Your pathway to a master’s program
Are you interested in pursuing a master’s degree? Find out here about the basic requirements that need to be met.
Admission requirements for Master's degree program
Admission to a Master’s degree program at Goethe University is based on the regulations of the respective Master’s examination regulations for the program you are interested in. Here is a general overview:
- Completion of a relevant undergraduate program: As a rule, this refers to a Bachelor’s degree program with at least 180 credit points (CP). Your first degree should be relevant to the desired Master’s program. The respective Master’s examination regulations define specific requirements for the first degree. Your Bachelor’s degree will be automatically checked for subject compatibility as part of the application process. Depending on the type and scope of your prior achievements, admission to the Master’s program may be subject to conditions.
- Additional proof: For many Master’s programs, in addition to the grade of the undergraduate degree, further evidence is relevant for admission (e.g. letter of motivation, courses in certain subjects, proof of special aptitude).
- Language certificates: Depending on the language of instruction, appropriate German or English language skills are required (see below).
All information on the requirements for your desired program can be found on the website of the respective degree program in our degree program finder or in the corresponding Master’s examination regulations.
Language requirements for Master’s programs
Applicants who did not complete their school-leaving certificate or Bachelor’s degree (language of instruction: German) in a German-speaking country are generally required to provide proof of sufficient German language skills:
- For German-taught Master’s programs: At the time of application, the DSH-2 certificate or an equivalent qualification (e.g. TestDaF 4x4) is usually required. Submission at a later date is not possible.
- For applications to the DSH preparatory course at the International Study Center (ISZ) of Goethe University: A minimum of level B1 (CEFR) is required. Further information can be found on this website.
- For English-taught Master’s programs: No German language skills are required. However, basic knowledge of German is recommended for living and studying in Germany.
Important to know: In addition, many Master’s programs require foreign language skills (e.g. English). Information on which language skills are required, how to provide proof, and the submission deadlines can be found on the website of the respective degree program in our degree program finder.