09.11.2026

onSET Test

One of the key requirements for receiving a DAAD scholarship is the submission of a recent certificate of proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction of the study programme and the specific requirements of the respective scholarship call.

onSET Language Test for DAAD Scholarships

One of the key requirements for DAAD scholarships is the submission of a recent language proficiency certificate in German or English, depending on the language of instruction of the study programme and the requirements of the respective scholarship call.

What is the onSET?

The onSET is a computer-based language placement test that assesses language proficiency in various languages. The most commonly used version is onSET-Deutsch (German), but the test is also available in English.

Duration

Approximately 50 minutes.

Cost

Free of charge

Test Format

The test consists of texts with missing words (cloze test).
Candidates must bring their own laptop.
Candidates are required to complete the gaps with the appropriate words.
The test is adaptive: the better you perform, the more challenging the questions become.

Results

The onSET does not award a formal language diploma but provides an assessment of language proficiency based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A2 to C1.
The results are frequently used for applications to universities, exchange programmes, and scholarships (e.g. DAAD scholarships).