Language Requirements: IELTS Test
TL;DR
- German universities require IELTS Academic with scores of 6.0 to 7.0 for English-taught courses. General Training is not accepted.
- Bachelor's: 6.0 to 6.5 overall. Master's: 6.5 to 7.0. Many universities also require minimum per-section scores of 5.5 or 6.0.
- Results are valid for two years. Alternatives like TOEFL iBT or Cambridge C1 Advanced may also be accepted.
What Is IELTS and Which Version Do You Need?
The International English Language Testing System is one of the most widely recognised English proficiency tests in the world. It comes in two versions:
- IELTS Academic is for university admissions. This is the version you need for studying in Germany.
- IELTS General Training is for migration and work. It is not accepted by German universities.
The test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each is scored from 0 to 9, and your overall score is the average, rounded to the nearest half band. You can take it at test centres in over 140 countries, on paper or computer. The computer-delivered version gives results in three to five days.
Always register for IELTS Academic. A General Training result will not be accepted, and you will need to retake the test.
What Score Do You Need?
| Course level | Typical overall score | Per-section minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 6.0 to 6.5 | 5.5 to 6.0 |
| Master's | 6.5 to 7.0 | 6.0 |
| MBA | 7.0 to 7.5 | 6.5 |
| PhD | 6.5 to 7.0 | 6.0 |
These are general ranges. Always check the admissions page of your target course.
Pay close attention to per-section minimums. A single band below the minimum can disqualify your application, even if your overall score is high enough.
IELTS and the CEFR
Universities often describe requirements using CEFR levels. Here is the approximate mapping:
| IELTS band | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 4.0 to 4.5 | B1 |
| 5.0 to 6.0 | B2 |
| 6.5 to 7.5 | C1 |
| 8.0 to 9.0 | C2 |
A "B2" requirement typically means an IELTS of 5.5 to 6.5. A "C1" requirement usually means 6.5 to 7.0 or higher. Always check whether the university specifies an exact IELTS band score alongside the CEFR level.
If a university lists only "B2" without specifying an IELTS score, an overall band of 6.0 to 6.5 is generally safe. Confirm with the admissions office if you are close to the boundary.
IELTS for Your Student Visa
The German embassy does not set its own IELTS score requirement. It checks that you meet the language requirements of the university that admitted you. Your admission letter serves as proof. If you are applying for a German-taught course, you do not need IELTS at all. See our guide on Language Requirements for German Proficiency.
IELTS vs Other English Tests
IELTS is not the only option. Here is how the main alternatives compare:
| Test | Accepted? | Typical minimum | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Almost all universities | 6.0 to 7.0 | ~€230 to €250 |
| TOEFL iBT | Almost all universities | 80 to 100 | ~€200 to €230 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Many universities | Grade C or above | ~€200 to €250 |
| Duolingo English Test | Some universities | 105 to 120 | ~€60 |
| PTE Academic | Limited; not accepted by German embassies since Jan 2025 | Varies | ~€200 |
Since January 2025, German embassies no longer accept PTE Academic as proof of English proficiency for visa applications. If you have already taken PTE, check whether your target university accepts it for admission, but be aware you may still need IELTS or TOEFL for the visa stage.
Some universities also accept a Medium of Instruction certificate from your former university confirming English-medium instruction. It is free, though not universally accepted.
When You Don't Need IELTS
You may be exempt if you completed a degree taught entirely in English, hold a Cambridge C1/C2 certificate, are a native English speaker, or are applying to a German-taught course. Exemption policies vary, so always check with your university.
Tips for Getting the Score You Need
IELTS now offers a One Skill Retake option. You can retake a single section within 60 days without redoing the entire exam.
- Practice with official materials from the IELTS website and British Council.
- Focus on your weakest section for the biggest impact on your overall band.
- Take the computer-delivered test if you type faster than you write, and for faster results.
- Aim higher than the minimum. If the requirement is 6.5, target 7.0 as a buffer.
Looking for English-taught courses in Germany? Browse courses on kursa and filter by language to find the right fit for your profile and IELTS score.
Browse courses on kursaFAQ
Is IELTS required for all universities in Germany?
No. IELTS is only required for English-taught courses. If your course is taught in German, you need a German language certificate such as TestDaF or DSH instead. See our guide on German language requirements for details.
Can I use IELTS General Training for university admission?
No. German universities require IELTS Academic for all degree admissions. General Training is designed for work and immigration purposes and will not be accepted.
What if one of my section scores is below the minimum?
Most universities that set per-section minimums enforce them strictly. If one band is below the required threshold, your application may be rejected even if your overall score is sufficient. Consider using the One Skill Retake to improve that single section, or check whether other universities have more flexible requirements.
Does a higher IELTS score improve my admission chances?
For most German public universities, no. Admissions are based on meeting the requirements, not exceeding them. For competitive or restricted-entry courses, a stronger overall profile can help.
How far in advance should I take the IELTS?
Aim for six to twelve months before your application deadline to allow time for results and a possible retake.
Is there a separate IELTS requirement for the German student visa?
No. The embassy checks that you meet your university's requirements. Your admission letter serves as proof.
My IELTS is older than one year. Will the embassy reject it?
Officially, IELTS is valid for two years. Some visa centres have asked for results less than one year old, but in most cases the full two-year validity is accepted.
