| Proof of Language Skills | |
| I need a language level certificate for my internship or semester abroad. | 1. You have already successfully taken an English course at IFS -> DAAD language certificate |
| How can I apply for a certificate of attendance in a course? | Language Certificate Certificate of attendance |
| Do you send the certificates by E-mail? | CEFR Certificates are only sent by post. A certificate of attendance can be sent by email. |
| How long are the IFS Certificates valid? | The IFS Foreign Language Certificate has no "expiry date". However, language certificates and tests are often no longer accepted by third parties after two years. For further university admissions you may also apply for a certificate after you have left HKA. |
| I have only taken one of the English C1 courses, can I still be awarded a certificate? | The CEFR certificate is only awarded after completion of both C1 courses. (Business English and Technical English). |
| Placement Test | |
| Who has to take a placement test? | If you are taking an IFS course for the first time in English, French, German as a Foreign Language or Spanish, you must take a placement test. This admission requirement ensures that you enroll for the right CEFR level course. If you are a beginner in French or Spanish, or if you have already completed an IFS course, then no placement test is required for the next level. |
| How long is the IFS placement test valid? | For one semester and for the following intensive course: Test in October - valid for winter semester and intensive course in March |
| Am I allowed to take the IFS placement test twice? | We do not recommend it, because experience has shown that students seldom improve their level. Only take the test if you are planning to take a course! |
| Language Courses /Registration | |
| When can I register for the intensive courses? | The dates are announced on the IFS website. As a rough guideline: |
| What is the difference between an intensive course and a semester course ? | The content and the scope of the courses are comparable. Semester courses take place during the semester, once a week. Intensive courses take place just before the start of lectures; daily for 2 weeks. |
| How often can I be absent from the course? | Attendance is mandatory, however some blocks may be missed. Please check with your teacher or the course coordinator. |
| Is there a waiting list after the registration deadline for the intensive courses ? | There is usually no waiting list for the intensive courses as they are very popular. |
| Can I attend courses at IFS as a guest student ? | There is a fee for guest auditors. You can apply for this at the Student Registry. Guest students are only admitted to courses if there are still places available. Please contact the IFS in this regard. |
| How can I improve my language skills ? | You can join our tandem project and practice your desired target language with native speakers. Registration |
| Where can I register for an IFS course ? | You can register on the LSF server. More information. |
| I want to withdraw from a course, what do I have to do ? | You can withdraw from a course on LSF. However, if the course has already begun you can only withdraw by sending an E-mail to the secretaries and the teacher or coordinator of the course Remember to include your Matriculation number and give the name of the course you want to withdraw from. |
| General Questions | |
| I have health issues and require extra support or special arrangements for writing the exam. | Please contact your teacher. IFS staff |
| What does CEFR mean? | The English, French, Spanish and German as a Foreign Language courses are offered according to the levels of the Common European Frame of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A Basic User (Elementary Language Use) |
| Does the IFS correct job application documents? | The IFS teachers can help you to correct your cover letter and resumé during their office hours. This is currently only possible in English and Spanish. For more help in English you can check the LMU website: www.jobline.lmu.de. The IFS does not offer translation services. |
| DAAD Form | Download the PDF |
| Digital courses | Before participation in an online course read the Data Protection Agreement |
EXAM: on campus | Read the "Hygiene and Health Rules on Campus" |
| EXAM: online - digital format | Read the data protection agreement and hand in the Declaration - DIGITAL exam |
| Guests | Please contact the IFS secretaries. |