English Language Tests Accepted in Germany 2026 for International Students

Study in Germany – No More Confusion About English Tests

If you’re planning to study in Germany in 2026, but aren’t sure which English language test to take — you’re in the right place.
The good news is that Germany doesn’t rely on IELTS alone. Many universities now accept multiple English tests — giving international students flexible options to prove their language proficiency.

In this guide, you’ll find:

The full list of English tests accepted in Germany 2026
Minimum required scores and formats
Alternatives if you studied in English before
Tips for choosing the best test for your situation

Why Germany Requires an English Test

Most German universities — especially those offering English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s programs — require proof of English proficiency.
This ensures that students can follow lectures, write academic papers, and participate confidently in discussions.

However, if your previous studies were conducted in English or you’re from a native-speaking country, you might be exempted from this requirement (more on that below).

English Language Tests Accepted in Germany 2026

Here’s the list of officially accepted English tests for international students in 2026 — including formats, validity, and score requirements.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

Accepted by: Almost all German universities
Formats: Academic & UKVI Academic
Minimum Score: 6.0–7.0 overall
Validity: 2 years
Sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking
Tip: Always take the Academic version — General is not accepted for university admissions.

TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language

Accepted by: Most public universities in Germany
Format: Internet-based test (iBT)
Minimum Score: 72–100
Validity: 2 years
Advantage: Universally recognized and suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English

Increasingly popular among German universities
Computer-based test with AI scoring
⏱ Results available within 48 hours
Minimum Score: 55–70
Validity: 2 years
Why Choose PTE: Fast results and flexible scheduling, ideal for last-minute applicants.

Cambridge English Exams (B2, C1, C2 Levels)

Recognized by: Most German universities
Commonly Accepted Levels: C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE)
Minimum: Grade B or higher
Validity: Lifetime (no expiry!)
Benefit: Perfect for students who want a long-term, reusable certification.

Duolingo English Test

100% online – take from home anytime
Affordable and quick results (within 48 hours)
Minimum Score: 95–120
Validity: 2 years
Why Students Love It: Ideal for remote applicants, cost-effective, and accepted by many German institutions.

TOEIC – Test of English for International Communication

Accepted by some technical and business universities
Focuses on workplace English rather than academic English
Minimum Score: Around 750+ (varies by institution)
Validity: 2 years
Best for MBA or business-oriented courses.

Quick Comparison Table

Test Name	Accepted in Germany	Typical Minimum Score	Format	Validity
IELTS	Widely accepted	6.0 – 7.0	Paper / Computer	2 years
TOEFL iBT	Widely accepted	72 – 100	Online	2 years
PTE Academic	Increasingly accepted	55 – 70	Computer-based	2 years
Cambridge C1	Widely accepted	Grade B or higher	Paper / Computer	Lifetime
Duolingo	Growing acceptance	95 – 120	Online	2 years
TOEIC	Limited acceptance	750+	Paper / Online	2 years

Who Can Skip the English Test?

Not everyone is required to take an English test. You can skip it if:
✅ Your previous degree was taught entirely in English (get a Medium of Instruction certificate – MOI)
✅ You are from an English-speaking country (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.)
✅ Your university issues an official MOI letter confirming English as the teaching language

Ask your previous institution for an MOI certificate — it’s widely accepted by many German universities.

How to Choose the Right English Test

Consider these points before deciding which test suits you best:

University Preference: Some universities prefer IELTS or TOEFL specifically.
Deadline: Need fast results? Choose PTE or Duolingo.
Budget: Duolingo is the most affordable option.
Location: Choose TOEFL or Duolingo if test centers are far away.

What If You Don’t Meet the Language Requirement?

Don’t panic — you still have several options:

Retake the test to improve your score
Enroll in a pre-sessional English course at your chosen university
Join a foundation year (Studienkolleg) in Germany
Submit an MOI certificate or recommendation letters highlighting your English skills

Is English Required for German-Taught Programs?

No — if your course is fully taught in German, you don’t need any English test.
Instead, you’ll need to show proof of German proficiency, such as:

TestDaF
DSH
Goethe-Zertifikat

If your program is bilingual or partially in English, then both English and German language proof might be required.

Study in Germany Without IELTS – It’s Possible

Yes! You can still study in Germany without IELTS by providing:

PTE, Duolingo, or Cambridge English results, or
An official Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate proving previous English-medium education.

This flexibility makes Germany one of the best destinations for international students in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right English language test for Germany 2026 depends on your university’s preference, time, and budget.
Whether you take IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, or Duolingo, all are valid — just make sure your scores meet the university’s minimum criteria.

For faster admissions, many students now prefer PTE Academic or Duolingo, while others rely on MOI certificates to study without IELTS.

Start preparing early and keep your documents ready — your journey to studying in Germany begins with the right English test! ✨