Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: The main entrance exams for studying in Germany are IELTS/TOEFL (English proficiency, minimum 6.0–6.5 / 80–85), GRE/GMAT (required by select programs), and Goethe/TestDaF/DSH (German proficiency for German-taught programs). Not all exams are required for every program; check your target university's specific requirements.

Planning to study in Germany? Understanding which entrance exams you need is a critical first step. This guide covers all the major exams, their formats, costs, and when you actually need them.

English Proficiency:

IELTS and TOEFL

For English-taught programs in Germany, you'll need to prove English proficiency through either IELTS or TOEFL.

| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL | |

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---| | Minimum score | 6.0–6.5 (varies by university) | 80–90 (varies by university) | | Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | | Duration | ~2 hours 45 minutes | ~3 hours | | Cost | ~EUR 200 / INR 17,000 | ~EUR 185 / INR 16,900 | | Validity | 2 years | 2 years | | Frequency | Multiple times per month | Multiple times per month |

Not sure which to take? See our detailed IELTS vs TOEFL comparison. You can also convert scores using our TOEFL-IELTS score converter.

Preparation Tips

• Practice regularly: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions
• Build vocabulary: Read academic journals, news articles, and English-language media
• Improve listening skills: Podcasts, audiobooks, and English films help with accent familiarity
• Practice essay writing: Both exams require structured, coherent written responses

GRE: For Engineering, Science, and Humanities Programs

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required or recommended by select Master's programs, particularly in engineering, natural sciences, and some humanities fields.

| Aspect | Details | |

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---| | Sections | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing | | Scoring | Verbal: 130–170, Quantitative: 130–170, Writing: 0–6 | | Cost | ~EUR 220 / INR 22,550 | | Validity | 5 years | | Frequency | Year-round at test centers |

Important: Most German universities do not require the GRE. It's primarily needed for competitive programs at top institutions (e.g., TUM, RWTH Aachen for certain engineering Master's). Always check the specific program requirements.

Preparation Tips

• Practice GRE-style quantitative and verbal problems regularly
• Read diverse texts (scientific articles, opinion pieces, literature) for verbal reasoning
• Study high-scoring analytical writing samples to understand what's expected

GMAT: For Business and Management Programs

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for MBA and management Master's programs at many German business schools.

| Aspect | Details | |

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---| | Sections | Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal | | Scoring | 200–800 (total), plus separate section scores | | Cost | ~EUR 275 / INR 25,000 | | Validity | 5 years | | Frequency | Year-round at test centers and online |

For more on MBA options, see our guide to MBA in Germany.

German Language Exams:

Goethe, TestDaF, and DSH

If you're applying to German-taught programs, you'll need one of these three certifications. For a detailed comparison, see our Goethe vs TestDaF vs DSH guide.

| Exam | Best For | Levels | Cost | Validity | |

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---| | Goethe-Zertifikat | General proficiency, visa applications | A1–C2 | EUR 130–300 | Lifetime | | TestDaF | University admission from abroad | B2–C1 (TDN 3–5) | ~EUR 195 | 2 years | | DSH | University admission while in Germany | DSH-1 to DSH-3 | EUR 60–150 | Varies |

Most universities require TestDaF TDN 4 in all sections or DSH-2 for admission to German-taught programs.

Do You Need German for English-Taught Programs?

Most English-taught programs do not require German proficiency for admission. However, having at least A1–B1 German is strongly recommended for:

• Daily life (housing, bureaucracy, shopping)
• Part-time job opportunities
• Cultural integration and social connections
• Post-graduation career prospects (most German employers expect at least B2)

We offer German language courses from A1 to B2 to help you prepare.

Which Exams Do You Actually Need?

| Program Type | Required Exams | |

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---| | English-taught Master's | IELTS or TOEFL + GRE (if specified by program) | | German-taught Master's | TestDaF or DSH + GRE (if specified) | | MBA / Management Master's | IELTS or TOEFL + GMAT | | German-taught Bachelor's | TestDaF or DSH (+ Studienkolleg/FSP if applicable) | | English-taught Bachelor's | IELTS or TOEFL |

Always check your target university's specific requirements. Some programs accept alternative proofs of language proficiency, and GRE/GMAT requirements vary widely.

Exam Timeline:

When to Take Each Test

| Timeline | Action | |

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---| | 18–12 months before | Start language preparation (German A1–B2 or English proficiency) | | 12–9 months before | Take IELTS/TOEFL | | 10–8 months before | Take GRE/GMAT (if required) | | 8–6 months before | Take TestDaF/DSH (if required) | | 6–3 months before | Submit university applications |

Application deadlines: July 15 for winter semester, January 15 for summer semester. Factor in uni-assist processing time (4–6 weeks) if your university uses it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entrance exams required for all programs in Germany?

No. Many German universities, especially for Master's programs, admit students based on academic transcripts and motivation letters without requiring GRE or GMAT. English or German language proficiency tests are almost always required, depending on the program language.

What are the minimum IELTS and TOEFL scores for German universities?

Most universities require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90. Competitive programs at top universities may require IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100. Always verify with the specific program.

Is the GRE required for all Master's programs in Germany?

No. The GRE is only required by select programs, primarily at top technical universities for competitive engineering and science Master's degrees. The majority of German universities do not require it.

Do I need to know German to study in Germany?

For English-taught programs, German is not required for admission. However, basic German (A1–B1) significantly improves your experience with daily life, job hunting, and cultural integration. For German-taught programs, you need at least B2–C1 proficiency (TestDaF TDN 4 or DSH-2).

Which German language test is easiest to pass?

DSH is often considered more accessible because universities offer preparatory courses. TestDaF has a standardized format that becomes predictable with practice. Difficulty is subjective and depends on your learning style and preparation.

Can I use my IELTS score for multiple university applications?

Yes. Both IELTS and TOEFL scores can be used for multiple applications within their 2-year validity period. Some universities require scores sent directly from the testing organization; others accept uploaded copies.