | X | X | C1 Bachelor, C2 Master | ||
ETH Zürich | X | X | Master | ||
Universität Luzern | X | X |
Validation in South Tyrol
Regarding the proof of language proficiency required, please contact the respective institution in advance.
Universität | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 | |
Freie Universität Bozen | X |
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