International Office

Language Issues

Teaching Language

In general, the language of instruction is German. Most study programs offered at Ulm University are German-taught programs. However, there may be select courses taught in English even in German study programs. In addition, there is a growing number of Master programs taught in English.

Medicine & Dentistry are strictly taught in German. Even Students wishing to do practical work in a hospital (elective/clerkship/rotation) must have sufficient command of German.

Students wishing to do a project or thesis in any of the other subject areas do not need to prove proficiency in German, as long as they have sufficient command of English.

Courses from Master Programs

Please note: students who wish to take classes from a Master program should be Master level students by the time they start their studies at Ulm University , i.e.  they should have

  • formally completed a Bachelor degree or 
  • completet at least three years of undergraduate study or 
  • completed an equivalent of 180 ECTS

Language Requirements at the Time of Application

A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 are levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

  • We expect students to have at least level B2 in the language of instruction / working language.
  • To prove that they have sufficient command in the respective language(s), students must submit a Certificate of Language Proficiency with their application.
  • If students wish to take classes in both English and German, both languages must be certified.
  • Students wishing to do practical work in a hospital (elective/clerkship/rotation) must prove that they have min. level B2 in German at the time of application.

  • We expect students to have at least level B2 in the language of instruction / working language.
  • To prove that they have sufficient command in the respective language(s), students must submit a Certificate of Language Proficiency or other usual certificates (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS etc.) with their application.
  • If students wish to take classes in both English and German, both languages must be certified.
  • Students wishing to do practical work in a hospital (elective/clerkship/rotation) must prove that they have min. level B2 in German at the time of application.

English taught courses: TOEFL iBT score of 88 or IELTS 6.5 minimum

German taught courses: Proof of DSH-2-exam or an equivalent.
The following test results are recognized as equivalent of a passed DSH-2:

  • Deutsches Sprachdiplom [Stufe II]
  • Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung [ZOP] of the Goethe-Institut
  • Kleines deutsches Sprachdiplom of the "Goethe-Institut im Auftrag der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München"
  • Großes deutsches Sprachdiplom of the "Goethe-Institut im Auftrag der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München"
  • TestDaF with the result 4 x 4 (enrollment under certain conditions) or better (2 x 5 and 2 x 4 or better results in an unconditional enrollment)
  • the exam from the preparatory course (Feststellungsprüfung) of a German preparatory college (Studienkolleg)

Contact

Language Courses @ Ulm University

Intensive German Language Course

Prior to the beginning of each semester, the International Office organizes an Intensive German Language course. This courses usually starts in the second week of March or September and runs for approx. 4 weeks (depending on public holidays). Classes meet Monday - Thursday for 3 hours.

Participation in this course is

  • mandatory for students who plan to take courses in German, but have only level B1 at the time of application
  • optional for students who do not plan to take courses in German and speak little or no German
  • not possible for students who already have B2 or higher

Students, for whom this course is mandatory, may not miss more than 2 days (6 hours) in order to be allowed to enroll in courses taught in German!

More information on activities prior to / at the beginning of the semester can be found at Welcome Services.

The International Office offers this intensive German language course free of charge to Erasmus+, SEMP and Exchange Students from our partner universities. 

We regret that Free Movers and Erasmus+ Trainees cannot participate, not even on a fee-paying basis.

Language courses during the semester

Additionally, a variety of German courses are offered during the semester by the Center for Languages and Philology (ZSP). Of course, you can also learn and improve other languages like English, French or Chinese.

Semester Courses

The Language Center at Ulm University is called Zentrum für Sprachen und Philologie (ZSP). They offer courses in many languages every semester, including a significant number of German courses. Courses meet 2 hours/week and they are worth 3 ECTS credits. 

Erasmus+ trainees may participate in courses offered by the language center only as "external guests" and will be charged course fees.

Erasmus+ Online Linguistic Support (OLS)

The Online Linguistic Support (OLS) offers students in Erasmus+ the opportunity to assess their skills in the foreign language(s) they will use to study, work or volunteer abroad. In addition, selected participants may follow an online language course to improve their competence. OLS tests and courses are available in 12 European languages, including German and English.

All Erasmus+ participants should have received information about these opportunities from their home universities after having been selected for the programme. Ask your International Office or Erasmus+ coordinator about it.

Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO)

Exchange students and free movers have the opportunity to learn German on the internet with Deutsch-Uni Online (DUO) . By taking online courses with DUO you can practice and improve your German, learn a lot about Germany and even get subject-specific language training. This is an ideal way to prepare for your study abroad period in Germany.