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Do I need to give the IELTS and German language tests by January or February 2027 for the November 2027 or January 2028 intake?

25 Aug 2026 · Answered by Chaithrakala P L · 2 min read
Quick Answer verified

Yes, you should take your IELTS and German language tests by January or February 2027 if you are targeting the Winter 2027 intake starting in October or November. This timing is needed because your APS certificate, which takes 4 to 12 weeks to process, depends on your finalized scores.

Chaithrakala P L
Chaithrakala P L Verified
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Yes, plan to sit your IELTS and German language tests by January or February 2027 if you are aiming for the Winter 2027 intake, and the same early timing helps even for a January 2028 start. Your entire application chain, from APS certificate to university deadline, depends on having these scores finalized early.

Language Requirement by Program Type

Program TypeIELTS RequirementGerman Language Requirement
English TaughtMandatory, typically 6.5 or higherNot required for admission; A1/A2 recommended for daily life
German TaughtNot requiredMandatory, typically B2 to C1 via TestDaF, DSH or Goethe
Bilingual ProgramsMandatoryMandatory, usually B1/B2

Your Master Timeline for Winter 2027

  • November to December 2026: finalize exam preparation and book your test slots
  • January to February 2027: sit your IELTS and German language exams
  • February to March 2027: apply for your APS Certificate once results are published, and prepare your SOP and LORs
  • May to July 15, 2027: submit university applications directly or through the uni-assist Portal
  • July to August 2027: receive admission letters, set up your blocked account and schedule your visa interview

My Advice

Book your test slots in the next few weeks rather than waiting for winter, since the APS Certificate alone can take up to 12 weeks and it cannot even start until your scores are in hand. Tell me which German universities you are targeting and I will check their exact language requirements and deadlines for you.

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