I was initially targeting Germany for studies but heard German language proficiency and exam score requirements are needed; can you explain more about these requirements for a Postgraduate/Master's?
German is not always mandatory for a masters in Germany. English taught programs need IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL 80 to 100, no German required. German taught programs need roughly C1 level proficiency, shown through TestDaF at TDN 4 across all sections or DSH at the DSH-2 level.
You can relax a little here, because your language requirement in Germany depends entirely on the medium of instruction of the specific program you apply to, not on Germany as a country. A large number of masters programs are taught fully in English, so German is not always the barrier you may have been told it is.
Language Requirements by Program Type
| Feature | English Taught Master's | German Taught Master's |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Tests | IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT | TestDaF, DSH, Goethe Zertifikat |
| Typical Scores | IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, TOEFL 80 to 100 | TestDaF TDN 4 in all sections, DSH-2 (some ask DSH-3) |
| Visa Requirement | Embassy requires proof of English | Embassy requires proof of German |
| Common Fields | Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, International Business | Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Literature |
Other Accepted Certificates and Exceptions
- English taught tracks may also accept Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, and occasionally the Duolingo English Test, though acceptance varies.
- German taught tracks may also accept telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule or the DSD II.
- A small number of English taught programs still ask for a basic A1 or A2 German certificate at enrolment for administrative purposes, though this is the exception rather than the rule.
My Advice
Decide first whether you want an English taught or German taught program, since that single choice determines which exam you actually need to prepare for, and then check the specific university's course page before booking any test, because requirements can vary even between departments at the same school.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
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