Information on registration/FAQ

When does the DSH take place?

At the Language Centre of the University of Oldenburg, the DSH examination is held twice a year, in January/February and June/July. The next DSH examination will take place in June/July 2025. The written part (listening and reading comprehension, academic language and argumentative text production) is scheduled for June, 27 and the oral examination for July, 8 and 9.

Who can participate?

Generally, only participants of the preparatory German language courses of the University of Oldenburg are admitted aswell as student applicants of UOL, Jade Hochschule and Hochschule Emden/Leer.

Can applicants to other universities also register for the DSH at the University of Oldenburg?

Regular registration is not possible for external candidates. If remaining places are still available after the registration period, registration is opened for external participants. You can check our German website to see if there are any remaining places.

How can I register for the DSH examination?

Registration must take place at the beginning of June via the online registration form (see ‘Registration’ on the left). Examination places will be allocated according to the order of receipt. When registering, you must attach the following documents:

- proof of your applicant status as a scanned document (admission letter or a current enrolment certificate or confirmation issued by uni-assist);

- a copy of your residence permit or passport (only if no residence permit is available)

How do I find out if I have been awarded an examination place?

At the end of the registration period, you will be informed by email whether you have received an examination place. You can only be admitted to the examination if you meet the registration requirement at the time of application and your documents are complete.

Examination places will be allocated according to the order of receipt. Please understand that we only have a few examination places available and that you are not entitled to an examination place even if you register correctly.

When and where do I have to pay the examination fee?

If you receive an examination place, you will have to pay the examination fee of 120 euros. When registering online for the DSH, you must enter your bank details and give us a SEPA direct debit mandate so that we can debit the examination fee from your account. Please make sure that you have sufficient funds in your account. Other forms of payment (credit card, bank transfer, cash payment) are not possible. You will receive further information when you register.

Until when can I withdraw from the exam? What happens if I am ill?

Withdrawal from the binding registration is only possible by e-mail to deutschkurse@uol.de and only until the last day of the registration period. After that, the full examination fee is due. A refund of the examination fee is only possible in the event of illness and only on presentation of a medical certificate. However, this only applies to the written examination and not to the oral examination. Participants from abroad should allow for sufficient travel time and possible delays (or train cancellations). A refund of the examination fee is not possible in this case.

How can I prepare for the examination?

We offer an up-to-date sample examination.

Preparatory courses are offered every semester for applicants to the University of Oldenburg. These courses last from 1-3 semesters and are intended to improve the proficiency of applicants up to C1 level and help them to prepare for the DSH examination.You can find further information about the study preparation on our website.

How do I obtain my certificate?

There are three options for obtaining your certificate: 1. You may collect your certificate in person from the Language Centre secretary’s office (Room A15 0-001) upon presentation of your ID card. 2. Another person may collect your certificate by presenting a power of attorney and their identity card. 3. We can send you the certificate by post, if you provide us with a self-addressed A4 return envelope (including postage for a registered letter) Please note that we assume no responsibility for certificates lost in the post.