Germany Entrance Exam Checklist for International Students
Get your complete checklist for the German Entrance Exams you need as an international student.
When considering exams to study in Germany, it's essential to be well-prepared to meet the admission requirements of your desired university. The entrance exam in Germany can be divided into language proficiency tests both for German and English language, aptitude tests for university admissions, postgraduate admission tests for specific programmes and subjects.
In this blog, we will look at the mandatory entrance exams in Germany for the most popular courses to study in Germany.
What Entrance Exams are Required to Study in Germany?
The entrance exam in Germany can be broadly divided into four key categories: English proficiency tests, German proficiency tests, university entrance aptitude tests, and postgraduate admission tests. These exams play an important role in admissions in top universities in Germany and also in the entire cost of studying in Germany.
The choice of entrance exams in Germany is dependent on whether the course is taught in English or German. Additionally, students whose high school qualifications do not meet German university entry requirements may need to take aptitude or preparatory tests such as the TestAS or complete a Studienkolleg followed by the Feststellungsprüfung. More on this has been discussed in the article below.
| Category | Test Name | Purpose / Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Language Proficiency (English-taught Programmes) | IELTS (International English Language Testing System) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) | Demonstrates English language proficiency; accepted by most German universities. Required for admission into English-taught programmes, especially at technical universities. Accepted by several German institutions as proof of English proficiency. |
| Language Proficiency (German-taught Programmes) | TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) | Standard German language test for international students applying to German-taught programmes. Conducted by individual universities to assess readiness for German-medium study. |
| University Entrance Tests (Undergraduate) | TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) Feststellungsprüfung (Assessment Exam) | Required for students whose secondary qualifications don’t meet German university standards; evaluates aptitude for academic study. Taken after completing the Studienkolleg (preparatory course) to prove eligibility for university admission. |
| Postgraduate Admission Tests (Master’s & MBA) | Feststellungsprüfung (Assessment Exam) GRE (Graduate Record Examination) GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | Taken after completing the Studienkolleg (preparatory course) to prove eligibility for university admission. Required for admission into STEM and MS programmes at select universities. Commonly required for MBA and management-related master’s degrees. |
Language Proficiency Tests in Germany for International Students
International students planning to study in Germany need to showcase language proficiency depending on their chosen programme. These tests play a crucial role for qualifying for both admissions and scholarships in Germany. For German-taught courses, recognised tests such as TestDaF and DSH are mandatory, assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills at an academic level.
For English-taught programmes, applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency through exams like IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBTn or PTE Academic, with minimum scores varying by university and programme.
Ultimately, the exact language requirements depend on the university and course, and all international students must fulfil them before enrolment.
Here is overview of language proficiency tests required to study in Germany:
IELTS Academic Exam (International English Language Testing System)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a well-known entrance exam in Germany known to determine applicants' English language competency. Many German institutions use IELTS Academic as a standard for English proficiency, especially for students applying to English-taught programmes.
| Exam Duration | 2 hours, 45 minutes |
| IELTS Exam Fees | INR 18,000 |
| Number of Sections | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening |
| Required Score | 6.5 (varies by university) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to English-taught programmes in Germany |
TOEFL (The Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The TOEFL is the most common English entrance exam in Germany that is approved by German universities. It measures whether students can read, write, speak and hear in English. The TOEFL iBT is the most popular format of this test. Many students who are applying to English-taught programmes in Germany can also opt to take the TOEFL iBT test to prove their English language proficiency.
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| TOEFL Exam Fees | INR 16,900 |
| Number of Sections | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening |
| Required Score | 60–80 (varies by programme) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to English-taught programmes in Germany |
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
The PTE Academic is another popular entrance exam in Germany to demonstrate English proficiency in German universities. It evaluates a student’s ability to listen, read, speak, and write in real-life academic settings through computer-based testing. PTE is known to be fully digital, providing faster results, typically within 48 hours—making it a convenient choice for students applying close to admission deadlines.
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Exam Fees | INR 18,000 |
| Number of Sections | 3 – Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
| Required Score | 55–65 (varies by university) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to English-taught programmes in Germany or other destinations such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand |
German Language Proficiency Test
The entrance exam in Germany starts with a language proficiency test. And in Germany international students need to prove their language proficiency in English and German depending on their choice of programme.
Let’s breakdown the details for you here:
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is a standardised German language competency test specifically designed for overseas students applying to German institutions. This entrance exam in Germany measures competency in the four major language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. TestDaF is approved by all German institutions and is a prerequisite for those wishing to take German-taught courses.
| Exam Duration | Approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes |
| TestDaF Exam Fees | €210 |
| Number of Sections | 4 – Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking |
| Required Score | TDN 4 or higher (TDN 5 preferred for competitive programmes) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to German-taught programmes at recognised universities and higher education institutions in Germany |
DSH Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang
The DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang, or German language exam for university entrance) is a mandatory entrance exam in Germany for German-taught programmes. This assessment comprises both written and oral sections, testing your academic German proficiency. While the DSH II level is typically sufficient for most degree courses, applicants to highly competitive fields like Medicine need to take DSH III, the highest level of DSH exam in Germany.
| Exam Duration | Approximately 4 hours (includes written and oral sections) |
| DSH Exam Fees | €100 (paid in cash on site before the exam) |
| Number of Sections | 2 – Written and Oral |
| Required Score | DSH-II or DSH-III (DSH-III being the highest level) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to German-taught university programmes in Germany; usually required when admission is conditional on proof of German proficiency |
| Exam Schedule | Conducted twice a year – March (summer intake) and September (winter intake) |
Undergraduate Entrance Exam in Germany
The University Entrance Exam, commonly known as the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), is required for international students whose school-leaving qualifications are not equivalent to the German highest school-leaving certificate. This exam requires students to meet the academic standards necessary to enter a German university. It is typically taken after completing a foundation course and assesses skills in subject-specific areas such as mathematics, sciences, or humanities, depending on the chosen study stream. Passing the FSP confirms a student’s readiness for higher education in Germany and allows them to apply for undergraduate programmes at recognised institutions.
Here are the undergraduate entrance exam in Germany for undergraduate courses:
TestAS (Test for Academic Studies)
The TestAS is the standardised aptitude test for international students applying to German universities. TestAS helps prospective students determine if their academic abilities and skills are well-suited to the demands of studying in Germany. A good score in TestAS can significantly improve your chances of being admitted into public universities in Germany. For German universities, this test is a fair, objective tool that helps them make precise decisions during the student selection process.
| Exam Duration | Approximately 3 hours (Core Module: 90 minutes; Subject Module: 90 minutes) |
| Number of Modules | 2 – Core Module and Subject Module |
| Evaluation Time | Around 3 weeks for digital version; 4 weeks for paper-based version |
| Language Options | Available in German and English (language choice depends on university requirements) |
| Required Score | No fixed minimum; universities set their own benchmarks |
| Who Should Apply | International students whose school-leaving certificates are not equivalent to the German Abitur and who wish to apply for undergraduate programmes in Germany |
Feststellungsprüfung (FSP)
The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), or university qualification exam, is the final assessment international students take after completing the one-year Studienkolleg (preparatory course). This exam is not required by all international students; it is only necessary for those whose high school leaving certificate does not grant them direct admission to a German university.
Once you pass the FSP test, it then allows you to apply for an undergraduate course in your specific subject area. While most students prepare by attending the Studienkolleg, students can even take the test by preparing on their own.
| Exam Type | University Entrance Examination for international students (after completing Studienkolleg) |
| Programme Duration | 2 semesters (1 year) |
| First Semester Focus | Intensive German language training (approx. 20 hours/week) and course-specific subjects (12–16 hours/week) |
| Second Semester Focus | Course-specific preparation (approx. 30 hours/week) for the final subject examinations |
| Assessment Format | Written and oral examinations in German and subject-specific areas |
| Exam Timing | At the end of each semester — first for German language, then for course-specific subjects |
| Fees | Standard semester fees apply (varies by federal state and Studienkolleg) |
Post-Graduate Entrance Exam in Germany
When planning for Master's or PhD studies in Germany, international students often encounter specific postgraduate entrance exams like the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). Unlike undergraduate admissions, these aptitude tests are not universally required; they are typically requested by universities for highly competitive or specialised programmes, particularly in fields like Engineering, Science, and most notably, Business/Management and Masters (MS) courses. A competitive score on the GRE or GMAT can significantly strengthen your application, demonstrating your quantitative and analytical readiness for advanced study.
Here are the general Entrance Exam in Germany for PG courses:
GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a widely renowned standardised test that is typically needed for graduate degrees, notably in engineering, business, and the sciences. The GRE General Test assesses skills in verbal thinking, mathematical reasoning, and analytical writing.
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Exam Fees | INR 22,000 for General Test INR 14,500 for Subject Test |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing) |
| Required Score | 300 or higher depending on the programme |
| Who Should Apply | Postgraduate applicants in fields like engineering, science, and humanities |
GMAT Focus Edition(Graduate Management Admission Test)
The Graduate Management Admission Test is a global standardised entrance test for MBA and other related management programmes worldwide, including Germany. GMAT tests a student's ability in mathematical reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills. Though not all business schools in Germany require it, a good GMAT score will only strengthen your application for competitive MBA programmes.
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| GMAT Exam Fees | $250 |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal) |
| Required Score | 600-700 or higher |
| Who Should Apply | MBA and business school applicants |
International students wishing to study in Germany must take several admission tests, depending on the programme and university. These examinations confirm that you satisfy the eligibility requirements and are intellectually equipped for higher study in Germany. However, this process can feel overwhelming and to find the right path to success in all Entrance Exams in Germany, speak to an AECC expert who can guide you on the right exams to study in Germany and navigate your preparation and study abroad plans with ease.