Is GRE required for a master's degree in Germany and can I apply without it?
No, the GRE is generally not required for a masters in Germany, and about 90 percent of English-taught programs skip it. Instead your bachelor's must match the course credits. Top TU9 universities and private business schools are the main exceptions where GRE or GMAT is needed.
No, the GRE is generally not required for a master's in Germany, and yes, you can absolutely apply without it - roughly 90 percent of English-taught master's programs ask for no GRE at all. German public universities focus on consecutive education instead, meaning your bachelor's curriculum and ECTS credit hours must closely align with the master's you want. That academic match matters far more than any test score.
When the GRE Is Actually Needed
| Situation | GRE Requirement |
|---|---|
| Top TU9 universities | Elite schools like RWTH Aachen, TU Munich and TU Berlin often require the GRE for competitive STEM programs. |
| High applicant volume | Some departments use the GRE simply to filter a large influx of international applications. |
| Private business schools | An MBA or Master's in Finance at private elite schools usually needs a GMAT or GRE. |
| Compensating a low GPA | Usually no; a strong GRE cannot override missing credits or a strict GPA rule, but helps where it is optional. |
Core Requirements Without a GRE
| Requirement | What Universities Look For |
|---|---|
| Academic relevance | Your bachelor's must closely match the master's; missing subject credits leads to automatic rejection. |
| GPA | Competitive programs want a German grade equivalent of 2.5 or better, where lower numbers are stronger. |
| Language tests | IELTS 6.5 plus or TOEFL 87 plus for English tracks, or TestDaF or DSH for German-taught programs. |
| APS certificate | Mandatory document verification for Indian students before you apply for the student visa. |
My Advice
Before you skip the GRE, verify each program individually on the DAAD International Programmes Database and open the Admission Requirements tab to see whether it lists the GRE as not required, optional or mandatory. If you are targeting a TU9 STEM course, sit the GRE anyway, because a strong Quantitative score gives you a real edge against similar applicants. And start your APS certificate early - it is non-negotiable for your visa and takes time to process.
More expert answers
The short answer is no, you can apply to the vast majority of German MS programs without a GRE, since about 90 percent of English taught courses do not require one. German public universities lean on an algorithmic, point based review of your GPA, ECTS credit match and language scores instead. The GRE only becomes important at a handful of elite, oversubscribed technical programs.
Applying With Versus Without A GRE
| Criteria | Without GRE | With GRE, 315 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Program options | Around 90 percent of German MS courses | Unlocks 100 percent, including elite TU9 |
| Primary evaluation | Strict ECTS credit match and GPA | Offsets a lesser known undergrad college |
| Profile advantage | Harder to stand out in hyper competitive STEM | A powerful tie breaker against identical GPAs |
Universities That Require Or Recommend The GRE
| University | Detail |
|---|---|
| TU Munich, TUM | Requires a valid GRE for several competitive STEM master's |
| RWTH Aachen | Mandates GRE thresholds for many Engineering and CS degrees |
| Competitive STEM courses | Often target a Quant score of 165 plus to filter large pools |
| Non GRE essentials | ECTS mapping, IELTS 6.5 plus or TOEFL 87 plus, APS certificate, strong SOP |
My Advice
Before you spend months on the GRE, list your exact target programs and check each one, because for most students it is simply not needed. If you do skip it, the real make or break factor is your ECTS credit match, since missing prerequisite credits is the single biggest cause of rejection in Germany. Get your APS certificate sorted early, and if your undergrad college is lesser known and you are eyeing a TU9 school, a 315 plus GRE can tip a close decision your way.
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