German VISA Language🗣Requirements for University Admissions
To study at German university, you must be very proficient in the German language which is the basic medium of instruction there. In Germany, most courses are taught in German and only few courses may be taught in English language. And even if you take admission in a course taught in the English language, you will still be required to provide high level of German language proficiency in order to stand eligible for a German Study VISA.
When applying for German scholarships or admissions to German universities, demonstrating proficiency in either the German & English language (or both) might be required, depending on the course you’re interested in so therefore lets read this full article to get familiar with everything.
Can you study in Germany without taking IELTS exam?
You can study in Germany without taking an IELTS exam because IELTS is not accepted for a German study visa application and therefore instead of taking IELTS, you will be required to take a German language proficiency exam.
Language Test Requirement for German Study VISA Application 2024
International students planning to study in Germany often require a study visa or residence permit, depending on their nationality and the duration of their stay. Proficiency in the German language is required for most degree programs at German universities. You’ll typically need to demonstrate your German language skills during the application process, but there are exceptions for international degree programs and certain postgraduate programs. Additionally, the language requirement may be waived off if your stay is limited to one or two semesters.
Which tests are accepted for German Study VISA Application?
To prove your German language skills, you’ll usually be required to take a German language test, which consists of sections assessing reading, listening comprehension, and communication abilities. Two widely recognized tests are the Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) and the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH).
Other language proficiency tests such as the Goethe-Zertifikat C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule, and Deutsches Sprachdiplom (level II) are also accepted by many German universities. Some programs may recognize the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 and C1, as well as the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch B2 and C1. And if you completed your school leaving certificate at a German-language school abroad, you may be exempt from a language proficiency test.
List of German Language exams accepted in German Universities:
1# DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) Minimum Score: Varies by institution. There are three levels – DSH-1, DSH-2, and DSH-3. DSH-2 is commonly required for university admission.
#2 TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) Minimum Score: Often TDN 4 in all sections, but requirements can vary by university and program.
3# Goethe Institut German Language Diploma (GDS) Minimum Score: B2 is often the minimum for courses with German language prerequisites, but C1 or C2 can be preferred or required for many courses.
#4 telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule: This German language test is recognized by many universities for admission to German-taught courses.
Are there any English taught Programs in Germany?
Yes, there are many English-taught programs in Germany but even if you get enrolled in any English taught programme in Germany – you’ll still need to take German language proficiency exam in order to apply for a German study visa. But anyways, here is the list of those Top-ranked German universities that offer English-taught programs include:
1# Technical University of Munich (TUM): TUM is renowned for its engineering programs and offers a variety of English-taught courses.
#2 Heidelberg University: This prestigious university provides English-taught programs in various fields, including the humanities and sciences.
3# Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): LMU offers a wide range of English-taught master’s programs, including an MBA.
#4 Free University of Berlin: Known for its strong research programs, this university offers English-taught courses in multiple disciplines.
5# Humboldt University of Berlin: Humboldt University is known for its excellence in social sciences and humanities and offers English-taught programs in these areas.
#6 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): KIT is recognized for its engineering and technology programs, many of which are offered in English.
7# RWTH Aachen University: RWTH Aachen is renowned for engineering and technical fields and provides English-taught programs at various levels.
#8 University of Freiburg: This university offers a broad spectrum of English-taught courses, including natural sciences and humanities.
9# University of Tübingen: Tübingen is known for its research and offers English-taught programs in multiple subjects.
List of German Universities without IELTS Requirement
Here are some examples of German universities that accept students without IELTS:
- University of Siegen
- University of Kaiserslautern
- University of Giessen
- Free University of Berlin
- University of Koblenz and Landau
These German universities offer a diverse range of English-taught programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, encompassing fields such as engineering, business, science, humanities, and social sciences.
Besides these top-ranked German universities, various other universities also offer English-taught programs. To find the program that suits your interests, you can utilize the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) database of international study programs in Germany for example here are some examples of English-taught programs you can find in Germany:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (TUM)
- Master of Business Administration (LMU)
- Master of Science in Computer Science (TUM)
- Master of Arts in History (Heidelberg University)
- Master of Arts in Political Science (Humboldt University of Berlin)
List of English Language exams accepted in German Universities:
1# TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Minimum Score: Scores usually range from 80 to 100 for the Internet-based test, depending on the university and course.
#2 IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Minimum Score: Generally, a minimum of 6.0 or 6.5, but more competitive programs might require 7.0 or higher band score of IELTS academic module.
3# Cambridge English Qualifications Minimum Score: Varies, but typically the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency are accepted.
#4 PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) Minimum Score: Often around 58 or higher, but this can vary by university.
5# UNIcert®: For students applying to programs in which they’ll study in English, some universities accept the UNIcert® III for Master’s courses or UNIcert® IV for scientific projects or a doctorate.
