In the master's degree in German as a Foreign Language/German as a Second Language (M.A.), students can combine the areas of multilingualism research, language and learning research, and intercultural communication. This programme trains students who wish to encourage multilingualism by working as qualified teachers in the area of German as a Foreign Language.

This course of studies lasts 4 semesters. Part time study is possible. You will complete 120 ECTS credits in the following areas:
 

• linguistics (e.g. German grammar and grammar theory)
• theorie and empiricism of second and foreign language acquisition
• contrastive linguistics
• intercultural communication
• foreign and second language didactics
• interdisciplinary module in languages and cultural studies
• professionalisation area (languages, offers in other subjects, internships, projects, study abroad, etc.)

Seminars, lectures, practice sessions, internship

• opportunity for relevant internships abroad
• concept for excellent teaching
• small learning groups
• diverse opportunities for independent learning
• Internationally recognised research
• opportunities for individual professionalisation modules up to 15 ECTS credits.
• Internships, study abroad, study assistance, (conference organisation, tutorials, etc.) languages, journalistic writing, workshops, self-organised learning forms, choice of classes or modules in other subject areas
• opportunity to take other language and cultural studies related modules in areas such as German studies, English studies, Slavic studies, Dutch Studies, art, media, or material culture up to 30 ECTS credits.

In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg as a student from outside of Germany, you need high knowledge of German.

German Language Proficiency

• DSH: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (Level 3)
• TestDaF: Test – Deutsch als Fremdsprache (with level 5 in all four areas)

The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. For other proof possiblities see: Language requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in German Studies or German as a Foreign Language or in a closely related field.

This is an open admissions degree course, and applications are accepted for both the winter and summer semesters.
The application deadline for the winter semester is 30 September.
The application deadline for the summer semester is 31 March.

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes

Please note

For open-admission Master's degree programmes it is strongly recommended to submit their applications as early as possible before 15 July for the winter semester. If the supporting documents are submitted after these dates but before the standard application deadlines, this may have disadvantages for the start of your studies. Please note our information on the local application procedure (German document).

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International applicants: There are different application procedures.

Detailed application deadlines for the winter semester 2026/2027:

• Applications with a German university entrance qualification or degree: by 30 September 2026
• Applications from the EU: by 30 September 2026
• Applications from third countries (non-EU): by 31 August 2026

Overview application deadlines Master's programmes

The master's programme in German as a Foreign Language prepares students to teach the German language outside of the school system, in pre-schools, and abroad. Graduates can work in language schools abroad, as lecturers in German as a Foreign Language, and in adult education institutions. Due to a general increase in the importance of language education, there are also other career opportunities in politics, publishing, media, and research.

German Studies Department information on this programme: https://www.uni-oldenburg.de/germanistik/studium/master-of-arts/deutsch-als-fremdsprache/

General questions
Coordinator for Academics and Teaching: studienkoordination.fk3@uol.de