Study tool
IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo for your university?
Different German universities accept different English tests at different score thresholds. We pick the cheapest valid path.
Study tool
Decide your English test
IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Decision tree based on your target university, field, English level, priority, and any existing score. Free, no signup.
Step 1 of 5
Step 1 of 5, What's your target university type?
What's your target university type?
Cutoffs vary by tier: TU9 typically wants IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 95+; mid-tier accepts IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80+.
See your full Germany plan
You have one answer. Now see the study steps around it, from applications to arrival.
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Frequently asked questions
Do German universities accept Duolingo?
Most public universities outside the TU9 group accept Duolingo, especially for non-elite Master's programs. The TU9 (TUM, RWTH, KIT, etc.) and most top-100 ranked universities prefer IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT. Always check the specific program's admission page; acceptance is set per-program, not per-university.
Which English test is cheapest in 2026?
Duolingo English Test costs around 65 EUR globally; IELTS Academic costs around 240 to 260 EUR; TOEFL iBT costs around 220 to 260 EUR. If your target uni accepts Duolingo, it is roughly a quarter of the price. The trade-off is acceptance breadth: Duolingo is patchy at TU9 universities and most premium programs.
Which test gives the fastest score?
Duolingo's score is available in approximately 2 days after taking the test. TOEFL iBT scores typically appear in 6 to 8 days. IELTS Academic computer-delivered scores arrive in 3 to 5 days; paper-delivered IELTS takes about 13 days. If you are close to a deadline, Duolingo or TOEFL iBT computer-based are the fastest paths.
Can I use my old IELTS or TOEFL score?
Yes, both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. Most German universities accept scores in this 2-year window without re-testing. Duolingo also has a 2-year validity period. If your score still meets the cutoff and the test is within 2 years, save the test fee and use what you have.
What scores do German universities want?
Typical Master's program cutoffs: IELTS 6.5 overall (TU9 often 7.0, with no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 88 to 95 (TU9 often 95+); Duolingo 115 to 125. English-taught Bachelor programs sometimes accept slightly lower scores (IELTS 6.0). Always verify the exact program's published minimum on the university website.
Do I need an English test for German-taught programs?
No. German-taught Bachelor and Master programs typically require TestDaF (level 4 in all 4 sections) or DSH (level 2 or 3) instead of an English test. If your target program is in German, plan for a German-language test, not an English one. Most humanities and many traditional Bachelor programs in Germany are German-taught.