Do I need to give IELTS for applying to Germany and Netherlands public universities, and what is the expected IELTS score for a Master's?
Yes, you generally need IELTS for English-taught Master's programs at public universities in Germany and the Netherlands. Germany typically expects an overall score of 6.5, up to 7.0 at TU9 universities like TU Munich, while the Netherlands typically expects 6.5 to 7.0, with TU Delft often requiring a strict 7.0.
Yes, you will generally need IELTS for English-taught public university Master's programs in both Germany and the Netherlands, though the exact score bar shifts by institution. You can skip it only if your Bachelor's was fully English-taught and the university accepts an official Medium of Instruction certificate instead.
Expected IELTS Scores by Country
| Country | Typical Overall Score | Sectional Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 6.5, up to 7.0 at TU9 universities like TU Munich or RWTH Aachen | 5.5 to 6.0 per band |
| Netherlands | 6.5 to 7.0, TU Delft often strict at 7.0 | 6.0 per band, sometimes 6.5 for writing/speaking |
When You Might Be Exempt
- Your previous Bachelor's degree was taught and examined 100% in English, backed by an official MOI certificate
- You are a citizen of a predominantly English-speaking country
- Your target program is taught in German or Dutch instead, requiring that local language proficiency rather than English
My Advice
Do not treat Germany and the Netherlands as interchangeable on this front, since research-heavy schools like TU Delft or the TU9 group set noticeably higher bars than applied-science tracks. Check the exact program page for your target university before you fix your IELTS retake schedule.
What IELTS band do German universities actually need?
Know your target score, and how to hit it with free mock tests.
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