Exams Required for Admissions to UG/ PG courses in Germany
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
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Germany is a great choice for Indian students who want to study abroad, offering many options for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses. If you want to pursue a master's degree in Germany, you usually need to take an English language test like IELTS or TOEFL to show that you can understand and speak English well. For those looking to get into an undergraduate program, you need to have completed your higher secondary education (12th grade) and may need to take tests like the TestAS or provide other certificates that prove your qualifications.
Whereas, the process for applying to a master's degree in Germany involves several steps: first, you should research different programs and check what each university requires for admission. Then, gather all the necessary documents, such as your academic records and language test results. Finally, you can submit your application either directly to the university or through a service called uni-assist that helps with applications.
Generally speaking, every university around the world tests you on two basic parameters, Language Proficiency, Aptitude for the desired course. Germany is not different. While the aptitude tests might vary for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the language requirements remain the same for both levels. Let’s have a look at the exams to study in Germany.
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Language Proficiency Exams for Germany
Germany speaks German. Many of the international courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels offered by the universities in Germany would be English Taught Programs. The universities usually accept all or either of the following English language tests.
IELTS Requirements to Study in Germany
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) administered by IDP Education Ltd. is widely used in over 110 countries as a proficiency test for the English language. The exam is divided into four parts, namely listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Related articles about IELTS:
| Scope of IELTS for German Universities | Study in Germany without IELTS |
| Top 10 IELTS Coaching Centers in India | IELTS Syllabus |
TOEFL Requirements to Study in Germany
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is organized and conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), USA. The aim of the test is to check the ability of a person to understand and communicate in standard North American English. The tests, like IELTS, tests you on spoken, written and listening skills and are also widely accepted.
There are other tests like PTE (Pearson Tests of English) which are also widely accepted. While Universities often accept the scores interchangeably, some universities might ask for a specific course. For the same, it is always advisable to check the University for the Tests required.
Related articles about TOEFL:
- Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS: A Comparison
- Top 14 TOEFL Coaching Centers in India
- TOEFL Syllabus
In case you are planning to take up a course in the German Language, you would need to show your proficiency in German as a language. Universities in Germany often accept either of the two German Language Tests.
TestDAF
Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test of German as a Foreign Language) or TestDAF is conducted by TestDAF Institute, Germany. The standardized language test judges an applicant’s ability to understand the language and communicate in the language in an analytical manner. The test can be taken in India itself and is conducted by Goethe Institute in the country. Almost all universities in Germany accept the test but the score requirement may vary from university to university.
DSH
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang or DSH is also a language proficiency test for the German language. It is, however, a university-specific exam conducted independently by universities in Germany. Many universities might accept the DSH score given by a different university while some others might require you to take an internal DSH examination. You can compare the TestDAF and DSH examinations to understand which would be a better one for you.
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Aptitude Tests for Study in Germany
Germany as a country gives rather high importance to academic and scholastic aptitude and nothing short of the very best impresses them. With the same in mind, they too have stringent requirements.
Aptitude Tests for Undergraduate courses
The key to understanding the tests for undergraduate courses in Germany is to first understand the bachelor program course structure and the eligibility requirement for UG courses in Germany. In a nutshell, however, it can be summarized that German Universities require the candidates to be at par with the German Equivalent of a "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung" (HZB) which is essentially a university entrance test. Here are a few tests that an undergraduate student can write.
JEE Advanced
Yes, the very Joint Entrance Examinations for engineering entrances to the elite IITs are also a qualifier for German Universities. So, in case you are interested in pursuing your under graduation in any of the STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics related subjects, then clearing the JEE Advanced is what you need.
Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)
There are no standardized tests for German University admissions for undergraduates. Essentially, your score should match up to the requirements of the German University. In some cases, however, you might be required to clear the FSP – Feststellungsprüfung. The exam is usually taken after the end of the preparatory course conducted by Studienkolleg but a student can opt to write an external FSP. Basically, you can opt to showcase your aptitude without undertaking a yearlong preparatory course. These exams, however, are conducted by universities in Germany and dates and specifications vary. These exams are subject-specific and would be administered basis on the subject you are applying for.
Aptitude Tests for Postgraduate courses
Like in the case of undergraduate courses, before we understand the tests, understanding the course structure for PG courses as well as an eligibility requirement for postgraduate degree programs in Germany is extremely important. As far as tests are concerned, the following are generally accepted at German Universities and Business Schools.
GRE
GRE or the Graduate Record Examination is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS) and is accepted worldwide as a measure of aptitude for postgraduate courses. The test scores are valid and acceptable at German Universities as well. It is important to note that while universities accept the tests, they might require you to take a subject test as well.
Related articles about GRE:
- GRE Subject Tests: What they are and which exam to take for which course?
- Improving your GRE Score: Why and How?
- GRE Syllabus
GMAT
GMAT or Graduate Management Aptitude Test is widely accepted across the globe for postgraduate courses in management/ business/ finance. The same applies to Germany as well. The test, administered by GMAC is an accepted measure for business courses in German Universities as well as offering MBA programs to international students. It is important to note that some universities might require a GRE instead of a GMAT for the MBA programs as well.
It is important to note that the Universities in Germany are essentially independent entities and it would be wise to first check with the respective university about the tests required before you start preparing for either or all of the above. So, research properly and then start preparing!
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Exams Required for Admissions in Germany FAQs
Q. What eligibility requirements do I need to meet for studying in a German university?
A. Most of the institutes in Germany have weaved high admission requirements for students applying from a foreign country. Those applying from India need to possess almost 90% for admission to the top universities along with a one-year bachelor's degree from their country. Also, they are required to appear for IELTS or TOEFL to prove their efficiency in the language.
Q. How many intakes do the universities in Germany have?
A. German universities/colleges have two intakes per year - September/October and March/April. Students are suggested to apply timely in their target universities as the entire application and visa procedure may take almost 9 months. For the Sept/Octo intake, students can apply till January 15, whereas for March/April intake, July 15th is the last date. Also, after your application has been received by the university, it may take 3-4 months to inform you about the outcome.
Q. Are overseas students permitted to work while studying in Germany?
A. Overseas students studying in Germany can take up part-time jobs for 90 full days or 180 days yearly. Graduate students can search for jobs by staying in the country for 18-24 months on the basis of their course. After obtaining a job they can convert their student permit to a residence permit for taking gainful employment.
Q. What are the types of German Student Visas?
A. Basically, there are three types of German student visas. The general 'German Student Visa' will be required for all overseas students who have been enrolled on a German university/college. The German Student Application Visa can be used by those who wish to visit Germany and apply for a course there in person. Please note that with this visa you won't be able to study here. Lastly, those who want to study a German language course here will need a German Langauge Course Visa.
Q. Can I study free of cost in German universities?
A. Yes, you absolutely can. Most of the institutes in Germany which are funded by the state do not charge anything for higher education courses. You may be required to pay only for some of the highly specialised programmes. Also, students do need to deposit the administration fees every year in the beginning if they are studying at a public university.
Q. Which exam is required to study in Germany?
A. In order to study in Germany, you will have to submit one English/German (or both) language proficiency exam score(s) and aptitude test course, as per the requirement of your programme of choice. Germany entrance exam for Indian students include IELTS/TOEFL for English language proficiency, and TestDAF/DSH for German language proficiency. When it comes to the aptitude tests, you require JEE Advanced scores or FSP scores for admissions in bachelor's courses, and GMAT/GRE for master's courses.
Q: Which countries require IELTS score for admission?
In order to be eligible to study abroad, IELTS ecam scores will be required in majority of the English speaking countries. In total there are 140 countries which accept IELTS scores for admissions from international students. Some of these top countries are as follows:
Q: Is BSBI degree valid in Germany?
BSBI does not hold degree-awarding powers in Germany and its programmes are validated by private Italian distance learning institution UniNettuno International Telematic University. BSBI has also partnered with Concordia University Chicago to deliver programmes at its Berlin campus.
Q: What is the cost of a student visa in Germany?
International students going to pursue higher education in Germany are required to apply for a German study visa. The cost of study visa for Germany is EUR 75 per applicant. Below we have provided a check list for German student visa:
- Valid passport
- Application form
- Declaration for additional contact and legal representation information
- Copy of passport
- Proof of admittance to the study course
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Financial Means
Q: How can I get admission to IU Berlin?
International students who wish to study at IU Berlin can apply for admission online through official wesbite. Students must follow the below points to apply easily for IU International University of Applied Sciences admissions:
- Visit the website and check the list of IU Germany courses
- Choose your programme
- Apply online using official website
- Submit your contract
- Start your studies
Q: What are the requirements for Delft University of Technology?
TU Delft has its own criteria that vary as per the programs for international students. We have mentioned below the Delft University of Technology requirements for international students:
For Undergraduate Admission
· Must have a secondary school Diploma equivalent to the Dutch pre-university
· Required examination subjects as per the program
· English Language Proficiency test score
For Graduate Admission
· A bachelor’s degree
· Must achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 75% in bachelor’s degree
· English Language Proficiency test score
· Additional test score of GMAT/GRE (if applicable)
Q: What is the ranking of Heidelberg University Germany?
According to the QS World Rankings 2024, Heidelberg University Germany has a ranking of #87 in the world. Some of the world rankings at the university are given as follows:
| Year | QS World Rankings |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 66 |
| 2021 | NA |
| 2022 | 63 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 87 |
Q: What is the IU Germany deadline for international students?
There is no official IU Germany deadline for international students to study any of the undergraduate or graduate programs at the university. Students can apply for IU International University of Applied Sciences admissions online.
International students can check the Admission Deadlines for German Universities
Q: Is KIT Germany free for international students?
As per Article 3 LHGebG (Baden-Württemberg Act on State University Fees), international students from third-countries / Non-EU countries attending bachelor’s, teacher’s, and consecutive master’s programs and free movers will have to pay the tuition fee of amount EUR 1,500 per semester. Students can check the cost of living in Germany for International Students from here.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
Chandra has been mentoring students for the past seven years and has expertise in overseas counseling for those applying to Sweden, Germany, France, and Ireland. He is a people person and enjoys interacting with peo... Read Full Bio
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