Anyone planning a semester abroad soon comes across the question of which language certificate counts. The answer depends less on the destination country than on the language of instruction and on the rules of your programme. The following information comes from two universities and shows how differently institutions phrase their requirements.
Short answer: For Erasmus+ at the University of Göttingen, English as the language of instruction requires at least B1, and B2 is recommended. French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish require B1, and other languages A2. The University of Heidelberg usually asks for B2 according to the CEFR. Göttingen accepts certificates that are no more than four years old. Last updated: November 2026.
Key points at a glance
- The decisive factor is the language of instruction at the host university, not the destination country alone.
- Göttingen requires at least B1 in English, recommends B2, and accepts certificates up to four years old.
- Heidelberg usually asks for B2 under the Common European Framework and generally expects proof with the application.
- Placement tests used only to choose courses do not count as proof at Göttingen.
- Deadlines, test dates and validity are set in the call for your programme and change from round to round.
Which language level do universities require for a semester abroad?
A language certificate shows whether you can follow lectures at the host university. The University of Göttingen therefore distinguishes by the language in which the courses are taught. The table reproduces these levels as stated on the university’s page.
| Language of instruction at the host university | Minimum level at Göttingen | Note on the page |
|---|---|---|
| English | B1 | B2 is recommended |
| French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish | B1 | no further note |
| Other languages of instruction | A2 | no further note |
The University of Heidelberg works with a different picture. There the usual level is B2, and the requirements differ by programme. The individual call you apply for therefore always remains decisive.
Which tests do universities accept?
The Göttingen list is detailed and shows how broad the range is. It includes, for example, the following certificates, each at the stated level:
- English: PET, IELTS (band 4), TOEFL PBT (487), TOEFL iBT (57), TELC, Duolingo English Test, each at B1
- French: DALF, DELF and TELC, each at B1
- Spanish: DELE, TELC Español and DIE, each at B1
- Italian: CILS Uno, CELI and PLIDA, each at B1
- Portuguese: DIPLE
- Others: ZESS language course and stay-abroad certificates, UNIcert and other certificates matching the framework, for example from an adult education centre
The Heidelberg page adds that the DAAD language certificate is generally sufficient for programmes within Europe, Latin America and Asia. For the USA the TOEFL is preferred. The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand accept TOEFL or IELTS. The Duolingo English Test is gaining ground, but not all universities accept it.
Why placement tests often do not count
Many students have taken a placement test at their language centre and assume that the result is enough. The University of Göttingen excludes placement tests from the ZESS and other providers as proof. If the certificate is missing, you are excluded from the application process, according to the page. Check early whether your result matches an accepted format, and ask the international office if in doubt.
When do you have to submit the certificate?
In Heidelberg the certificate is usually required with the application. Göttingen works with deadlines for each call round. The page refers to the 2027/28 round and has no publication date. The key deadlines are summarised in the following table:
| Case at Göttingen (round 2027/28) | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Application for summer semester 2028 | Certificates can optionally be submitted by 31.07.2027 |
| ZESS registration for February 2027 | Upload the result by 28.02.2027 |
| ZESS appointment confirmation for winter semester 2026/27 | Upload the result by 28.02.2027 |
| Test not passed | Name a repeat date before 30.04.2027 |
The Göttingen page also states that a failed test leads to an exchange in summer semester 2028 only if the certificate follows by 31.07.2027. If you plan tightly, test early rather than waiting until the last deadline.
What do the tests cost and how long do they take?
The University of Heidelberg lists example values on its page, last changed on 20 March 2026. For the DAAD test these are about one hour of duration and 45 euros for Heidelberg students, with results usually within a week. These values do not apply to other locations and can change, so check current prices with the provider.
| Test | Example price (Heidelberg page) | Result time (Heidelberg page) |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD test | about 45 euros for Heidelberg students | usually within one week |
| IELTS | about 270 euros | usually about two weeks |
| TOEFL | about 265 US dollars | paper at least four weeks, online usually about one week |
| Duolingo English Test | about 70 US dollars | usually within a few days |
Worked example: is your result still valid?
A short example shows the four-year rule on the Göttingen page. Assumption: your test result is dated 1 October 2026. You apply for a semester abroad in summer semester 2028 within the deadline named for round 2027/28. The certificate is then about one year old and well within four years. A test taken in 2022 would, however, already be more than four years old by an application in 2027. Always check the date against the application, not against the day of the test.
What if your result falls short?
A failed test is no reason to give up the semester abroad. The Göttingen list shows that a repeat date can be named if it falls before a certain deadline. Plan a second date with enough distance and keep the results in writing. At Heidelberg, intensive language courses that some host universities offer before the semester starts can help to raise your level.
Frequently asked questions
Is an English test enough for a semester abroad in Spain?
That depends on the language of instruction, not on the country. If the lectures are held in English, an English certificate counts. If the courses are taught in Spanish, Göttingen requires a Spanish certificate at the stated level. Ask the host university which language your chosen courses use.
Is a language certificate always required for Erasmus?
Yes, where the programme requires it. The University of Heidelberg names Erasmus and its own exchange programmes as cases in which proof is necessary. The exact requirements are in the call for each programme. Without the certificate, according to Göttingen, you are excluded from the process.
What if my host university asks for a different test?
Then the requirement of the host university applies in addition to the rules of your programme. The University of Heidelberg points out that some host universities offer intensive language courses before the semester begins. Find out there whether a course is credited and whether it qualifies you for a test.
Do all partner universities accept online IELTS?
No. According to the Heidelberg page, the online version of IELTS is not accepted by all partners. Before you pay for a test, have the acceptance of the specific format confirmed in writing.
What to do next
- Check the language of instruction for the courses you want to take at the host university.
- Compare the required level with the tests accepted by your university and choose a format it recognises.
- Schedule the test so that the result is available before the deadline of your call.
- Keep the certificate and upload it on time through your university’s portal.
Related articles
- Planning a semester abroad: application, Erasmus and funding (in German)
- Learning agreement: getting abroad credits recognised
- Erasmus+ from 2028: what happens to the programme
- Semester abroad without Erasmus: using partner universities
- Erasmus Funding Rates 2026/27: Deadlines Explained
Sources: University of Göttingen: Language certificates for Erasmus+ study periods (KA131), round 2027/28; University of Heidelberg: Language requirements for a study period abroad (changed 20 March 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
