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.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
More Universities & admissions questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
More Germany questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Does my 12th grade percentage affect my master's application in Germany/France for a Bachelor's?
- What are the three Core Module subtests in the dMAT exam, and what does each one actually ask you to do?
- Can you explain the difference between Germany and Ireland regarding dependent visas and family stay for a PhD?
- Which countries offer the best bioinformatics programs for Indian students after Class 12, and what should they know about Germany specifically?
- Can other family members act as financial sponsors if my father’s income is insufficient in Germany?