Language in mobility programs

Language plays an important role during a semester or year abroad. It is one of the topics that you should take care of as early as possible, as learning a new language or improving your language skills takes some time.
Even if your language skills are already sufficient, we would like to encourage you to work on obtaining a suitable language certificate as early as possible (although you will need to ensure it’s still valid when you want to use it).

Which language requirements do I have to fulfill?In the UHOH exchange programs, partner universities have individual language requirements.
The language requirements of each partner university can be found in our partner database.
We recommend at least B2 level in the language of instruction. This recommendation also applies to free movers. With a lower language level, it is often difficult to follow courses and successfully complete the associated examinations.
As a free mover, you should also familiarize yourself with the exact requirements of your chosen university.
If you do not (yet) have sufficient language skills, we recommend that you make use of the Language Center’s services as early as possible so that you can demonstrate the necessary language skills in good time for your application for your semester/year abroad.
Can I go abroad without knowing the local language?Depending on the requirements of the partner university, this is possible in some cases. Many of our European partner universities offer courses in English—but not all of them. Even overseas, partner universities in non-English-speaking countries often offer courses in English. At some partner universities, however, knowledge of the national language is required even if the language of instruction is English. Please check the partner database for the requirements of your chosen university.
If you are a free mover, please contact your chosen university directly to find out whether knowledge of the local language is required.
Which language certificates are accepted?Some overseas partner universities only accept specific language certificates (usually TOEFL or IELTS). For partner universities overseas, please check individually which language certificates are accepted.
If the partner university does not require a specific certificate, the language certificates accepted by the University of Hohenheim apply (see below). For partner universities in Europe, the language certificates accepted by the University of Hohenheim always apply.
As a free mover, you should contact your chosen university directly to find out which language certificates are accepted.
How long is a language certificate valid for?As a rule, a language certificate is valid for a maximum of 2 years from the date of issue. If the validity is explicitly stated on the certificate, then this date applies.
In UHOH exchange programs, the language certificate must be valid at the time of application to the University of Hohenheim and also at the time of application to the partner university.
As a free mover, please check whether other validity requirements apply on the part of your desired university.

Accepted language certificates for UHOH exchange programs

When applying for a place in an exchange program at the University of Hohenheim, proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction and/or the language of the country is part of the application documents. Applications without proof of language proficiency are not complete.
If a partner university does not require specific proof of language proficiency, proof of language proficiency accepted by UHOH must be submitted with the application.

The following proof of language proficiency are accepted by UHOH:

Please note that no other language certificates are accepted. The Abitur certificate is also not an accepted proof of language proficiency.

Contacts

Office of International Affairs
Student Mobility and International Admissions Unit (AA2)
Student Mobility Team

The Student Mobility Team organizes regular information events about financing opportunities for a stay abroad.