German Courses

Knowing the national language will help make your daily life easier, connect you with the local community, and provide more work opportunities. Thankfully, the university and partner institutes offer a range of language courses for all levels, from intensive pre-study programs to affordable evening classes. Here's a breakdown of the available options.

German Language Courses at JKU

JKU offers several types of German language courses:

1. Pre-Study Program (Vorstudienlehrgang) Courses

1. • Intensive German course track designed for students with prior German knowledge in the pre-study program who intend to later study in German. Courses offered are intermediate (B1) to advanced (C1) according to European CEFR.

   • These courses are fee-based, and the earned ECTS credits do not count toward your degree program. However, they do contribute to the ECTS required to renew your residence permit. Proof of existing language certificates required.

2. "Fast Track" Courses (Degree Program Electives)

1. • Designed for students already studying in an English program to learn German alongside their academic journey.

   • Less intensive than pre-study courses, making them easier to pair with essential coursework.

   • ECTS Credits earned here can be used as free electives in your main degree program.

   • For complete beginners, see recommended A1 fast-track course.

   • While there is a large fee, it is refundable upon meeting certain requirements which are successfully passing the course and earning more than 16ECTS in that academic year(only ECTS from courses in the curriculum count).

Important: Registration for both these course types is done through KUSSS. Simply navigate to “course search“ and search for “German”. There is also a detailed breakdown of course offerings and course prices.

3. ÖH JKU & WIFI Upper Austria Language Courses (recommended option)

The ÖH JKU collaborates with the Upper Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WIFI) to provide affordable, low-barrier intensive German courses at the university. However, keep in mind that these do not count towards your formal ECTS requirements, unlike the "Fast Track" courses mentioned above, which contribute to elective ECTS credits.

Important: These courses are exclusively for degree-seeking students who have completed the admission process.

4. Dialekt Course

• Designed for international students to understand and use Upper Austrian dialect alongside their degree studies and to better understand local customs and history.

• Less intensive than pre‑study courses, making them easier to pair with essential coursework.

• Typically 1 ECTS as “German – Understanding Upper Austrian Dialect” (recommended entry level A2.2+).

• Focus on listening comprehension, everyday colloquialisms, and local pronunciation for campus and daily life.

• ECTS earned can usually be counted as free electives in the main degree program (check curriculum rules).

• While a fee applies, it may be refundable upon meeting defined requirements (e.g., pass the course and reach the annual 16 ECTS threshold per the reimbursement policy).

• Registration is done through KUSSS. Go to “course search” and search for “German” or “Understanding Upper Austrian Dialect,” then review the syllabus for schedule, ECTS, and fees.

How It Works: 

1. Find a Course

   • Visit WIFI Upper Austria’s German Courses and look for courses tagged "ÖH JKU".

2. Registration & Enrollment

   • If 12 students sign up for the same level, the course will be held.

   • Registration is binding.

3. Cost & Funding

   • You pay only €50—the rest is covered by ÖH JKU and WIFI!

4. Location & Details

   • Courses take place on campus; further details will be received via email.

5. Certification

   • Receive a participation certificate.

   • An optional final exam for an official language-level certification.

External Language Institutes

BFI Linz (BFI Oberösterreich)

BFI Linz provides CEFR‑based German courses and integration pathways from A1 to advanced, with formats for both fast‑track and part‑time learning. Emphasis is on practical communication for studies and work in Upper Austria.

Comprehensive German Language Programs:

• Courses align to CEFR with skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, plus workplace/academic focus.

• Integration offerings include value‑and‑orientation components where required.

Course Structure and Learning Formats: Intensive Courses

• 4–5 days per week over 4–8 weeks to accelerate level gains.

• Ideal ahead of program starts or internship placements.

Evening & Weekend Courses:

• 2–3 sessions per week for steady progress alongside lectures/jobs.

• Modular progression through A1–B2/C1 tracks.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:

• Pricing depends on course length/format; intensive options cost more than evening courses.

• Student rates or funded places may exist; check eligibility with BFI.

Enrollment Process: 

• Placement Test: Free online or on‑site placement to find the right level.

• Registration Options:

  1. Online via the BFI course search/portal.

  2. In‑person at BFI Linz service desk.

  3. By phone/email through BFI customer service.

• Required Documents:

  1. Valid ID/passport.

  2. Student ID (for discounts, if applicable).