Study in Germany without IELTS: Universities, Eligibility, Application Process

Study in Germany without IELTS is an excellent option for international students who want to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate programs in an English-speaking environment. Offered by several public, private, and DAAD-recognised universities, the list of options allows students to submit alternative English proficiency proofs such as TOEFL, PTE, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. To explore more about top universities in Germany without IELTS, eligibility, and scholarships, continue reading the article below.

Can You Study in Germany Without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible to study in Germany without IELTS! The key is proving that you completed your undergraduate degree with English as the language of instruction or providing a Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) from your previous university or school to prove your English proficiency. Moreover, students from countries with English as their native language or with a degree in English literature can also study in Germany without IELTS!

Eligibility to Study in Germany without IELTS

Eligibility to study in Germany without IELTS includes many alternative routes accepted by universities. In this section, we will explain the key criteria students must meet, such as MOI certificates, academic scores, language tests, and interview-based assessments.

a. Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate

Many universities in Germany accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate as proof of English proficiency. If your previous education was conducted entirely in English, you can request this certificate from your school or college to support your application.

b. Class 12th English Language Scores

Some universities evaluate your performance in English during Class 12 to determine your language readiness. If you have scored above 70% in English, especially in both Class 10 and 12, this may serve as acceptable proof in place of IELTS.

c. Online Interview Assessment

To ensure that you can comfortably study in an English-speaking environment, a few universities may invite you for an online interview, often conducted via Skype. This helps them assess your spoken English and overall communication skills.

List of IELTS Alternatives Exams to Study in Germany

Studying in Germany without IELTS is a great opportunity for students who wish to experience world-class education without the pressure of standardised English tests. Therefore, it is important to understand the alternatives accepted by German universities for language proficiency. Here are a few options that can help you meet the English language requirements without IELTS:

List of IELTS Alternatives Exams to Study in Germany	Description of the Examination
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate	A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is a letter from your previous university or school confirming that your entire degree was taught in English.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	The TOEFL iBT is a globally recognised English language proficiency test that assesses reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)	PTE Academic is a computer-based test that evaluates English proficiency using AI technology.
Duolingo English Test (DET)	The Duolingo English Test is an online and on-demand language test that measures reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Cambridge English Qualifications (FCE, CAE, CPE)	Cambridge English certificates, such as FCE (B2), CAE (C1), and CPE (C2), are widely accepted across German public universities.
UNIcert Certificate	UNIcert is a language certification system designed specifically for universities in Germany. It includes levels such as UNIcert II and III, which correspond to CEFR B2 and C1 levels.

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German-Taught vs. English-Taught Programs

German universities that accept students without IELTS offer two types of academic programs, German-taught and English-taught. Choosing between the two depends on your language skills, academic goals, and future career plans. It is important to understand the differences between these options is important before you begin your study abroad journey.

Point of Difference	German-Taught Programs	English-Taught Programs
Language of Instruction	German-taught programs are delivered entirely in the German language across all courses.	English-taught programs are conducted fully in English, making them accessible to international students.
Admission Requirements	To apply for German-taught programs, students must submit proof of German language proficiency, usually at the B1 or B2 level.	For English-taught programs, students need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like MOI, TOEFL, or PTE.
Tuition Fees	Most public universities offering German-taught programs charge low or no tuition fees.	English-taught programs, especially at private universities, often come with higher tuition costs.
Career Opportunities	German-taught programs offer strong career opportunities within Germany and other German-speaking countries.	English-taught programs prepare students for careers in international and multinational companies; knowing German is an added advantage.
Financial Aid	Students enrolled in German-taught programs at public universities may benefit from tuition waivers, though administrative fees may still apply.	Students opting for English-taught programs may access scholarships, but tuition is generally charged by the institution.
Eligibility	German-taught programs are suitable for students who meet the required level of German language proficiency.	English-taught programs are open to international students with valid proof of English language skills.

Once you have been accepted by the German university you applied for, ensure that you get a confirmation letter from the institution that your medium of instruction letter has been verified and you are exempted from submitting TOEFL scores. You can use the confirmation letter at your nearest German embassy as the replacement for TOEFL or English Proficiency scores.  It will help you clear the immigration process as it will have a clear statement that your MOI was accepted. 

German Language Course

Another way to study in Germany without IELTS is by opting for a German language program. The course requires you to submit a C1 to B1 level certification in the German language. If you are applying for German-taught programs you can provide German language test scores of TestDAF, DSH, GOETHE, etc. 

You haven’t been able to appear for IELTS or don’t have the qualifying scores or for any other reason you won’t be able to submit your language proficiency scores, the best option is to choose a German university that doesn’t require IELTS and apply for your chosen program in the same. The key essentials that you need to keep in mind while applying for an academic institution to study in Germany without IELTS are as follows:

• The university will demand a Language/Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) which you need to get from the academic institution where you completed your previous program.
• IELTS is not required if a student holds a bachelor’s degree, where English was the language of instruction for that degree course.
• You can also study in Germany without IELTS if English is the native language of your country.
• If you have pursued your bachelor’s degree in English as a discipline such as BA in English Literature, you will be eligible to apply for a program at a German university without submitting English proficiency scores.
• Some universities conduct an audio-video interview to check an applicant’s English language proficiency.

However, it is always preferable to check directly with the university, if they require IELTS or any other language-related examination.

Types of Courses to Study in Germany Without IELTS

2 major types of programs are available for international students eyeing to study in Germany without IETLS i.e. English and German. As per the German education system, the university courses are divided based on the medium of instruction: 

English Programs

International students who are not familiar with the local languages of Germany can opt for a course that is taught in the English language. Almost all German universities offer a bunch of courses in English to attract international students. Candidates from English-speaking countries can directly study these courses without taking any language proficiency test, however, other candidates need to take these tests. 

German Programs

Another option for international students is to study the same programs with the German language as the medium of instruction. Students must ensure that they are comfortable with the language before the admission process begins. The German language requirements might vary from university to university. Most of the institutions accept a certification ranging from level B1 to C1.

Top Public Universities in Germany Accepting Students Without IELTS

Studying in Germany without IELTS is an excellent opportunity for students who want to access quality education with flexible language requirements. German universities allow students to demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, PTE, or a Medium of Instruction certificate. Choosing this path can shape your academic future meaningfully. Therefore, it is important to understand the types of universities in Germany,  you can apply to.

List of Public Universities in Germany accepting students without IELTS	Alternatives Proofs accepted in Germany for students without IELTS	QS World University Rankings 2026
Humboldt University of Berlin	MOI certificate or TOEFL/PTE accepted instead of IELTS.	–
Freie Universität Berlin	The university recognises MOI or other standard tests like TOEFL and PTE.	=88
Technical University of Berlin	TUB accepts MOI certificate or TOEFL/PTE as alternatives to IELTS.	–
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	KIT accepts MOI or equivalent English proficiency documents.	128
University of Hamburg	IELTS is optional in the University of Hamburg. TOEFL, PTE, or an MOI certificate is acceptable.	201-250
University of Göttingen	MOI certificate or TOEFL/PTE scores are accepted as alternatives to IELTS.	243

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Private Universities in Germany Accepting Students Without IELTS

Studying at a private university in Germany without IELTS is a unique opportunity that can shape your academic path in a meaningful way. Therefore, you need to explore your options carefully to ensure that this route fits your long-term goals. Here are a few private universities that accept students without IELTS:

Private Universities in Germany Accepting Students Without IELTS	Alternatives to English Proficiency Accepted	QS World University Rankings 2026
Jacobs University Bremen	– TOEFL- MOI Certificate	# =530
Leipzig Graduate School of Management (HHL)	– TOEFL- MOI Certificate- Cambridge ESOL Level C- TOEIC	#86
Berlin School of Economics and Law	– TOEFL- MOI Certificate- TELC Language Tests- TOEIC	–

Also Read: Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate

DAAD-Recognised Universities Offering Admission Without IELTS

DAAD-recognised universities in Germany offer high-quality education with flexible admission options for international students. Many of these institutions, like the University of Stuttgart and the University of Cologne, accept alternatives to IELTS such as TOEFL, PTE, or a Medium of Instruction certificate for English-taught programs.

DAAD-Recognised Universities Offering Admission Without IELTS	Alternatives to English Proficiency Accepted	QS World University Rankings 2026
University of Stuttgart	– TOEFL- PTE- MOI Certificate	#=310
University of Hamburg	– TOEFL- PTE- MOI Certificate	–
University of Göttingen	– TOEFL- PTE- MOI Certificate	243
University of Cologne	– TOEFL- PTE- MOI Certificate	=272

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How to Apply to Study in Germany Without IELTS?

To study in Germany without IELTS, it is very important to apply to the university in the correct way. Following are the important steps you need to follow to complete your application successfully.

• Once you receive your admission letter from a recognised German university, you should begin preparing all the required documents for your student visa application.

• Make sure to get recent passport-size photographs that meet the biometric photo specifications provided on the official German Mission website.

• Complete the National Visa application form accurately, print it out, sign it, and include it with your visa documents.

• You must also print and sign the Declaration on true and complete information, which is available on the same official website.

• Schedule your visa interview by booking an appointment at your nearest German Embassy or Consulate through their online system.

• A few days before your interview, check the updated exchange rate for the visa fee on the official website and prepare a Demand Draft accordingly.

Documents Required for Admission to Study in Germany Without IELTS

If you are planning to study in Germany without IELTS, keep a checklist of the following documents at the time of sending your application to the chosen university as well as for the Germany student visa. These will act as an excellent alternative to IELTS scores.

Category	Required Documents
Application Documents for German Universities	– Completed Application Form (via university portal or Uni-Assist)- 10th & 12th Grade Transcripts and Certificates- Bachelor’s Degree Certificate and Transcripts (for Master’s)- University Entrance Qualification (e.g., Studienkolleg, Feststellungsprüfung)- Sworn translations (German/English) of all academic documents- MOI Certificate or accepted English test scores (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge, etc.)- CV/Resume- Statement of Purpose / Letter of Motivation- Letters of Recommendation (if required)- Copy of Valid Passport- APS Certificate (for applicants from India, China, Vietnam)- VPD (if required)- Aptitude test scores (GRE/GMAT/TestAS, if applicable)- Portfolio (for artistic/design courses)
Documents for German Student Visa (Without IELTS)	– Valid Passport- Completed & Signed National Visa Application Form (2 copies)- Recent Biometric Passport Photos- University Admission Letter confirming English as language of instruction- Proof of English Proficiency (MOI/Test Scores, confirmed by university)- Proof of Financial Resources (€11,904/year via Blocked Account, Scholarship, etc.)- Academic Certificates (Original + 2 copies)- CV (1 copy)- Travel Health Insurance & Public Health Insurance (post-enrollment)- Statement of Purpose (original + 2 copies)- Contact & Legal Representation Declaration- Visa Fee

Student Visa to Study in Germany without IELTS

There is no strict requirement to submit an IELTS score when applying to universities in Germany that accept alternative proofs of English proficiency. However, when it comes to the German student visa, applicants are expected to provide valid proof of language skills. While IELTS is commonly accepted, students can choose other recognised tests like TOEFL to fulfil this requirement and proceed with their visa application smoothly.

Also Read: Know About Germany Student Visa Success Rate

How to Get a German Student Visa without IELTS?

IELTS is typically required for studying abroad as it proves a student’s English proficiency. Similarly, it is often needed for obtaining a German student visa. This letter should clearly state that your previous education was in English and that the university accepts this as proof of language proficiency.

However, you can bypass this requirement by submitting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate along with a confirmation letter from your university. Here are the necessary procedures to qualify for a German Student Visa: 

1. Identify the nearest German Embassy or Consulate
2. Examination of the criteria and processes
3. Set up the appointment for a Visa
4. Have All Visa Application Documentation Available
5. Start preparing for an appointment with your Passport 

The process of applying for a German student visa is short between obtaining the notification of entry to the institution and acquiring the requisite funds to reside in Germany. This is among the most significant criteria because if you have not been given an official scholarship, you would have to include sources of significant assets through certain methods, such as getting the excess cash in a blocked German account.

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