Being able to study abroad in Germany without IELTS offers an exciting opportunity for International Students who are interested in advancing their studies abroad in one of the top education systems in the world. Germany, ranked 4th globally by U.S. News, is known for its high academic standards and well-developed research facilities, which attract students from all corners of the world. However, for a lot of students, the strict English language requirements that institutions in other countries have set are often discouraging.
Germany provides a solution to this problem by having multiple pathways for showing English proficiency, opening the doors not only for students with solid academic backgrounds but also for those who have never taken the IELTS exam. Here’s how you can study in Germany without IELTS as well.
IELTS is not universally required for studying in Germany. Many German universities, like the Technical University of Munich, recognize the need for flexibility in assessing English language proficiency and have adopted alternative methods to accommodate a wider range of international students. This approach allows students who may have strong academic credentials but lack IELTS certification to still pursue their education in Germany.
How Can You Study in Germany Without IELTS
To study in Germany without IELTS, students can provide alternative proof of English proficiency. This might include previous education in English, other standardized tests, or university-specific language courses and assessments. Researching individual university requirements is essential as each institution may have its own criteria.
What Are Alternatives to IELTS for Studying in Germany
TOEFL: Another widely accepted English proficiency test.
Medium of Instruction Certificate: A document from your previous institution certifying that your education was in English.
Language Course at the University: Some universities offer language courses to help students meet the required proficiency levels.
Cambridge English Tests: Accepted by many universities as proof of English language skills.
Top German Universities that Accept Students Without IELTS Score
Aspirants need to meet certain criteria if they want to be accepted into German universities without IELTS. Even though not all universities in the country admit students without IELTS, there are several reputed ones that may accept you. Here’s the list of top universities that are open to accepting international students without IELTS scores:
University of Kassel
University of Giessen
Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
University of Siegen
University of Kiel
Ruhr University Bochum
Technical University of Braunschweig
University of Bayreuth
Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
Chemnitz University of Technology
University of Koblenz and Landau
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
University of Bonn
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
Free University of Berlin
University of Kaiserslautern
University of Hildesheim
Note: The list is not exhaustive and there may be other German universities that admit students without IELTS.
Can You Study in English in Germany Without IELTS
Yes, you can study in English in Germany without IELTS. Many universities offer English-taught programs that do not require IELTS scores. Instead, they may accept other forms of proof of English proficiency like records of previous education in English, aptitude exams, GMAT or provide their own language assessments.
Post-Grad Courses Offered by IU Germany Without IELTS
University
Course
Course Duration
Course USPs
IU Germany
MBA (90 ECTS)
18-month
Five specializations to choose from-Engineering Management, Finance & Accounting, International Marketing, Big Data Management and IT Management.
Alumni status by IU Germany and London South Bank University.
Save up to ₹10 lakh.
Post-study work visa of up to 18 months.
No IELTS score is required for admission.
IU Germany
MS in Data Science
2-year
Cost savings of up to ₹ 11 lakh.
Alumni status by IU Germany and IIIT Bangalore.
Five specializations at IIIT Bangalore and 10 electives at IU.
Two specializations to choose from – Finance & Accounting and International Marketing.
Alumni status by IMT, Ghaziabad, and IU Germany.
Post-study work visa of up to 18 months.
No IELTS score is required for admission.
Benefits of Studying in Germany
Affordable tuition fee: With a no-tuition fee policy at public institutes, Germany offers the same perks and advantages to domestic and international students.
High-ranked universities: Germany has around 429 public higher education institutions. German universities adhere to the highest global education standards in terms of quality, and some of them have been ranked consistently amongst the best in the world.
Work opportunities while studying: International students can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours every week to meet their financial needs or gain work experience. More than 60% of present international students work part-time while studying in the country.
Job prospects: German degrees are globally recognized and trusted by employers worldwide. German university graduates are highly employable.
How to Study in Germany Without IELTS?
Aspirants can study with upGrad Abroad to bypass IELTS while getting admitted to courses such as MBA, Master Degree in Data Science, Master in Computer Science, Master in International Management, and Master in Cyber Security at Germany’s IU International University of Applied Sciences. In fact, aspirants do not need to undertake, any English proficiency test if they can furnish a Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI), which is an alternative to English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and others.
Issued by a student’s previous institute, it states the language in which he/she has completed the degree education, in this case, English. If that is not an option, the university will take an aspirant’s audio-visual interview to check his/her command over the English language. One can also seek admission to a German language program if they intend to skip the IELTS test. For this, it is important to take German language tests such as TestDaf, WiDaf, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat, and others.
upGrad under its UA Accelerator Programs has collaborated with IU Germany to offer the following benefits:-
Cost savings of up to ₹20 lakh.
No requirement for IELTS scores.
Personalized learning journey.
Live lectures and 24×7 QnA.
Small group coaching sessions.
Videos from industry experts.
Student success mentors.
Personalized feedback on assignments.
Post-study work visa for up to 18 months.
Earn an average salary of ₹45 lakh after course completion.
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Important Note
The decision to waive off IELTS/EPT as a requirement for graduate admissions falls upon the sole discretion of the admitting university and is dependent on, however not limited to, the student's academic credentials and English proficiency. Aspirants should consult with their academic counselors or university officials to determine if they qualify for the exemption. For Visa success, it is best recommended to add your IELTS/EPT results with your application.
Here is a list of the post-grad courses offered by IU Germany in collaboration with upGrad Abroad, along with its major USPs:
MBA (90 ECTS) at IU Germany
IU Germany is one of the best educational institutions to study in Germany. MBA is an 18-month-long program and requires learners to study online for the first two semesters. For the third semester, students will be studying on-campus in Germany.
USPs of the program
Five specializations to choose from-Engineering Management, Finance & Accounting, International Marketing, Big Data Management and IT Management.
Alumni status by IU Germany and London South Bank University.
Save up to ₹10 lakh.
Post-study work visa of up to 18 months.
No IELTS score is required for admission.
Master Degree in Data Science at IU Germany
For the first year of this two-year course, learners will study online with IIIT Bangalore. The second year will be completed on-campus at IU Germany.
USPs of the program
Cost savings of up to ₹20 lakh.
Alumni status by IU Germany and IIIT Bangalore.
Six specializations at IIIT Bangalore and 10 electives at IU.
Post-study work visa of up to 18 months.
No IELTS score required for admission.
MIM at IU Germany
IU Germany offers one of its most prestigious management courses, Master in International Management (MIM), in collaboration with upGrad Abroad.
The two-year program allows one year of online learning at IMT, Ghaziabad. For the second year, students move to Germany to study at IU campus.
USPs of the program
Cost savings of up to ₹20 lakh.
Two specializations to choose from – Finance & Accounting and International Marketing.
Alumni status by IMT, Ghaziabad, and IU Germany.
Post-study work visa of up to 18 months.
No IELTS score is required for admission. Source: Bharat in Germany
Master in Computer Science (120 ECTS) at IU Germany
The two-year course offers a blend of online and on-campus education at IU Germany.
USPs of the program
Cost savings of up to ₹20 lakh.
Alumni status by IU Germany and London South Bank University.
Option of nine electives.
No IELTS score is required for admission.
Aspirants can also take the following English language proficiency tests if they want to study in Germany without IELTS:
Short for Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL is an internationally accepted, standardized English language test accepted by universities across the globe, including Germany. TOEFL tests you based on four skills: writing, reading, listening and speaking. You are scored between 0-120, and anything over 110+ is good for admissions.
Pearson Test for English is a three-hour test whose scores are accepted in several countries, including Germany. PTE Academic is taken to study abroad. The results for PTE are usually declared 48 hours after taking it.
TOEIC Certification
Short for Test of English for International Communication, the TOEIC certification is unlike the other language proficiency tests. This certification focuses on conversational English language skills and your ability to use the language in an intercultural environment. This means there is an added emphasis on the verbal skills in this exam. The TOEIC certification test consists of tasks that analyze your vocabulary, coherency, intonation, pronunciation, and content.
How to Get a German Student Visa Without IELTS?
An aspirant may only need to provide an MOI and a university confirmation letter that verifies his/her MOI to get a German student visa.
Here’s the process to follow when applying for a German student visa without IELTS:
Locate the German embassy nearest to you.
Understand in detail the procedure and process involved.
Fix your visa appointment.
Get all your documents ready.
Prepare for your appointment with the passport.
Here are few more Samples Reading Answers for IELTS
Documents Required to Study in Germany without IELTS
You will need an additional set of documents if you are planning to study in Germany without IELTS. They are:
1. Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI): This document is necessary not just for the purpose of admission but also for acquiring a German student visa.
2. Confirmation Letter: Once you have been accepted by a German university, make sure you get an official letter stating that you have been accepted and your MOI has been verified. This letter can be used in place of a scorecard for any language proficiency test.
3. Course in the German language: You can also seek admission to a German university without IELTS by taking admission to a German language program. However, to pursue this program you will need to submit a certification in the German language. A C1 to B1 level certificate will serve the purpose in this case.
4. German student visa: There is no alternative to a German student visa and it is the most essential document required to visit Germany for education.
Affordable tuition fee: With a no tuition fee policy at public institutes, Germany offers the same perks and advantages to domestic and international students.
High-ranked universities: Germany has around 429 public higher education institutions. German universities adhere to the highest global education standards in terms of quality and some of them have been ranked consistently amongst the best in the world.
Work opportunities while studying: International students can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours every week to meet their financial needs or gain work experience. More than 60% of present international students work part-time while studying in the country.
Job prospects: German degrees are globally recognized and trusted by employers worldwide. German university graduates are highly employable.
Scholarships in Germany
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships in Germany
Every year, the foundation awards as many as 1200 scholarships to international UG, PG, and Ph.D. students. Non-EU students pursuing graduate studies will receive €850 per month in addition to individual allowances. Meanwhile, Ph.D. students will receive €1,200 per month, in addition to a €100 mobility allowance per month and other individual allowances.
DAAD Scholarship
These are awarded by the German government to students who qualify for a full-time master's course study. The applicants should be bachelor's degree holders, which must be completed in the last 6 years, and should have at least two years of proven work experience. The monthly stipend amount of the DAAD scholarship is €850 for postgraduate students and €1,200 for doctoral students.
Goethe Goes Global
The scholarship aims at boosting the career prospects of master’s students. There are around 20 scholarships sanctioned for international students annually. Those completing bachelor’s degrees may apply.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
International students planning to pursue their Ph.D. or master's course in the country may be eligible for KAS scholarship programs. The scholarship is awarded for one year.
What Documentation is Needed for Admission in Germany Without IELTS
When applying for admission without IELTS, you typically need:
Completed Application Form: Provided by the university.
Proof of Previous Education: Transcripts and certificates.
Proof of English Proficiency: Alternatives to IELTS such as TOEFL scores or a Medium of Instruction Certificate.
Letter of Motivation: Explaining why you want to study at that university.
Letters of Recommendation: From previous professors or employers.
Passport Copy: For identification.
What Are Requirements for Study Visa in Germany Without IELTS
For a study visa, the requirements generally include:
University Admission Letter: Proof of admission to a German university.
Proof of Financial Resources: Showing you can support yourself during your studies.
Health Insurance: Valid for your stay in Germany.
Proof of Residence: Where you will be living in Germany.
Proof of English Proficiency: An MOI Certificate (Medium of Instruction) or any other document approved by the university.
How Do Indian Students Study in Germany Without IELTS
Indian students can study in Germany without IELTS by:
Providing Alternative Proof of English Proficiency: Such as TOEFL scores or a Medium of Instruction Certificate.
Applying to Universities with Flexible Language Requirements: Researching and applying to those that do not mandate IELTS.
Taking a Language Course: At the university to meet the proficiency requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the prospect of studying in Germany without IELTS for Indian students in 2024 represents a significant opportunity to access world-class education in one of Europe's leading academic destinations. This pathway underscores Germany's commitment to attracting diverse international talent by offering alternative language proficiency verification methods. With its renowned universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a wide array of English-taught programs, Germany provides an inclusive and enriching educational environment. Indian students can leverage this opportunity to enhance their academic credentials, gain international exposure, and immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience. As the global education landscape evolves, Germany's flexible approach to language proficiency requirements ensures that qualified students can pursue their academic ambitions without the IELTS barrier, paving the way for a successful and transformative educational journey.
No, IELTS is not compulsory to take either for study or work in the country. To obtain a study visa one can present a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate along with other documents. The need for an IELTS score for a work visa depends on the nature of the job and may not be necessary for several profiles. Besides, there are alternative tests such as PTE and TOEFL.
Which exam is required for MS in Germany?
One needs to have a good academic record of pursuing an MS in Germany. Aspirants can take the GRE to increase their chances of selection, along with a TOEFL or IELTS. Much like other courses, you can also study MS in Germany without IELTS.
Is the German language compulsory to study in Germany?
Both German and English can be a mode of instruction for students in Germany. Therefore, the language is not compulsory unless it is a German language program. However, if it is a German language program, aspirants will need to produce a German language proficiency certificate.
Do I need IELTS to study in Germany?
Several German universities admit students without IELTS scores. You can either take an alternative English proficiency test such as TOEFL, PTE, and others or submit an MOI certificate. A German student visa can also be obtained without taking the IELTS.
Is Germany open for international students?
The fact that the country offers free higher education to domestic as well as international students shows that Germany is a country that believes in equal opportunities and does not discriminate. So, yes, it is open to international students.
Is IELTS required for a German student visa?
IELTS is a prerequisite for seeking admission to any English-taught course in Germany. The language proficiency exam, thus, has nothing to do directly with the issuance of a student visa. However, a university acceptance letter is pertinent to being able to secure a German study visa. If you enroll in a course in Germany with upGrad Abroad, you will not be required to take any English language test.
Which countries can we go to study without IELTS?
Germany, the UK, Canada, US are some countries that do not mandatorily require IELTS. It should, however be noted that IELTS is not only the English language exam, and candidates may opt for TOEFL, PTE, or others for the purpose.
Can I do MS in Germany without IELTS?
Yes, you can do MS in Germany without IELTS. IELTS is an English language proficiency test that is needed if non-native English speakers want to study in English-speaking countries or in English-taught programs in non-English-speaking countries. It should, however, be noted that IELTS is not the only English language exam, and candidates may opt for TOEFL, PTE, or others for the purpose.
What is the success rate of a German student visa without IELTS?
The success rate for obtaining a German student visa without IELTS varies but is generally high if all other requirements are met. Having strong proof of English proficiency through other means and meeting financial and health insurance requirements is crucial.
How much money is required for a German student visa?
You typically need to show proof of funds amounting to about €11,904 per year (as of 2024), which can be deposited into a blocked account. This amount is required to cover living expenses in Germany.
Can Indian students study in Germany without IELTS?
Yes, Indian students can study in Germany without IELTS by providing alternative proof of English proficiency or attending universities that offer programs without requiring IELTS.
Which country is best for students without IELTS?
Countries like Germany, Netherlands, Norway, and Malaysia offer numerous programs that do not require IELTS, making them ideal for students seeking quality education without this specific English proficiency test.
Is IELTS required in Germany for a Bachelor's Degree?
IELTS is not universally required for a Bachelor’s degree in Germany. Many universities offer alternative ways to demonstrate English proficiency, allowing students to apply without an IELTS score.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview prep, and corporate soft skills training, she has adapted these programs for the Yuno platform.
Her dedication and commitment earned high praise from students, especially for her public speaking and advanced speaking English courses. Sunita's mastery of language nuances and articulation makes her a favorite among IELTS students.
She holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations.
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