Exams Required to Study in Germany 2027: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, TestDaF

International students must clear specific entrance exams to study in Germany, categorized into language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF) and academic aptitude (TestAS, GRE, GMAT). Additionally, students from India, China, and Vietnam require the APS Certificate to validate their academic credentials for a student visa.

International students may need to meet different entrance and language requirements to study in Germany, depending on their course, university and previous qualification. These may include IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programmes, TestDaF or DSH for some German-taught programmes, and TestAS, GRE or GMAT for selected programmes.

For Indian students, the APS Certificate is a mandatory document verification process required for a German student visa. It is not a university entrance exam. However, for specific Master's degree applicants in fields like engineering, business, or economics for upcoming intakes, completing the digital Master's test (dMAT) is a required part of obtaining that certification.

Entrance Exams to Study in Germany

There is no single entrance exam required for all international students in Germany. The required test depends on the course, university, language of instruction and applicant's academic background.

English-taught programmes may require IELTS or TOEFL, while German-taught programmes may require TestDaF, DSH or another recognised German language qualification. Some bachelor's programmes may use TestAS, while selected master's and management programmes may require GRE or GMAT.

Note: These exams are not universally required. Students should check the admission requirements of their chosen university and programme.

Which English Test is Required for Germany?

Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by many German universities. However, the minimum score and accepted test type vary by programme. Students should check the exact English language requirement before registering for a test.

German Language Exams: TestDaF and DSH

Students applying to German-taught programmes may need to provide proof of German language proficiency. The required level and accepted examination depend on the university and programme.

TestDaF and DSH are among the recognised German language examinations used for university admission.

TestDaF

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is a standardised German language test for international students. It assesses reading, listening, writing and speaking. The required result depends on the university and programme. There is no universal TestAS score required for admission. The required score or selection method depends on the university and programme.

DSH

DSH exam (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is a German language examination used for admission to higher education in Germany. It is organised by German higher education institutions, and the required DSH level depends on the programme.

Entrance Exams for Bachelor's in Germany

International students need a recognised higher education entrance qualification (HZB) to apply for a bachelor's programme in Germany. Depending on their previous qualification and university, they may also need an aptitude test or preparatory programme.

TestAS

TestAS is a standardised aptitude test for international applicants. Many German universities use it in their admission or selection process, but it is not mandatory for every bachelor's programme. In some cases, a TestAS result may be an application requirement.

JEE Main and JEE Advanced

For Indian students, JEE Main and JEE Advanced can be relevant to the German university admission process depending on the applicant's educational background and the applicable admission route. The current DAAD admission database lists successful completion of both JEE Main and JEE Advanced as one recognised route for certain Indian applicants.

Studienkolleg and Feststellungsprüfung

Students who do not have direct university admission eligibility may need to complete a Studienkolleg and pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) before beginning a bachelor's degree.

Entrance Exams for Master's in Germany

GRE and GMAT are programme-specific requirements in Germany. Many master's programmes do not require either exam, while selected programmes may include them as part of the admission criteria.

GRE

The GRE may be required or recommended for selected master's programmes, particularly in quantitative or related fields. Students should check the exact requirements of their chosen programme.

GMAT

If you are applying for an MBA in Germany or a Master’s in Finance or Management, a GMAT score is often mandatory. Aim for a score above 600 for reputable business schools.

dMAT (Digital Master's Admission Test):

Mandatory part of the APS India verification process for specific disciplines (such as engineering, commerce, finance, economics, and business/management) targeting the Summer 2027 intake and beyond.

APS Certificate for Indian Students

The APS Certificate is not an entrance exam. It is an academic document verification certificate for applicants with educational qualifications from India who plan to study in Germany. APS India verifies academic documents and qualifications issued by Indian educational institutions. The certificate is generally required as part of the documentation for the German student visa process.

Indian students should check the latest APS India requirements and use the checklist applicable to their academic background. APS India currently provides separate procedures for Class XII applicants, applicants with JEE Main and Advanced, undergraduate students, and graduates/postgraduates.

Exam requirements vary by university and programme. Check the official admission page before registering for IELTS, TOEFL, TestAS, GRE or GMAT. So, research properly and then start preparing!

Exams Required to Study in Germany FAQs