Germany has emerged as a hub for international students due to its affordable tuition fees and the quality of education. Most of its universities are globally ranked, has a research-oriented curriculum, state of the art facilities, and numerable funding options and accept an IELTS score of 5.5-6.5. Let’s take a look at the requirements for IELTS for Germany.
What is IELTS Requirement for Germany?
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a proficiency test that candidates need to give for pursuing higher education in Germany. It assesses four essential skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Nine is the highest band score, whereas one is the lowest.
This is a brief overview of the band scores:
| Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
| 9 | Expert user | Candidates have complete command of the language. Their usage is accurate, appropriate and fluent. |
| 8 | Very good user | Applicants have command over the language, although a few inaccuracies may occur. They tend to misunderstand in some unfamiliar situations. |
| 7 | Good user | Applicants have a stronghold over the language. However, they may misuse it in some situations. However, they do understand complex language relatively well. |
| 6 | Competent user | The applicant has an adequate command of English. However, they understand complex language in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest | Applicants have partial command of the language. Moreover, they can handle essential communication in their discipline. |
| 4 | Limited | The knowledge of the test taker is limited to familiar situations. He\she cannot use complex language and shows problems in articulating and expressing. |
| 3 | Extremely limited | Applicants scoring this band have an understanding of the language in general situations. Moreover, they experience frequent breakdowns while communicating. |
| 2 | Intermittent | Applicants experience difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test-taker cannot use the language leaving a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt | No questions were answered. |
An overall score is provided to candidates by taking an average of the four sections. An example is given below for easier understanding:
| Sections | Band Score |
| Listening | 6.5 |
| Reading | 6.5 |
| Speaking | 5.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Total | 6.5 |
What is the Minimum Score Required for Admission?
German Universities demand a minimum IELTS score for admission, ranging from 5.5-6.5. Moreover, German universities do not expect their applicants to score 7.0 as it is not an English-speaking country. Underlined below are the IELTS score required by German universities:
| University | Score |
| Bonn Graduate School of Economics | 6.5 |
| Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences | 7.5 |
| Clausthal University of Technology | 6.5 |
| Cologne Business School | 5.0 |
| EBC Hochschule | 6.0 |
| Technical University of Munich | 6.5 |
| University of Heidelberg | 6.5 |
| University of Freiburg | 6.0 |
| Humbolt University of Berlin | 6.5 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 6.5 |
| Free University of Berlin | 6.5 |
| Charite Universitatsmedizin | 6.0 |
| University of Bonn | 6.0 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | 5.5 |
| University of Tuebingen | 6.0 |
| Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University at Bonn | 7.0 |
| Johannes Gutenberg University | 5.5 |
| University of Dusseldorf | 5.5 |
| University at Rostock | 6.0 |
| Bielefeld University | 6.5 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 6.5 |
| Philipps University Marburg | 7.0 |
| University of Koblenz | 6.5 |
| International School of Management (ISM) | 6.0 |
| INTEBUS – International Business School | 6.5 |
| Hamburg School of Business Administration | 6.5 |
| Hochschule Furtwangen University | 6.5 |
| Hamburg University of Technology | 6.5 |
Is IELTS Required for Visa?
Indian students constitute the second-largest group in Germany. The Federal Statistical Office of Germany, in its research, has shown that 25,419 Indians had enrolled in Germany during the fall season of 2019. This is enough to convey the popularity of Germany as a hub of education and why many students of Indian nationality are applying here. Besides, most universities teach the course in English and therefore, it is one of the prerequisites for student visas. However, it is important to know about the classes of visas so that students can apply for them without much difficulty. There are primarily three types of student visa that one may apply for, depending on the course been pursued:
Student Visa
This is applicable for those students who have obtained an offer from the German University of their choice and are enrolled in a full-time course.
Student Application Visa
If the student has not received a formal acceptance letter and needs to apply in person, they must opt for this. This is only applicable for the application process and is valid for a period of 3 months.
German Language Course Visa
These are for courses that range for a period of 3 months to a year.
A visa acts as an authorisation for entering the country. However, IELTS is not a prerequisite for visa or employment. Moreover, if a candidate has been working in the country for 4-5 years, they become eligible for permanent residency. It can be renewed after it expires and is valid for two years, the same as IELTS. However, one must keep the following documents handy while applying for the same:
- Passport
- Two photographs
- Proof of proficiency over German
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Transcripts
- Acceptance letter
- Certificate displaying that you have purchased health insurance
- Application form
How to Apply for Student Visa?
The student visa application process is challenging for many international students. The steps are mentioned below for easier understanding:
Step 1: First, locate your nearest embassy and get to know the eligibility parameters. They can also apply from the German Federal Government. However, if not, they can apply through the Indian branch of a German bank.
Step 2: They must provide biometric pictures, which should be taken on a white background. They must submit the documents mentioned above.
Step 3: They must pay their fees through the demand draft.
Studying in Germany: A Guide
Students must consider a few things before applying to Germany. First and foremost, they must find a suitable course aligned with their short and long-term goals. They must check the job opportunities available and shortlist accordingly.
Second, they must demonstrate proficiency in the English language and apply for financial assistance such as scholarships. Thirdly, they must search for accommodation before they move to Germany. Aspiring students must keep the above pointers in mind for IELTS for Germany.
