IELTS Score for Germany 2026-27: TU9 & Visa Guide 

Planning to study in Germany in 2026 but confused about IELTS score for Germany? While Germany is known for its low or no tuition fees, English-taught programs still require you to meet specific IELTS score criteria both for university admission and for your student visa. The challenge is that IELTS requirements vary depending on the level of study, the university, and whether the program is fully or partially taught in English.

For most English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, an IELTS score of 6.5 is considered the standard minimum. This applies whether you are targeting a competitive TU9 university or a specialised public institution. However, some programs accept lower scores, while others demand higher band scores, especially for technical or research-oriented degrees.

In this guide, we break down IELTS score requirements for Germany in 2026, covering universities, student visas, and program-specific expectations so you know exactly where you stand before applying.

The short answer is: Yes, the IELTS exam is required for English-taught programs.

Germany is a non-English-speaking nation, and universities require standardised, external proof that you can understand intricate academic lectures and compose research papers in English. This requirement is exclusively applicable to International Degree Programs (IDPs) that utilize English as their Medium of Instruction (MOI).

The specific university program you select determines the required score and the test you must take (IELTS, TOEFL, or an alternative).

• German-Taught Programs: Require certified proof of German proficiency (e.g., TestDaF or DSH).
• English-Taught Programs: Require confirmation of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS) or an accepted waiver, such as the Medium of Instruction certificate.

Since Germany is a non-English-speaking nation, its universities have evolved into global hubs, offering over 2,400 International Degree Programs (IDPs) taught entirely in English. Accessing these premier opportunities necessitates standardized evidence of your ability to comprehend intricate academic lectures and generate advanced research. The requisite language certificate is contingent upon the medium of instruction of your selected course. The following delineates the prerequisites for the English, German, and bilingual programs for the 2026–27 enrollment period.

Excel in IELTS with India’s Top Online Coaching

Leap has helped more than 1 Lakh students achieve 7+ IELTS band.

Request a Callback

Public institutions, especially the TU9 consortium (Germany’s best technical schools), are very competitive on a global scale and put a lot of emphasis on research. So, they have very high expectations for the English language. Most STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs at TU9 universities require an IELTS score of 6.5, but some programs that are in high demand or require a lot of research may require a score of 7.0 to be considered.

This higher standard makes sure that students are ready for fast-paced lectures, difficult assignments, and tough projects.

Excel in IELTS with India’s Top Online Coaching

Leap has helped more than 1 Lakh students achieve 7+ IELTS band.

Request a Callback

Many applicants think that a university offer is enough, but a bad IELTS score for a German Student Visa may still raise questions during the visa application process. The German Embassy usually follows the IELTS requirement in the admission letter for Indian applicants, but they may look at borderline results.

• The embassy usually accept IELTS score provided by the university.
• Borderline IELTS scores forGermany Student Visa may raise concerns
• There is no fixed embassy cutoff
• A 6.0 overall score is widely accepted as the minimum IELTS score for a Germany Study Visa.

To study in Germany, the required IELTS score varies primarily by your chosen level of study

And whether you are applying to a public or private university.

Undergraduate programs are often more lenient in their language requirements because many students attend a Studienkolleg (foundation course) before starting their degree. For direct admission to an English-taught program, a 6.0 overall band is the standard benchmark.

Postgraduate studies usually require students to have a better command of academic English so they can do well in research and difficult seminars. Most Master’s programs taught in English require a minimum overall band score of 6.5.

Is the IELTS requirement for Germany unequivocal? Not consistently. Although IELTS Academic is the benchmark, there are various alternatives available.

This is a transformative development for numerous Indian pupils. Certain German universities may exempt the IELTS requirement if you can demonstrate that your prior education was conducted fully in English.

• What is it? A formal letter from the college registrar indicating, “The Medium of Instruction for this student was English.”
• Who endorses it? Certain universities, such as the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Heidelberg University (for particular programs), may recognize this.

Obtaining the requisite IELTS score for Germany entails a multi-step approach that aligns university criteria with immigration requirements. For the 2026–2027 admission cycle, target a 6.5 band for competitive public colleges, while assuring a minimum score of 6.0 to meet the German Embassy’s requirements for your student visa. For Indian students, the language competency certificate is now a mandatory component of the APS verification and must remain valid for two years. Aligning your score with your designated degree level 6.0 for a Bachelor’s or 7.0+ for an MBA facilitates a seamless integration into Germany’s prestigious educational system.

Start your journey with Leap Scholar. Your path to an international career is just a click away. Whether you are at the beginning of your research or ready to take the next big step, we are here to provide the clarity and support you need to succeed globally.