Study in Germany - Exams Required for International Students

Generally, English proficiency tests are conducted to ensure international students have the necessary English language skills to pursue English-taught programmes in a foreign university. The tests examine students' writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. There are various English proficiency exams that German Universities widely accept.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most accepted English proficiency exam. It is conducted to check the English proficiency of a student who wishes to study abroad. The test contains four modules, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. There is no as such age limit to appear for this exam. Also, it is accepted for undergraduate as well as postgraduate level courses. The scores of the IELTS exam are valid for 2 years. The IELTS exam score is calculated between 0 to 9 bands in each section based on the student's performance. After that, the overall score is calculated based on the average band score of all four modules. The minimum overall score required in IELTS to take admission to German Universities is 6.0 (not less than 5.5 in any module). At the same time, the minimum overall score may go higher depending on the course and university you choose.

TOEFL

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is an English proficiency test that checks English language skills in four aspects, Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking. There are no such passing marks in this test. The minimum overall score required to pursue a bachelor's in German universities is 90, and for a master's, it is 87. The students can appear for the TOEFL as many times as they wish. However, once the student has registered for the test, they cannot register for it again within 12 days of their appointment. Also, any student who has cleared 10+2 education can appear for TOEFL.

Duolingo

Duolingo is an online English proficiency test. It is considered one of the most straightforward English proficiency exams. It is one of the most efficient and accessible exams that students can give anywhere at any point in time. The students can get the result of this test within 48 hours. The minimum overall score required in Duolingo to study in German universities at the undergraduate level is 100 points, and for postgraduate, 95 points. Like IELTS, it is also valid for 2 years. Also, the students can appear 3 times for this test in 30 days.

Apart from the English proficiency exams, the students may also require the scores of other exams. Some of the exams required for admission to German universities are mentioned below.

Studienkolleg Exam

To enrol for the undergraduate programme in German universities, international students require education of 13 years (12 years of schooling and one year of bachelor course). If the students cannot attend the first year of the bachelor's course, they have to join the Studienkolleg programme. The Studienkolleg programme is a one-year pre-bachelor course. After completing the course, students must clear the Studienkolleg entrance exam to enrol for the bachelor's course. During the Studienkolleg course, the students get a basic knowledge of the field they are entering. Alternatively, if students plan on attending a German-language study program and want to improve their language skills, Studienkolleg is an excellent opportunity to prepare.

GRE

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardised test required for admission to foreign universities to study for a postgraduate degree in management, finance, and business-related courses. Many graduate and business schools in Germany widely accept it. There are two types of GRE exams, General and Subject tests. The General GRE test examines a student's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills. At the same time, the GRE Subject Test evaluates the candidate's knowledge of that particular field. The score of the GRE test gets available in 10 to 15 days. 

GMAT

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-based test required to enrol for business management programmes in universities abroad. It is a multiple-choice-based exam that the GMAC develops. It facilitates the business schools to select the applicants by testing them on common measures. Although the students can appear for the GMAT without work experience, top business schools in Germany look for a minimum of 2 years of work experience and a GMAT score. The GMAT test includes four components: analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal reasoning.

TestAS

The TestAS (Aptitude Test for Academic Studies) evaluate the candidate’s general and subject-related knowledge. It also helps German universities to enrol the student into degree programmes directly. Generally, the students whose academic documents are lost or have low previous academic scores have to appear for this test.

In the process of taking admission to German universities, the students require some essential documents. The list of necessary documents is mentioned below.

• Academic documents (Original copies of 10th, 12th (Original Scan) / bachelor Transcripts (if applicable).

• Degree Certificate of Graduation

• Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) / IELTS (Must in almost all public universities)

• Passport-sized photographs

• Other certificates & Achievements and Resume

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Original Passport

Moreover, the students wishing to study in Germany may contact our expert counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best guidance required to be admitted to German Universities. You can mail us at applicatuion02@meridean.org or call us toll-free at 1800-1230-00011.