Current Application Information

Please note that this Master's program only starts in the Winter Term. Applications are open from June 2nd to September 15th, 2025

Those admitted to the program can officially enroll in late summer, most likely in September.

Entry Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree

A B.A. in English Studies from the University of Bonn is suitable if it includes linguistic modules.
Other B.A. degrees are accepted if they include at least 36 LP (Credit Points) in relevant linguistic topics, with 18 LP in practical English language courses.
Other B.A. degrees are accepted if they include at least 36 LP (Credit Points) in relevant linguistic topics, with 18 LP in practical English language courses.
If you do not meet the practical language course requirement, you may compensate with English language certificates or additional linguistics courses. Applicants should have an English proficiency level equivalent to a score of at least 100 points on the TOEFL iBT exam or a 6.0 on the IELTS exam, with at least 5.5 in each of the scores.

Important: This program focuses on scientific research in linguistics, not practical applications like translation or language teaching. If your B.A. is in these fields, you must demonstrate a strong background in linguistics.

If you already have a Master’s degree in another field, you can apply if you meet the B.A.-level linguistic requirements.
However, you cannot apply if you already have an M.A. in Applied Linguistics.

2. German Language Skills

Although the program is taught in English, you must provide proof of German language skills by the time of enrollment. If you are still taking a German course, mention this in your application.

You must provide one of the following:

DSH-1 (or higher) – If you have taken a German test at a German university
TestDaF – Minimum score of 3 in all categories (TDN3)
ÖSD-B2 certificate

Exceptions
You do not need to take the DSH test if:

You have a Goethe Certificate B2
You completed a Bachelor’s program in German at a German university

You can find a full list of exceptions and more detailed information about DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) here¹.

Taking the DSH Test in Bonn: You can take the DSH test after arrival, but be aware of application deadlines and fees. The International Office also offers intensive German language courses² to help you prepare.

3. English Language Skills

You are not required to submit an official English language certificate. However, since the entire M.A. in Applied Linguistics is taught in English, the admissions team looks for applicants with strong English skills.

You should meet one of the following:

18 credit points in English language courses
A C1-level certificate from a standardized English proficiency test

If you are unsure whether you meet the English requirements, submit all relevant qualifications and test results along with your application.

Please note that these documents should not be sent via post or e-mail, but need to be uploaded to the University of Bonn's application portal which can be accessed during the application period for this program.

Please upload additional documents such as additional certificates with your application (or send them to mentor-appliedlinguistics@uni-bonn.de during the application period in case the upload is not possible).

**Note: After you have been accepted to the program, you will need to show a certificate attesting German language competence (DSH-1 or TestDaF TDN3 or ÖSD-B2) before registering as a student of the university**

How to Apply

Application Period

The next application phase for the 2026/2026 Winter Term will be from June 2nd to September 15th, 2025.
Please note: The program starts only in the Winter semester.

Online Application Portal

Apply online via the University of Bonn’s official application portal³.
Do not send applications by post or email. The application process is completely electronic.

Required Documents

Notarized copy of your Bachelor’s degree
Certified copy of your high school diploma

Important:

The University of Bonn only accepts official documents in German or English.
If your documents are in another language, you must provide a notarized translation.
Notarized translations can be obtained either at a German embassy or consulate in your home country, or at your home country’s embassy in Germany.

Application Requirements

1. The Completed Application Form

Apply with Uni Bonn application guide

The best way to apply to our programme is via University of Bonn easy-to-use application guide⁴. It will lead you reliably and directly towards the right application procedure.

2. Notarized Copy of Your Bachelor’s Degree Certificate & Diploma Supplement

Students still enroled in a B.A. program at the time of application, please submit their current transcript of grades.

3. Certified Copy of Your High School Diploma

Official verification is required.

Enrollment

Once you're admitted to the M.A. in Applied Linguistics, you'll receive detailed instructions on how to enroll in your letter of admission. You can find this information here⁵.

Course of Studies

Usually, the finalized course syllabus for the upcoming semester will be available in our electronic course catalogue 6-8 weeks before the semester starts. A preliminary version is available earlier, but you cannot register for the courses yet.
Students may spend the third semester abroad, however, this is optional. Students can either take required courses in Bonn or at other universities abroad. We encourage students to look for study programs at foreign universities which match both our study requirements as well as their own research interests. The University of Bonn cooperates with a number of universities throughout Europe which have already participated in our exchange program. Additionally, the option to spend the third semester at the University of Albany, NY, USA, is potentially available.

Tuition

There are no tuition fees at the University of Bonn. There are, however, some fees that include a "Semesterticket" (public transportation ticket) and many more useful and necessary things. Due to changes in the price of the ticket and the other items on the list, the "Sozialbeiträge" (social dues) may vary slightly from one term to the next. For more information, click here⁶.

Career Perspectives

Applied linguistics is an interdisciplinary field that can act as a good foundation for many different career paths, depending on your own personal interests. The study program stresses the importance of empirical scientific research, which is a useful skill in many different fields. We require all of our students to complete at least one internship outside of the study program, which drives them to practice networking, gain valuable work experience, and explore jobs related to intercultural communication, language teaching, academic research, and more. Please note that the MA Applied Linguistics program does not include specific training for becoming a teacher.

In addition, we have begun to offer a yearly event (Forum Beruf) which showcases our former students and allows current students to see which career options are possible.

For further events on career building and networking, check out the University of Bonn's Career Center⁷.

Student Mentor Larissa Atchon

If you have any questions about the study programme, applications process, or other study-related topics, contact mentor-appliedlinguistics@uni-bonn.de

Contact

+49 (0)228/ 73-82046

mentor-appliedlinguistics@uni-bonn.de

Address

Room 2.060
Rabinstraße 8
53111 Bonn