Who must submit a language certificate?
The candidates concerned will be informed after the entrance examination (in April and May) whether they need to submit a language certificate.
What language skills are required?
The required minimum level of German for each degree programme is listed below. For most programmes, it is possible to submit a language certificate one level below the required minimum until 15 August. In such cases, the certificate for the actual minimum level must be obtained at the language centre of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts within the first two semesters. Detailed information will be provided with the offer of a study place.
Bachelor degree programmes
- Bachelor of Arts in Music: Level B2
- Bachelor of Arts in Music/Composition: Level B2
- Bachelor of Arts in Music/Music Theory: Level B2
- Bachelor of Arts in Music/Church Music: Level B2
- Bachelor of Arts in Music/Wind Music Direction: Level B2
- Bachelor of Arts/Music and Movement: Level C1
Master's degree programmes
Master of Arts in Music
- Major Performance Classical Instrumental: Level B1
- Major Performance Classical Vocal: Level B1
- Major Performance Jazz: Level B1
- Major Solo Performance: Level B1
- Major Orchestra: Level B1
- Major Chamber Music: Level B1
- Major Church Music: Level B2
- Major Interpretation in Contemporary Music: Level B1
- Major Music and Art Performance: Level B1
- Major Conducting: Level B1
- Major Composition: Level B1
- Major Music and Digital Creation: Level B1
- Major Artistic Research: Level German B1 / Level English C1
Master of Arts in Music Pedagogy
- Major Instrumental/Vocal Pedagogy: Level B2
- Major School Music II: Level C1
- Major Music Theory: Level C1
Doctorate
- PhD Artistic Research: Level German B1 / Level English C1
When should the language certificate be submitted?
The language certificate does not have to be available at the time of application. It is recommended that existing language certificates (German) be submitted with the application. In the event of admission to the course, the required language skills must be proven by a recognised language certificate by 15 August at the latest.
Important: A language certificate is the officially confirmed result of a language test covering the four competences ‘reading’, ‘writing’, ‘listening’ and ‘speaking’. Proof of language course attendance or the successful completion of a language course does not count as a language certificate. Enrolment can only take place once the language certificate is available. Please make sure you book an examination date with the institution of your choice as soon as you have been accepted (see below), as the examination dates must be booked well in advance.
Which language certificates are recognised?
The following certificates (issued 2025) are accepted for admission to a degree programme:
German Certificates (reading, listening, speaking, writing – passed)
English Certificates
The certificate must be issued in the year of the intended start of studies, or must not be more than six months old at the time of enrolment.
Who is exempt from the language certificate?
Those who speak German as their mother tongue or who have completed their school education in German are exempt from providing proof of sufficient German language skills.
