Language Tests for Germany University Admissions
A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Germany.
German universities want proof of the language your course is taught in. For English courses that is usually IELTS, TOEFL or PTE (English tests). For German courses it is TestDaF or DSH (German tests), or a similar test.
- Students applying to an English-taught course with no accepted proof of English.
- Students applying to a German-taught course, unless they have a German school certificate.
- India: every student visa applicant needs a language certificate for the course language. Check the rule for your own country.
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): a previous degree taught at least 50% in English can prove your English.
- TUM: an English-language bachelor's thesis can count for some master's courses.
- India: this does not work for the visa. A medium of instruction (MOI) letter is not accepted.
Important Considerations
Each course lists the tests it accepts. At TUM, only tests on its list count.
India, student visa: Duolingo, PTE and the TOEFL home edition (TOEFL iBT taken at home) are not accepted. IELTS is accepted.
Your certificate must be in before the application period ends.
Degree courses: usually level C1 (a high level) in the course language. Preparatory courses: German B1 or English B2 (middle levels).
Language Skills Assessed
Listening
Hearing English and answering questions. One of the four IELTS parts.
Reading
Different in IELTS Academic and General Training.
Writing
Different in IELTS Academic and General Training.
Speaking
In IELTS it takes 11 to 14 minutes.
TUM accepts TOEFL iBT with 88 points. Ask the test maker (ETS) to send your score to TUM with code 7806. The TOEFL ITP version is not accepted.
Primary Test Options
- TOEFL iBT
TUM needs 88 points. Only the score from your test day counts, not a mix of your best parts (MyBest).
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
TUM accepts 88 points. India: this version, taken at home, is not accepted for the visa.
Score Requirements for Germany Universities
| University Tier | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| TUM | 88 | 88 |
These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.
Official Website & Registration
Take IELTS Academic for bachelor's or master's study. You can sit it at a test centre or online.
IELTS Academic
For study at bachelor's or master's level.
IELTS General Training
General Training has different Reading and Writing parts. Universities ask for Academic.
Test Delivery Formats
- At a test centre
Same format as online.
- Online
TUM accepts IELTS Online Academic too.
Whole test2 hours 45 minutes in total
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Speaking11 to 14 minutes
The Speaking part.
Check the test provider’s current test time.
Typical Minimum Requirements
e.g., IELTS Academic or IELTS Online Academic
Special Considerations
- • Graduate programs may require higher scores
- • Some schools require minimum scores in each section
- • English-focused majors often have higher requirements
Official Website & Registration
Be careful with Duolingo for Germany. Check your university, and remember the visa rule in India.
- India: Duolingo is not accepted for German student visa applications.
- TUM does not list it among its accepted English certificates.
Official Website & Registration
Other English tests some universities accept.
Primary AlternativePTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
Test Overview
Pearson Test of English Academic. TUM accepts PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online with 65 or more. India: not accepted for the visa.
TUM needs an overall score of 65.
Germany University Requirements
Other Alternative English Proficiency Tests
C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.
Important Considerations
Check both lists: A test can be fine for your university but not for your visa. In India, PTE is one example.
How old can a test be?: DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships want language proof that is not older than 3 years.
TUM's minimum scores for English-taught courses. Other universities set their own.
| University Category | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | Duolingo English Test | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TUM minimum e.g., Technical University of Munich (TUM) | 88 | 6.5 | Not listed | 65 |
Score Requirements Variations
Beyond university tiers, specific academic programs often have their own requirements. Here's how they typically vary:
German-taught courses
Proof of German before the end of the application period: for example DSH-2 or TestDaF level 4 in all sections.
English-taught courses
Proof of English before the end of the application period, from the university's list.
Special Cases & Conditional Admissions
Special Cases
TUM: a degree taught at least 50% in English, or for some master's an English bachelor's thesis, can replace a test.
Rules at TUM. Other universities differ.
Common Exemption Categories
German school certificate
If you finished school in Germany with a certificate that lets you enter university, you do not need German proof.
English-taught degree
TUM accepts a degree taught at least 50% in English.
What does not count
Semesters abroad or internships do not count.
Important Notes on Exemptions
- For a master's, school grades cannot prove English at TUM.
- India: for the visa you need a test certificate.
How to Request an Exemption
- Upload your transcript or degree certificate in your application, if it shows the language of teaching.
- If it is not shown, ask your previous university for an official letter.
Take your test early so the result is ready before the deadline.
General Preparation Timeline
Before you apply
Check which tests your courses and the visa office accept.
Before the deadline
Upload your result before the application period ends.
Professional Preparation Services
Useful links
German Missions in India: student visa
officialLanguage rules for the student visa in India.
Visit ResourceTalk to us about which test fits your courses and your visa.
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