Universities in Germany Accepting Low IELTS Scores

Universities in Germany Accepting Low IELTS Scores: We are all aware of the importance of English proficiency tests for admission to international universities. Germany is in the same boat. IELTS scores are important for almost every German university admission procedure, regardless of study level. In comparison to the United States and the United Kingdom, German colleges frequently do not demand an IELTS score of 7.0 or above to be considered for admission. The majority of German colleges demand IELTS scores ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Because English is not their first language, the English language competency score requirement is lenient. 

To summarise the requirements, candidates for undergraduate studies in Germany should strive for an IELTS score of at least 6.0 and module scores of at least 5.5. The average score for postgraduate programmes should be between 6.0 and 6.5 bands. Some German universities, however, accept IELTS scores ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

Let us unveil some of the famous universities in Germany accepting low IELTS scores and hence are allowing international students to study in Germany. 

Did you know that Indian students can Study in Germany for Free? Our study abroad experts can help you enrol at a top-tier German university even with a low IELTS score!

Do Universities in Germany Accept an IELTS Score of 5.5 Bands?

Yes, universities in Germany accept an IELTS score of 5.5 bands. Though it depends on a certain university's English language proficiency score requirements, German universities usually require an IELTS score ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 bands. The following is a list of universities in Germany that accept an IELTS score of 5.5 bands:

List of Universities in Germany Accepting Low IELTS Scores

Low IELTS scores are acceptable for admission to German universities, although the majority of institutions accept band scores of IELTS 6 or higher. You should aim for an overall IELTS score of 7.0 bands or higher to greatly enhance your chances of admission to study in Germany. The following is a discussion of the list of universities in Germany accepting low IELTS scores.

The Free University of Berlin

In 1948, Berlin's Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) was founded as a public research institution. There are 4,000 doctorate students and over 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled there. According to the QS World University Rankings 2020, it holds the 130th-best ranking globally.

In total, 11 academic departments and one medical school at FU Berlin provide 178 bachelor's and master's degree programmes (run jointly with the Humboldt University of Berlin). It is not necessary for applicants to provide evidence of German language proficiency for 21 of the programmes since they are exclusively taught in English. For international students to attend this German university, the IELTS score must be 4.5 bands or higher. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the Free University of Berlin:

RWTH Aachen University

Founded in 1870, RWTH Aachen University is a public research institution. In the spa town of Aachen on the nation's western border, the campus spans 620 acres of ground. Approximately 10,500 of the almost 45,000 students enrolled at RWTH are international students from 125 various nationalities. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the RWTH Aachen University:

University of Mannheim

The University of Mannheim, a famous public research university in Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, was established in 1946. The university is renowned for providing excellent bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programmes. It is a member of the German Universities Excellence Initiative, IBEA, AACSB, AMBA, CFA Institute, Council on Business & Society, EQUIS, ENTER, and the Council on Business & Society. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the University of Mannheim:

IU International University of Applied Sciences

Private, state-recognised, and situated in Erfurt, Germany, the IU International University of Applied Sciences was established in 1998. It provides German and English-language campus-based, online, and blended learning programmes. As of the summer semester of 2021, IU had more than 85,000 students enrolled, making it the largest state-accredited university in Germany. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the IU International University of Applied Sciences:

Heidelberg University

The history of Heidelberg Institution dates back to 1386, making it the nation's oldest university. It is situated in the city of Heidelberg in southwest Germany. As per the 2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), it is the nation's top university.

Over 29,000 students, including nearly 5,500 from other nationalities, are enrolled there overall. 180 programmes at the public research university accept international students. An applicant must have at least an IELTS score of 6.5 bands to apply to the English-taught programmes offered here. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for Heidelberg University:

Related Reads:

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The university was established in 1868 and has three campuses, all of which are located in the greater Munich region. Over 41,000 students are now enrolled at the Technical Institution of Munich (TUM), a public research university in Germany. 30% of these students are international, which is a staggering percentage.

It had the 55th position globally in the QS World University Rankings 2020, making it the top-ranked German institution. Through its 15 departments and schools, TUM offers 168 academic programmes. There are 58 programmes offered here that are taught in English, and to be considered for admission, non-native English speakers must have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 bands. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the Technical University of Munich:

Ludwig Maximilians University Munich

Public research university Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) was founded in 1472. There are around 51,000 students enrolled there, including about 8,500 international ones. This Munich-based university, which is ranked 32nd globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020, is placed above all other German universities.

It provides several fully English-taught masters and doctorate programmes. While several undergraduate courses at LMU Munich are provided in English, none of the bachelor's programmes is entirely taught in the language. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich:

Humboldt University of Berlin

The public institution Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin), founded in 1810, is located in the Mitte neighbourhood of downtown Berlin. There are now more than 32,500 students enrolled there. More than 5,200 of the students are international.

In the most recent QS and Times Higher Education university rankings 2022, it holds the fourth-place spot nationwide. The HU Berlin offers 189 academic programmes throughout its nine faculties. For programmes offered in English, this German university requires applicants to have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 bands. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the Humboldt University of Berlin:

University of Hamburg

The University of Hamburg, one of Germany's most esteemed universities, was established in 1919. The first institution that served as the university's foundation was the Academic Gymnasium, which was founded in 1613.

More than 70 undergraduate, 117 postgraduate, and 117 vocational programmes are offered by the university's 8 faculties. The university's faculty is made up of experts with extensive backgrounds in the disciplines they teach. Famous professors from other foreign colleges also come to the campus to deliver lectures. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the University of Hamburg:

Berlin School of Business & Innovation

Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI), a for-profit educational institution with its main campus in the city centre of Berlin, was established in 2018 by Global University Systems (GUS), a company based in the Netherlands that specialises in for-profit higher education. BSBI aims to develop graduates into outstanding future leaders in their fields.

In Germany, BSBI lacks the authority to provide degrees, but its programmes have been approved by the for-profit UniNettuno International Telematic University in Italy. To conduct programmes at its Berlin campus, BSBI announced in November 2019 that it had teamed with Concordia University Chicago. The following table shows various courses and their respective IELTS band score requirements for the Berlin School of Business & Innovation:

Can You Study in Germany Without IELTS?

Yes, you can definitely study in Germany without taking the IELTS exam! The two main ways to demonstrate your English proficiency are to either submit documents to prove that you obtained your undergraduate degree using English as the medium of instruction or to present a Language or Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) from your prior institution or school. It is also possible to Study in Germany Without IELTS for individuals from countries where English is the native tongue or who have a degree in English literature!

IELTS Score Requirement for a German Student Visa

Germany is a popular destination for international students who wish to continue their higher education. However, to take the test, test takers from non-EU or non-EEA countries must apply for a German student visa before travelling to the country. Additionally, if candidates plan to stay back in Germany for 90 days or longer, they must apply for a residence permit. Therefore, based on the requirements of their course, individuals must choose the type of visa they need. An overall IELTS score requirement for a German student visa is at least 6.5 bands.

In the end, universities in Germany accepting low IELTS scores provide a wide range of courses and programmes that may be ideal for foreign students with low IELTS who want to study abroad. These universities are well-equipped with the essential skills and expertise to provide students with the best possible experience while studying in Germany. Furthermore, those who perform well on the IELTS exam have a greater chance of settling in Germany. The candidate may be able to win admission to top-tier German universities, which will open up many opportunities for them in the future. As a result, applicants should strive for a high IELTS band score at all times.

Feeling this information is insufficient? Or, got any doubts about studying at universities in Germany accepting low IELTS scores? Reach out to us at abroad@collegedekho.com. to let your doubts be resolved by our experts!