At the Leibniz Language Centre you can acquire certificates at the level "UNIcert® II" in the language "English as a foreign language". "UNIcert® II" is offered in two orientations, namely in "General Scientific Language" as well as in "Business English". The offer is comparable to level B2 (UNIcert® II) according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
UNIcert® II - General scientific language
Certification at this level usually requires that the placement test has been obtained at least on level B1. For a successful certification you have to prove a total of 8 additional SWS or ECTS at the B2 level. This corresponds to a workload about 240 hours. The proof of achievement is cumulative. The period between the first and the last examination performance should not exceed a duration of two semesters.
Path to the UNIcert® II certificate:
If you reached B2 level in the placement test, you need to take both of following courses (4 SWS):
- EN410 Writing Academic Essays and Seminar Papers in English (B2) (UNIcert® II)
- EN411 Giving Presentations in English in Seminars and at Conferences (B2) (UNIcert® II) (offered only in summer semster)
As an option, you can also take both EN414 and EN415 if that fits your schedule and interests better than the first option.
If you reached B1 level in the placement test, you need to take both of the following courses (8 SWS):
- EN414 Upper Intermediate English for Academic Purposes: Reading and Writing (B2) (UNIcert® II)
- EN415 Upper Intermediate English for Academic Purposes: Listening and Speaking (B2) (UNIcert® II)
The respective semester program of the Leibniz Language Centre gives information about course content and materials. The registration takes place according to the Guidelines of the Leibniz Language Centre in the designated registration period via Stud.IP.
UNIcert® II spez. - Business English
Certification at this level usually requires that the placement test has been obtained at least on level B1. For a successful certification you have to prove a total of 8 additional SWS or ECTS at the B2 level. This corresponds to a workload about 240 hours. The proof of achievement is cumulative. The period between the first and the last examination performance should not exceed a duration of two semesters.
Path to the UNIcert® II certificate in Business English:
If you reached B2 level in the placement test, you need to take one course (4 SWS):
- EN432 English for Economics and Management 2 (B2.2) (UNIcert® II - Spez. Business English)
If you reached B1 level in the placement test, you need to take both of the following courses (8 SWS):
- EN431 English for Economics and Management 1 (B2.1) (UNIcert® II - Spez. Business English)
- EN432 English for Economics and Management 2 (B2.2) (UNIcert® II - Spez. Business English)
The respective semester program of the Leibniz Language Centre gives information about course content and materials. The registration takes place according to the Guidelines of the Leibniz Language Centre in the designated registration period via Stud.IP.
Placement of previous knowledge
Prior knowledge must be proven by certificates of achievement from corresponding courses of the Leibniz Language Centre or UNIcert® certificates from other educational institutions. Students with appropriately recognized prior knowledge at the level to be certified go through a shortened curriculum, which comprises at least 50% of the respective training level aimed at (with the exception of level III).
Details are regulated by the UNIcert®-training and the UNIcert®-examination regulations of the Leibniz Language Centre.
English Language Certificates
Are you looking for a suitable, higher-quality language certificate in English – for example, for a Master’s application?
| TOEFL® | UNIcert® II | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Certificate | Test | Language course with final certification |
| Purpose of the program | Assessment of current language skills | Training in language skills relevant to higher education |
| Level | B1 to C1 | B2 (II) |
| Duration | approx. 2 hours | one to two semesters |
| Cost | 280$ (as of 05/2026) | 25 € (as of 10/2025) |
| Dates | up to 36 dates/year | every/alternate semester |
| Formal Requirements for Participation | none | internal placement test by LLC before course registration |
| Registration | possible up to one day prior, if spots are available | with courses during the course registration phase at the start of the semester |
| Receipt of Certificate | generally eight to ten days after the test (download as PDF) | generally three weeks after application (application can be submitted once all course requirements are met) |
| Validity Duration | two years | unlimited |
| Recognition | internationally well-recognized in most contexts | recognition not comprehensive and varies by context (please inquire individually) |
| Further Information | Link | Link |
Conclusion: Advantages
| TOEFL® | UNIcert® II |
|---|---|
| Short-term participation possible | Cost-effective |
| Quick results notification | Unlimited validity |
| Internationally recognized | Includes high-quality, university-oriented, and action-oriented language training |
Conclusion: Disadvantages
| TOEFL® | UNIcert® II |
|---|---|
| Limited availability of preparatory courses | Time-intensive (not a "quick fix") |
| Limited recognition at other universities |
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