Language Proficiency

Due to the international orientation, most courses of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program are offered in English. Some courses and examinations may also be offered in German.

To enrol on the Bachelor’s degree program, you need proof of English language proficiency at a minimum of B1+ level (CEFR), which means B1+ for language skills and B2 for reading skills (this corresponds to the level of the German university entrance qualification/HZB). If you cannot provide separate proof of these two language skills, you will need a general proof of proficiency in English at level B2 (CEFR). Please note the following:

  • Only native speakers from countries where English is the first and main official language (e.g. AU, CA, IR, NZ, USA, UK) don’t have to provide proof for their English skills.
  • We do not accept Medium of Instruction letters or similar, even if you have completed your entire education in English.
  • Certificates from unsupervised tests are not accepted (e.g. TOEFL Home Edition).
  • Your language certificate must still be valid at the time of application.
  • You can find information on the different types of proof we accept instead of the German university entrance qualification/HZB here. Other proof will not be accepted.

For successful participation in the Master’s degree program, an English language proficiency certificate of at least B2 level (CEFR) is required. A brief overview of the corresponding scores required for various tests can be found here.

Both the Bachelor’s and Master’s theses have to be written in English.

No knowledge of German is required for the programs. However, for all international students participating in the AI programs, learning German is a great advantage. Not only will you have a wider choice of courses and find your way around everyday life in Germany more easily, but you will also have a head start for any internships or job applications in Germany during or after your studies. We hope that many of our students will want to stay and work in Germany after completing the program. Therefore, all students who do not yet speak German should seriously consider learning German.

FAU offers various language courses for German as a foreign language (as well as other languages) that are either free or inexpensive for students. Further information can be found at the FAU Language Center.