What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for German universities?
Most German universities ask for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 88 to 90 for English-taught Master's programmes. TU Munich sets a higher bar of IELTS 7.0 and TOEFL 100 plus. Duolingo 110 to 120 is accepted by some, and the GRE is usually not required.
For English-taught Master's programmes, most German universities accept an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL of 88 to 90. Aim a little higher if you are targeting the top tier, because elite universities like TU Munich set a noticeably stricter English bar.
English Test Benchmarks
Test | Typical requirement | TU Munich |
|---|---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 | 7.0 |
TOEFL | 88-90 | 100+ |
Duolingo | 110-120 | Check programme |
Other Test Notes
Test | Status |
|---|---|
GRE | Usually not required |
GATE | ~90th percentile competitive at TU Munich |
My Advice
Target IELTS 7.0 even if your programme only asks for 6.5, because one score then covers every university on your list, including TU Munich. Book your test early so results are ready before the roughly 15 July winter deadline, and keep a screenshot of each programme's exact requirement.
More expert answers
If your German university application relies on TOEFL, aim for a score somewhere between 80 and 100, since that is the range most institutions expect. The precise cutoff still depends on your specific course, so always confirm with your target program directly.
TOEFL Requirement at a Glance
| Exam | Typical Score Range |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80 to 100 |
When You Need TOEFL Instead of a German Exam
You only need TOEFL, or an equivalent English exam like IELTS, if you are applying to an English-taught Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program. If you choose a German-taught program instead, you would need TestDaF or DSH rather than TOEFL, since the teaching language changes what universities test for.
My Advice
Aim closer to 100 rather than 80 if you are applying to competitive programs, since a stronger score can offset a slightly less impressive academic profile. Take TOEFL early enough to retake it once if your first attempt falls short.
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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