Which English language proficiency test should I take for my target universities in UK/Germany for a Master's?

Germany does not have a single universal English test requirement, DAAD itself lists IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English and PTE Academic as examples of acceptable proof, and the specific university and program determines which certificates it actually accepts. Picking the wrong test for your target list wastes months, so confirm before you book an exam slot.

Why IELTS Is the Practical Default

Technical University of Munich, for example, currently accepts IELTS Academic at 6.5, TOEFL iBT at 88, Cambridge certificates and PTE Academic at 65 across its master's programs, which is a fairly representative spread of what you will see at other German technical universities. Because IELTS clears both the university's academic bar and Germany's visa proof-of-English requirement in one exam, it saves you from sitting a second test later.

A Common Mistake Indian Applicants Make

• Do not assume an English-medium bachelor's exempts you automatically: some universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate instead of a language test, but the rules vary program to program.
• TUM's own exception: it can accept evidence that at least 50 percent of a previous program was taught in English, but this is not the norm across German universities.
• Check every shortlisted program individually rather than assuming one university's rule applies to all your target schools.

This Information Is Also Available On

DAAD's official English-language proof guidance and Technical University of Munich's international admissions requirements pages (both current as of 2026).

My Advice

In my experience, aim for 7.0 or higher on IELTS rather than the bare 6.5 minimum, since it gives you margin if a specific program later raises its bar or if you end up applying to a more competitive school mid-cycle. If you are still deciding between English- and German-taught programs, IELTS keeps both doors open while you finalise your shortlist.

You should register for IELTS Academic if you want one test that opens doors in both the UK and Germany. It is universally accepted at undergraduate level in both countries, so you avoid juggling separate exams for each application.

Comparing Your Test Options

What Each Country Actually Requires

• UK: most universities set their own language rules for undergraduate entry and expect a CEFR B2 level, roughly IELTS 6.0 to 6.5.
• UK visa catch: if you need a foundation or pathway course before your bachelor's, you must sit IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI at an approved centre.
• Germany: confirm your bachelor's is taught fully in English, since German-taught degrees need TestDaF or DSH instead.
• Germany score expectations sit at B2 to C1, an IELTS band of 6.0 to 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 to 100.

My Advice

Book IELTS Academic first, then check the exact language page of every shortlisted university before you finalise your slot, since a few German programs still prefer TOEFL for research-heavy tracks.