Exams Required for Admissions to UG/ PG courses in Germany

Are you going to study in Germany for a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree? It doesn’t matter if it's English-taught programs or German-taught programs; you still need to give one exam. It can be a language proficiency test, or aptitude test, sometimes a university entrance exam.

Germany is good choice for Indian students who want study abroad. The country has many options for both UG and PG courses. If you want do master's degree in Germany, usually you need take English test like IELTS or TOEFL to show you can read and speak English well. If you want join undergraduate program, you must finish higher secondary school (12th grade) and sometimes take TestAS or show other certificates to prove your qualifications.

For master's degree in Germany, the process has a few steps. First, check different programs and see what each university needs. Then, collect all documents like academic marks and language test results. After that, send the application directly to the university or use uni-assist, a service that helps with the application.

Mostly, every university checks two main things: Language Proficiency and Aptitude for course. In Germany it same. Aptitude tests may change for UG or PG, but language rules same for both. Now let’s look at exams to study in Germany.

Also Read:

Which Exams Do You Need to Study in Germany?

IELTS vs TOEFL - For English-Taught Programs

Most international students planning to study in Germany take either IELTS or TOEFL. This is required prove their English language proficiency.

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German Language Proficiency Exams – For German-Taught Programs

In case you are planning to take up a course in the German Language, you would need to show your proficiency in German as a language. Universities in Germany often accept either of the two German Language Tests.

TestDAF

Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (Test of German as a Foreign Language) or TestDAF is conducted by TestDAF Institute, Germany. The standardized language test judges an applicant’s ability to understand the language and communicate in the language in an analytical manner. The test can be taken in India itself and is conducted by Goethe Institute in the country. Almost all universities in Germany accept the test but the score requirement may vary from university to university.

DSH

Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang or DSH is also a language proficiency test for the German language. It is, however, a university-specific exam conducted independently by universities in Germany. Many universities might accept the DSH score given by a different university while some others might require you to take an internal DSH examination. You can compare the TestDAF and DSH examinations to understand which would be a better one for you.

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Aptitude Exams for Studying in Germany

Germany as a country gives rather high importance to academic and scholastic aptitude and nothing short of the very best impresses them. With the same in mind, they too have stringent requirements.

Aptitude Tests for Undergraduate courses

The key to understanding the tests for undergraduate courses in Germany is to first understand the bachelor program course structure and the eligibility requirement for UG courses in Germany. In a nutshell, however, it can be summarized that German Universities require the candidates to be at par with the German Equivalent of a "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung" (HZB) which is essentially a university entrance test. Here are a few tests that an undergraduate student can write.

TestAS – For Bachelor’s in Germany

TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) is a mandatory aptitude test for international students applying for Bachelor’s programs in Germany.

• Sections:
• Core Test (General reasoning skills)
• Subject-Specific Test (Based on your chosen field – e.g., Engineering, Medicine, Economics)
• Score Range: Up to 260 points
• Good Score: 240+ 
• Fees:INR 13,500
• When to Take: At least 6–8 months before university applications

JEE Advanced

Yes, the very Joint Entrance Examinations for engineering entrances to the elite IITs are also a qualifier for German Universities. So, in case you are interested in pursuing your under graduation in any of the STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics related subjects, then clearing the JEE Advanced is what you need.

Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)

There are no standardized tests for German University admissions for undergraduates. Essentially, your score should match up to the requirements of the German University. In some cases, however, you might be required to clear the FSP – Feststellungsprüfung. The exam is usually taken after the end of the preparatory course conducted by Studienkolleg but a student can opt to write an external FSP. Basically, you can opt to showcase your aptitude without undertaking a yearlong preparatory course. These exams, however, are conducted by universities in Germany and dates and specifications vary. These exams are subject-specific and would be administered basis on the subject you are applying for.

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Aptitude Tests for Postgraduate courses

Like in the case of undergraduate courses, before we understand the tests, understanding the course structure for PG courses as well as an eligibility requirement for postgraduate degree programs in Germany is extremely important. As far as tests are concerned, the following are generally accepted at German Universities and Business Schools.

GRE

GRE or the Graduate Record Examination is conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS) and is accepted worldwide as a measure of aptitude for postgraduate courses. The test scores are valid and acceptable at German Universities as well. 

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GMAT

GMAT or Graduate Management Aptitude Test is widely accepted across the globe for postgraduate courses in management/ business/ finance. The same applies to Germany as well. The test, administered by GMAC is an accepted measure for business courses in German Universities as well as offering MBA programs to international students. It is important to note that some universities might require a GRE instead of a GMAT for the MBA programs as well.

It is important to note that the Universities in Germany are essentially independent entities and it would be wise to first check with the respective university about the tests required before you start preparing for either or all of the above. So, research properly and then start preparing!

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