Exams to Study in Germany 2027: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, TestAS & dMAT

What exams do I need to take to study in Germany? It’s one of the very first questions you ask yourself when you choose the “land of Ideas” as your study destination. International students need to take specific language and academic aptitude tests based on their target course, university and academic background. Given the numerous entrance exams like TestDaF, DSH, TestAS, & GRE, it’s often difficult to identify the tests that you actually need to take. 

Let’s clear the air and simplify the situation. You need to take the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo for English-taught programmes, TestDAF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat for certain German-taught programmes, and TestAS, GMAT, GRE, or dMAT for selected programmes. Additionally, APS certificate, a validation of academic credentials, is required for students from India, China and Vietnam. For Indian students applying for Master’s degree in fields like Engineering, Finance, Economics, & Business, the Digital Master’s Test (dMAT) is a mandatory step in obtaining the APS certificate. This blog covers all major entrance and language proficiency tests for Germany, including an exclusive exam checklist for Indian students.

Entrance Exams to study in Germany

Given below are the various categories of tests in Germany along with the most common exams in each category.

Exam Category	Common Exams	Requirement
English Language	IELTS, TOEFL, PTE	English-taught programmes
German Language	TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat	German-taught programmes
Aptitude Test	TestAS, GRE, GMAT	Selected Bachelor’s & Master’s Programmes

Language Proficiency Tests in Germany

International students have to take either the English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or German language proficiency tests like TestDaF, DSH, & Goethe. It depends on the language of instruction of their chosen course. Here’s a brief look at the common language proficiency tests & how they work.

English Language Proficiency Tests

IELTS & TOEFL are the most commonly accepted English language tests across Germany. However, tests like the PTE & Duolingo are also gaining traction among private German universities.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

The IELTS conducted by IDP Education is a globally recognized standardized test that assesses English proficiency for non-native English speakers, especially those seeking to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. In addition to facilitating admission to German universities, IELTS unlocks opportunities in more than 140 countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

IELTS covers four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each scored individually, with a combined average giving the overall band score. IELTS is offered as both a paper-based and computer-based test, providing flexibility in test-taking methods. Scores range from 0 to 9, with most universities requiring a minimum of 6.0 to 7.0 bands, depending on the program's requirements. The IELTS is a prerequisite for the German DAAD scholarship.

The test results are valid for two years from the test date; thereafter, candidates may need to retake it if required for admissions or visa applications. The results are accessible three to five days after a computer-based test and thirteen days after a paper-based test.

TOEFL – Test of English as Foreign Language

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test conducted by Educational Testing Services (ETS), USA. It is used to assess English language proficiency for non-native speakers and is widely accepted by universities as an alternative to the IELTS. The aim of the test is to check a person's ability to understand and communicate in standard North American English.

The exam includes reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections, and the TOEFLiBT (TOEFL Internet-based) test can be taken at the test center or home. TOEFL scores are valid for two years, with a minimum score requirement usually around 80-90 for most universities. The score is accessible within six days of the exam date. You can present your highest scores from tests taken within the last two years to universities in Germany where you’re applying. However, students should verify specific requirements, as some universities may prefer one test over the other.

PTE - Pearson Test of English

The PTE is a computer-based English language proficiency test designed to assess non-native English speakers' speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. Conducted by Pearson PLC Group, the PTE is widely recognized by universities, colleges, and governments around the world as proof of English proficiency for study, work, and visa applications.

To enroll in a course where the medium of instruction is German, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in German. The following exams can serve as proof of your German language skills.

DET - Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a convenient way to prove your English proficiency without sitting through a traditional test-centre exam. It checks reading, writing, listening and speaking through a computer-adaptive test, where the difficulty changes based on your responses. Scores run from 10 to 160, with individual subscores giving a closer look at your language abilities.

The DET can help you meet the English-language requirement for programmes that accept it, although acceptance is not universal. In 2026, more than 50 programmes in Germany are reported to accept DET scores, with many listing requirements in the 95 to 120 range, so checking your university's specific requirements is essential.

German Language Proficiency Tests

The common German language proficiency tests are as follows:

TestDaF - Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache / Test of German as a second language

The TestDaF conducted by the TestDaF-Institut in Bochum, Germany is a standardized German language proficiency test designed for non-native speakers applying to German universities. The exam covers reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills, assessed on levels ranging from TDN 3 to TDN 5, with TDN 4 generally required for admission. TestDaF can be taken at designated test centers worldwide or online, and scores are valid indefinitely, making it a versatile choice for students planning to study in Germany.

The TestDaF assesses your readiness to attend courses primarily taught in German. Since its launch in 2001, it has gained a strong reputation as a reliable test for German language proficiency. The test is currently offered six times a year at approximately 450 test centers across 90 countries.

DSH - Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang

The DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is another German language proficiency test similar to TestDaF. The test is administered by individual universities, with each institution tailoring the exam to meet its specific academic standards and requirements.

It assesses language skills needed to study German language courses, with listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections. You must pass the written section of the DSH before taking the oral portion. Both sections must be completed in order to obtain your DSH certificate. It is a university-specific exam that students take at the university before the start of the semester they plan to join.

Scores are categorized as DSH-1, DSH-2, or DSH-3, with DSH-2 generally required for admission to most programs. The certificate is valid for a lifetime, demonstrating a level of proficiency suited for higher education.

Goethe Certificate C2

The Goethe Certificate C2 conducted by The Goethe-Institut is an advanced German language proficiency exam designed for non-native speakers, indicating the highest level (C2) of fluency as per the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

The exam evaluates reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills and is typically conducted at Goethe-Institut centers or authorized testing sites worldwide.  A minimum score of 60 out of 100 is required in each of the four exam modules. Each skill section must be passed with a minimum score to earn the certificate, which remains valid indefinitely as proof of language proficiency. This certificate is widely recognized for academic, professional, and residency purposes in German-speaking regions.

Bachelor's Entrance Exams in Germany

Now that you're familiar with the various language proficiency tests for Germany, let's take a detailed look at the entrance exams for Bachelor's in Germany.

TestAS

Think of TestAS as an academic aptitude check rather than a language test. It examines whether you have the reasoning and subject-related skills needed for university study through a Core Module and a Subject Module. In the digital TestAS, scores are reported on a 0 to 200 scale, along with a percentile ranking that shows how your performance compares with other test takers. A score above 150 is considered above average, while 200 represents the top end of the scale.

For international students applying to bachelor's programmes in Germany, TestAS can be more than just another certificate in your application folder. Many German universities use it as part of their selection process, and some programmes make it a requirement. A strong result gives universities an additional measure of your academic potential and can improve your admission prospects, but whether it matters for your application depends on the university and programme you choose.

JEE

The JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) is required for undergraduate students seeking admission to top engineering colleges. Recognized as the primary entrance exam for engineering programs, JEE consists of two stages: JEE Main and JEE Advanced, covering subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. JEE Main is conducted twice a year, in January and April, while JEE Advanced is held once a year in June. The test results are valid for the current admission cycle only.

Studienkolleg and Feststellungsprüfung

Studienkolleg is designed for international students whose previous school qualifications do not provide direct entry to a German university. Students join a subject-specific preparatory course, strengthen their German and academic skills, and eventually take the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP). The FSP does not follow one universal 0 to 100 scoring system; students are assessed in German and subjects relevant to their chosen Studienkolleg course.

Passing the FSP can turn an otherwise complicated admission route into a clear pathway to higher education in Germany. It provides the qualification needed to enter university within the relevant subject area, subject to the applicable admission requirements. The route is particularly important for students whose school-leaving qualification is not considered equivalent to the German university entrance qualification. German proficiency is also crucial: institutions such as Heidelberg University require applicants entering its Studienkolleg to have at least B2-level German and to pass an entrance examination.

Master's Entrance Exams in Germany

In addition to GRE / GMAT, select Indian students need to take the dMAT. Let's take a look at the entrance exams required to pursue Master's in Germany. 

GRE - Graduate Record Examination

The GRE conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) is an aptitude and entrance test widely accepted by top institutions, especially for students applying to engineering and postgraduate programs. It is a widely used test to evaluate applicants for business, law, and graduate programs globally. GRE scores are often mandatory, and passing this test is essential for admission to many higher education institutions. Additionally, certain universities might require you to take a GRE subject test.

The GRE is a computer-based exam taken at designated test centers and requires approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes to complete.

It includes three sections: analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. GRE scores are valid for five years and are widely accepted for admission to both business and management programs, in addition to general graduate studies.  Scores are available 8 to 10 days after the GRE test date and can be accessed through the test taker's ETS account.

GMAT - Graduate Management Admission test

The GMAT conducted by the Graduate Management Aptitude Council is an aptitude test designed to assess the skills of individuals, particularly those aiming to pursue an MBA in Germany. Thousands of students take this exam every year in order to be eligible for different management programs. The GMAT costs USD 275 and is preferred by many German business and management schools. The average GMAT score requirement at German business schools is typically around 640.

The GMAT is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Scores are available 7 to 20 days after completing the test, and results are valid for five years. However, it’s important to verify specific test requirements with each institution before starting your preparation, as some may prefer the GMAT while others favor the GRE.

dMAT -  Digital Master Assessment Test

The dMAT (Digital Master Assessment Test) is an academic aptitude test specifically relevant to international students applying for master's programmes in Germany. It tests your academic and problem-solving abilities through a General Academic Module and a Subject Module. Each module is scored on a 0 to 200 scale, with percentile information helping put the result into context. That makes dMAT fundamentally different from a language proficiency test such as IELTS, DET or Goethe-Zertifikat.

For Indian students, however, dMAT is no longer something to consider only if a university asks for it. Under the latest rules, selected applicants with Indian bachelor's degrees applying for master's programmes from the Summer Semester 2027 will need to submit a dMAT result as part of the APS documentation process, depending on their academic field and eligibility. The requirement covers specified fields including Engineering, Business/Management and Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Economics, with certain transitional provisions. The test does not itself secure admission, but completing it correctly has become an important part of the Germany application process for affected students.

APS Certificate for Indian Students

The APS Certificate, issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre India, is an academic verification document for students with qualifications from Indian educational institutions who plan to pursue higher education in Germany. APS India checks the authenticity of your academic documents and evaluates your qualifications against the requirements for access to German higher education. The certificate is generally required as part of the German student visa documentation, but it is important to understand what it does not do: APS does not grant university admission or issue your visa.

For most Indian students heading to Germany for higher education, getting the APS process right is an essential step. You can begin by checking the APS requirements quiz and the checklist applicable to your academic background, then create an APS account, enter your personal and educational details, upload the required information, pay the verification fee and send the required documents to APS India by courier or post. The current APS website states that processing takes at least two weeks, although the actual timeline can be longer depending on application volume and how quickly educational institutions respond to verification requests. The fee is non-refundable once paid.

There is also an important change for some students applying for master's programmes. From the Summer Semester 2027 intake onwards, applicants with Indian bachelor's degrees in specified fields such as Engineering, Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Economics and Business/Management may need to submit a dMAT certificate as part of their APS documentation. Students affected by this rule can submit their other APS documents before receiving the dMAT result, but APS India will issue the certificate only after the required dMAT certificate has been submitted and checked. Transitional exemptions apply to applicants who completed their APS registration or shipped their complete application before 29 June 2026.

Germany Exam Checklist for Indian Students

Planning to study in Germany does not mean you have to sit for every exam on this list. The right tests depend on your degree level, course language, academic background and university. Use this quick checklist to narrow down what you actually need.

If you are	Check for
Bachelor's + English-taught	English proficiency test
Bachelor's + German-taught	German proficiency test
Bachelor's + no direct entry	Studienkolleg + FSP
Bachelor's + university requires TestAS	TestAS
Master's + English-taught	English proficiency test
Master's + German-taught	German proficiency test
Master's + specified Indian Bachelor's field	dMAT + APS
Master's + other Bachelor's field	APS + required language test

And then there's APS. It isn't an exam, but Indian students should keep it firmly on their checklist. APS verifies your academic documents and issues the certificate required for many students applying to study in Germany and for the subsequent visa process.

The golden rule: Don't book an exam just because someone says it's "required for Germany." Check your university and programme requirements first. Two students applying to Germany can need completely different tests.

Note: dMAT requirements are subject to the applicable APS rules, intake dates and transitional provisions. Always check the latest APS India requirements before applying.

FAQ

1. Which exams are required to study in Germany?

The entrance exams required for Indian students to study in Germany include IELTS or TOEFL for English language proficiency and TestDaF or DSH for German proficiency. For aptitude tests, JEE Advanced or FSP scores are needed for bachelor’s programs, while GMAT or GRE scores are required for master’s courses.

2. Is GRE or IELTS required for Germany?

Yes. IELTS is a well-known English language proficiency exam necessary for obtaining a German student visa. However, you can opt for either the TestDaF (German proficiency test) or IELTS, depending on the language of instruction for your course. The required IELTS band score for a German student visa typically ranges from 4.5 to 6.5. A GRE is also required for students pursuing postgraduate programs.

3. Can I study in Germany without JEE? 

No, if you are applying for a bachelor's degree program after completing class 12 from an Indian, Bhutanese, or Nepalese school, you cannot study in Germany without JEE Advanced.

4. How can I go to Germany to study after 12th?

Germany's undergraduate programs have specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. This includes obtaining a minimum of 90% in the 12th-grade examination, passing a university entrance examination, and demonstrating language proficiency through a test.

5. Is IELTS mandatory for study in Germany?

Yes, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is necessary for applying for a German student visa, unless you are enrolling in a course that is taught in German.

6. Which is the best English Language proficiency test for Germany?

IELTS and TOEFL are among the most widely accepted options, while the DET can be a convenient alternative for universities that accept it. The smart choice is to check your university's requirements first and take a test it explicitly accepts.

7. What are the German language tests for studying in Germany?

The main German language tests include Goethe-Zertifikat, TestDaF and DSH. The right one depends on your university and programme. German-taught courses commonly require an advanced level of proficiency, often around B2 to C1, but the exact requirement can vary.

8. Is dMAT the same as TestAS?

No. They serve different purposes. TestAS measures academic aptitude and is mainly used in the admission or selection of international students for bachelor's programmes. dMAT is an academic aptitude assessment relevant to certain Indian students applying for master's programmes in Germany, with specific dMAT requirements now linked to the APS process. Your degree level and academic background determine which one, if either, applies to you.