To study at the Department of Journalism and Communication Research (IJK), applicants must have a university entrance qualification recognized in Germany for the respective degree program, along with proof of German language proficiency at a minimum level of TestDaF TDN 4 (or an equivalent language certification). For admission to a Master’s program, a completed undergraduate degree (e.g., a Bachelor's degree) recognized in Germany is required.

The admission procedures are the same as for German applicants. During the selection process, international applicants are treated equally to German applicants.

To apply for our Bachelor's program, you must hold a university entrance qualification for the field of Communication Studies. A general university entrance qualification is valid for all study fields at all universities in Germany. If your school certificate only qualifies you to study certain fields in your home country, this limitation also applies to German universities.

If your school-leaving certificate is equivalent to a German university entrance qualification, you may apply directly. You can check whether your qualification is recognized in Germany here.

If you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (e.g., a BA program) at a university abroad, that is recognized in Germany, we accept the corresponding certificate as a university entrance qualification. You may then apply to our Bachelor's program with your university diploma.

To apply for our Master's programmes, the same admission requirements apply as for German applicants. In addition, you must submit proof of language proficiency at the TestDaF level TDN 4.

All certificates must be submitted with a notarized translation into German or English. Grades must also be converted into the German or an internationally recognized grading system.

As all courses are taught in German, good German language skills are essential — at least at TestDaF level TDN 4. Only certain certificates are accepted; you can find a list of recognized certificates here.

International applicants who wish to study in Germany need a visa. Exceptions apply to nationals of EU countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, and the United States.

The visa must be applied for at a German mission abroad before entering the country. You can enter Germany on an applicant visa and convert it to a student visa at a later date. Please make sure you enquire in good time in your home country.

For further information, please visit

• the international pages of our university
• the website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)