If I score above 90 in my English exam, do I still need to appear for IELTS or other English proficiency tests in UK/Germany?
No single rule applies. Some UK universities waive IELTS if you scored seventy to eighty percent or higher in English from recognized boards like CBSE or IB, but many still require it for visa purposes. Germany almost always requires IELTS or TOEFL for admission and visa purposes.
Scoring above 90 in your school English exam is genuinely impressive, but it does not automatically excuse you from IELTS or another proficiency test. Whether you need one still comes down to the specific university and country you are applying to, since neither the UK nor Germany has one blanket national rule.
UK vs Germany On High School English Waivers
| Country | Possible Waiver | Catch |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Some universities waive IELTS for 70 to 80 percent or higher from CBSE, ICSE, IB, or A-Levels | Many other universities still require it for visa purposes |
| Germany | Rarely waives high school grades for a Bachelor's | Master's applicants can sometimes use a Medium of Instruction certificate instead |
What You Should Do Instead Of Assuming
- Check your target university's Entry Requirements page for international students directly.
- Email their admissions team asking specifically whether high school English marks of 90 percent or higher qualify for an exemption.
- If you want to avoid IELTS altogether, ask whether PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test is accepted instead.
My Advice
Do not skip your IELTS or PTE registration just because your school marks are strong, since an unconfirmed assumption can cost you your application deadline. Get the exemption in writing from the admissions office before you cancel any test booking.
Do you even need IELTS for Germany?
Which test, what band, or whether you can skip it. Sorted in one free session.
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