ScoreFluent

Official sources checked 6 October 2026

Which English test should you take for a German university?

The programme's teaching language controls the language evidence. Academic qualification recognition is a separate admission check.

Short answer: find the programme first. DAAD says most programmes are taught in German, while international or postgraduate programmes taught in English use English proof. The institution and programme set the accepted evidence. Start with the DAAD requirements overview.

Start with teaching language, then open the regulations

German-taught

Expect German evidence

The accepted certificates and level depend on the university and programme. English ability does not replace the named German proof.

English-taught

Expect English evidence

Check the exact test list and alternatives such as prior English-medium study. Do not assume every English programme uses the same rule.

Multilingual

You may need both

Some programmes contain German and English coursework. The programme regulations determine which language skills must be proved at application or later.

TUM shows why institution examples must stay labelled

For relevant English-taught programmes, Technical University of Munich currently lists TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency and PTE Academic. It also distinguishes accepted delivery modes and alternative proof through prior English-medium education.

Some TUM bachelor's programmes assess English during their aptitude process instead of requiring a certificate at application. Other programmes use their own Academic and Examination Regulations. This is a TUM example, not a Germany-wide test list.

Check TUM's current language-certificate page →

Your German university application checklist

  1. Check academic access. Use DAAD's admission database or the route named by the institution to assess your prior qualification.
  2. Confirm teaching languages. Read the programme page and its binding regulations, not only a search-directory label.
  3. Record acceptable proof. Capture tests, minimums, delivery modes, prior-study alternatives and document format.
  4. Check the application channel. Apply through the institution, uni-assist or the specified body and meet its document deadlines.
  5. Check immigration separately. Admission and language proof do not by themselves establish whether you need a student visa or residence permit.

Admission and visa are separate checks. If your nationality requires a study visa, review the official visa for studying guidance for admission, financial and language evidence, then confirm the documents with the responsible German embassy or consulate.

Compare accepted English test formats →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an English test to study in Germany?

It depends on the programme’s teaching language and its regulations. English-taught programmes may require English evidence; German-taught programmes usually require German, and multilingual programmes may require both.

Does an English-taught programme mean I never need German?

No universal rule says that. Check the programme regulations, any German modules, placement or enrolment conditions, and the practical value of German outside class.

Which English tests do German universities accept?

Each institution and programme decides. TUM is one example that recognises TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency and PTE Academic for relevant English-taught programmes.

Is language proof enough for admission?

No. You must also show that your school-leaving certificate or prior degree meets the programme’s academic entry requirements, sometimes through uni-assist or another recognition process.

Official sources

Requirements change. Check the immigration authority and the receiving institution or programme again before booking a test or submitting an application.

Related destination guides

Prepare for the certificate your programme names.

ScoreFluent supports TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced practice. A German university can accept a different set or alternative evidence.

Explore practice →