Germany is a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education, affordable tuition, and excellent career opportunities. However, one major requirement for admission into English-taught programs in Germany is proving English language proficiency, and IELTS is one of the most commonly accepted tests.
But how high should your IELTS score be to secure admission? This blog will break down the minimum IELTS band score required for undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialized courses in Germany, along with key differences between public and private universities.
Is IELTS Mandatory for Studying in Germany?
Not all German universities require IELTS. Some universities offer English-taught programs and accept alternative English proficiency proof, such as:
- Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI): If your previous education was in English, some universities accept this instead of IELTS.
- Other Language Tests: TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English Test are accepted at some universities.
- University-Specific Tests: Some institutions conduct their own English proficiency assessments.
However, if you are applying for a program taught in English, most universities will require a valid IELTS score.
Minimum IELTS Score for Studying in Germany
1. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Programs
For English-taught bachelor’s programs, most universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or higher. Some top universities may ask for 6.5 or 7.0, depending on the program.
Examples of IELTS Requirements for Bachelor’s Programs:
| University | IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | 6.5 |
| University of Stuttgart | 6.0 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 6.5 |
| University of Mannheim | 6.0 – 6.5 |
💡 Note: Public universities in Germany usually have stricter IELTS requirements compared to private universities.
2. Postgraduate (Master’s) Programs
For Master’s (MSc, MBA, MA) programs, universities often require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, but some top programs may demand 7.0 or higher, especially for business and engineering courses.
Examples of IELTS Requirements for Master’s Programs:
| University | IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Berlin | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| University of Freiburg | 6.5 |
| Heidelberg University | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | 7.0 |
| Berlin School of Business and Innovation | 6.0 – 6.5 |
💡 Tip: Some master’s programs allow conditional admission if your IELTS score is slightly lower, provided you take an additional English language course.
3. Specialized Courses (Medicine, Engineering, and Business)
- Engineering Programs: Usually require 6.5 – 7.0 in IELTS.
- Medical Programs: Higher IELTS scores of 7.0 – 7.5 are typically required.
- MBA & Business Programs: Most business schools require 6.5 – 7.0, but top schools like ESMT Berlin and Frankfurt School of Finance may ask for 7.0 or higher.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for a competitive program, target an IELTS score of 7.0+ to increase your chances of admission.
IELTS Requirements in Public vs. Private Universities
| Type of University | IELTS Requirement | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | 6.5 – 7.5 | Stricter requirements, high competition. |
| Private Universities | 6.0 – 6.5 | More flexible, some accept MOI instead of IELTS. |
Which Universities Accept IELTS 6.0?
If you score 6.0 in IELTS, you can still apply to:
✅ University of Kassel
✅ University of Applied Sciences Europe
✅ Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
✅ Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
Conclusion: What’s the Ideal IELTS Score for Studying in Germany?
- For bachelor’s programs, aim for at least 6.0 – 6.5.
- For master’s programs, 6.5 – 7.0 is usually required.
- Specialized courses (medicine, MBA, engineering) may require 7.0 or higher.
- Public universities often have higher IELTS requirements than private universities.
- Some universities accept alternative proofs of English proficiency.
Planning to apply to a German university? Start preparing for your IELTS early and aim for a score that meets or exceeds your chosen university’s requirement!
💬 Have questions about IELTS requirements in Germany? Drop them in the comments below! 😊