IELTS or TOEFL for Germany? What Scores Universities Want

You should not choose IELTS or TOEFL first. You should choose the university programme first, because Germany does not use one single English-test rule.

For English-taught programmes, the verified scores are simple: IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88 – 90. For German-taught programmes, the verified requirement is TestDaF TDN 4 or DSH DSH-2.

That means the right test depends on the course language, not on the country. If you want the full study plan beyond English tests, fees, visa steps, and work rights, see our Germany country guide.

For most English-taught master’s programmes, universities ask for one of two things: IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88 – 90. The exact acceptances and cut-offs can still vary by programme, so read the department page, not just the university homepage.

Some universities will list both tests. Some will prefer one. Some will ask for a different score for a competitive course. If a programme page is unclear, confirm the current requirement on the official admissions page before you apply.

The practical rule is this: if your score is at the lower end of the accepted range, you may still be eligible, but you are not automatically safe. A programme can ask for more than the minimum if seats are tight or if the course is heavily English-heavy in reading and writing.

If your programme is taught in German, IELTS and TOEFL are usually not the tests that matter. The verified language requirement is TestDaF TDN 4 or DSH DSH-2.

That is the point many applicants miss. An English score does not replace German for a German-taught degree. If you are aiming for a German-taught programme, plan for German language proof early, because the admission route is different from an English-taught one.

Basic German A1–A2 is not required for admission, but it changes daily life and part-time work. That matters even for English-taught students, because you still have to live, shop, register your address, and handle appointments.

Germany suits you if you want a low-tuition route and are willing to handle a more document-heavy application. Public universities charge €0 tuition for a bachelor’s or master’s in almost every state, with a semester contribution of €150–350. Baden-Württemberg is the exception for non-EU students, at ₹1.4L / semester.

It also suits you if you can show funds. The blocked account requirement is ₹11L (€11,904), and that is a deposit you live off, not a sunk fee. If you are trying to keep the first-year cash outlay under control, Germany is one of the strongest options on cost.

Germany does not suit students who want a quick, loose application process, or who are not ready to check programme-specific rules carefully. The APS certificate is compulsory for Indian applicants, takes several weeks, and no visa is issued without it.

The lowest headline cost is not your whole budget. You still need living money, insurance, and visa-related steps. The verified one-off and recurring costs are below.

For living costs, the verified ranges are: Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg at ₹96,000 – ₹1.3L / month; Berlin, Cologne, Stuttgart at ₹82,000 – ₹1.1L / month; and smaller university towns at ₹67,000 – ₹91,000 / month.

The country guide’s cost summary says the total first-year cash need is roughly ₹12L – ₹13L, and almost all of it is the blocked account. That is why families should not think only in terms of tuition.

Germany has two intakes: Winter and Summer. The main intake is Winter, with classes starting in October and the application deadline of 15 July. The Summer intake starts in April, with the application deadline of 15 January.

If you are applying for the October start, do not wait until the deadline to begin. The APS certificate is the step Indian applicants underestimate, and the visa appointment is often the bottleneck. The verified advice is to apply for the visa appointment the day you have admission.

Here is the sequence that matters: get the APS certificate, apply to universities, open the blocked account on admission, arrange health insurance, book the visa appointment, then travel and register your address within two weeks of arrival.

While studying, non-EU/EEA students can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. That includes working-student roles, which are common and count toward the limit. If your priority is using part-time work to cover a large share of costs, be realistic: the work rule helps, but it does not replace the blocked account or living budget.

After graduation, Germany gives you a residence permit for job-seeking for 18 months. You have full permission to work while you look, in any job. Once you have a graduate-level role, you convert to an EU Blue Card or a standard work permit.

This is one reason Germany is strong for students who want an actual post-study route, not just a degree. But you still need the degree, the language fit, and the paperwork done properly.

First, shortlist the exact programme and check whether it is English-taught or German-taught. Then match the right test: IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88–90 for English-taught courses, or TestDaF TDN 4 / DSH-2 for German-taught ones. Start APS early, because it can slow everything else down.

Should I take IELTS or TOEFL for Germany?

Take the test that your target programme accepts. For many English-taught programmes, the verified scores are IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88–90.

Do German universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL?

Many English-taught programmes accept one or both, but the rule is programme-specific. Check the admissions page for the exact university and course.

What score do I need for an English-taught master’s in Germany?

The verified scores are IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 88–90.

If I study in German, can I use IELTS instead?

No. For German-taught programmes, the verified requirement is TestDaF TDN 4 or DSH-2.

Is German language required for admission?

Not for an English-taught programme. Basic German A1–A2 is not required for admission.

What is the biggest delay for Indian applicants?

The APS certificate and the visa appointment. The APS certificate takes several weeks, and the visa appointment is often the longest wait.