Which English language proficiency test should I take for my target universities for a Master's?
03 Aug 2026 · Answered by Abhishek Mehta · 1 min read
For German master's programs, the most widely accepted English proficiency test is the IELTS Academic with a minimum 6.5 overall band. Many universities also accept the TOEFL iBT (minimum 80) and Cambridge English qualifications (CAE or CPE).
Some institutions may consider the Duolingo English Test, but acceptance varies. PTE Academic is generally not accepted for German visa applications since early 2025, so it's best to avoid it if you need a visa.
If your previous degree was entirely in English, you may qualify for a test waiver with a Medium of Instruction certificate, depending on the university.
Requirements can differ by university and program.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which German universities you still qualify for.
4.7/5 Google
🎓 25K+ admits
Check My EligibilityMore 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?
🎓 Low marks, gap year or no experience? Check Eligibility