IELTS Score for Germany: Study and Work Requirements

Quick Answer: For student visas and university admission in Germany, most institutions require an IELTS overall band score of 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programs and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate programs. For work and professional registration (e.g., nursing, engineering), scores of 6.0–7.0 are common, depending on the regulatory body. Some fields like medicine may require 7.0+. Always check specific institution or employer requirements.

Table of Contents

Why IELTS for Germany?

IELTS Requirements for Studying in Germany

IELTS Requirements for Working in Germany

German Language vs. English: What You Need to Know

Band Score Comparison Table

Why IELTS for Germany?

Germany is a top destination for international students and skilled workers. While many programs are taught in German, a growing number of English-taught courses – especially at master’s level – require proof of English proficiency. Similarly, certain regulated professions (nursing, engineering, medicine) demand an IELTS score for work visa or professional licensing.

This blog post gives you clear, up‑to‑date IELTS score requirements for both study and work in Germany. Keep in mind that exact scores vary by institution, employer, and profession. Always verify with the official source.

IELTS Requirements for Studying in Germany

1. Undergraduate Programs

Most German universities for English‑taught bachelor’s degrees ask for an IELTS overall band of 6.0–6.5. Some competitive programs (e.g., international business or engineering at top universities) may require 7.0. The student visa itself (German national visa for study purposes) does not have a fixed IELTS score, but the university offer letter is needed – and that will list the required IELTS score. Example:

TU Berlin (Engineering): IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0.

University of Cologne (Economics): IELTS 6.0 overall.

2. Postgraduate (Master’s) Programs

Master’s degrees, especially in English, typically demand an IELTS of 6.5–7.0. Courses in medicine, law, or highly research‑oriented fields may ask for 7.0+ with minimum sub‑scores (e.g., no less than 6.5 in writing or speaking). Example:

LMU Munich (M.Sc. in Data Science): IELTS 7.0 overall, no band below 6.5.

TU Munich (M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering): IELTS 6.5 overall.

3. PhD and Research Positions

For doctoral studies, the requirement is usually 6.5–7.0 overall. Many PhD positions are in English‑speaking research groups, and the supervisor will often determine the acceptable score. Some funding bodies (e.g., DAAD) may require a minimum of IELTS 6.0 for scholarship applications, but individual universities may set higher.

4. Language Requirements for Visa

When applying for a student visa, you must show proof of adequate language skills – either German or English – depending on your course language. For English‑taught programs, your IELTS score fulfills this. The German Foreign Office does not list a specific IELTS band for the visa, but the university’s admission letter (which is based on your IELTS score) is essential.

IELTS Requirements for Working in Germany

1. Skilled Worker Visa (EU Blue Card)

For most skilled work visa applications, you do not need an IELTS test if your job is in English and your employer verifies your English ability. However, if you are a non‑native English speaker and your job involves client communication or regulatory compliance, an IELTS score of 6.0–7.0 may be requested by the employer or the Federal Employment Agency. Professions that often require IELTS:

Engineering – typically 6.0–6.5

IT and Software Development – often 6.0

Finance and Consulting – 6.5–7.0

2. Professional Registration (Anerkennung)

For regulated professions, you need to prove your English proficiency to get your foreign qualification recognised. This is common for:

Nurses and Healthcare Workers – IELTS overall 6.5–7.0 (often with minimum 7.0 in speaking and listening)

Doctors and Pharmacists – IELTS 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5, sometimes higher)

Teachers – IELTS 7.0 overall

Check the respective chamber (e.g., Ärztekammer for doctors, Pflegekammer for nurses) for exact standards.

3. Work‑Based Immigration (Chancenkarte)

From 2024, Germany introduced the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). Points are awarded for language skills – both German and English. For English, an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher gives you points (e.g., IELTS 6.0 = 1 point, IELTS 7.0 = 2 points). Higher points improve your chances in the selection system.

German Language vs. English: What You Need to Know

Does every job or study program require English? No. Many courses are in German, and for those you need German certificates (e.g., TestDaF, Goethe). However, if you apply to an English‑taught program, IELTS is your ticket. For work, English‑only jobs exist in multinational companies, startups, and research institutions – and an IELTS score helps prove your proficiency.

Key takeaway: IELTS is not always mandatory for Germany, but it opens doors for English‑medium study and certain regulated professions. If your field is heavily German‑language‑based, focus on German proficiency first. But for international students and professionals, IELTS is a solid asset.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants (General Context)
6.0	Competent user – can handle basic communication, but may have occasional misunderstandings. Sufficient for many undergraduate programs.
6.5	Competent to good – clear English with some errors. Accepted by most master’s programs and many professional registrations.
7.0	Good user – fluent, with occasional inaccuracies. Required for competitive courses and many regulated professions (e.g., medicine).
7.5+	Very good user – advanced proficiency. Rarely required, but adds credibility for high‑level research or executive roles.

Note for Germany: Most universities and employers want an overall band of 6.0 to 7.0, with specific sub‑score minimums (e.g., no band below 6.0). The table above is a general guide – always check your target.

Sample Answers

Below are sample responses for a Speaking Part 2 topic: “Describe a country you would like to study or work in.” The topic is adapted to Germany.

Band 7: “I’d like to talk about Germany. I’ve always been interested in its engineering reputation. To be honest, I think studying there would help me improve my career. The universities are free, which is amazing. However, I’m also aware that you need a good IELTS score, like 6.5, for most master’s courses. I’m working on that now. I hope to apply to TU Munich next year.” Band 8: “I’d like to discuss Germany as my ideal destination for both study and work. The reason is twofold: first, Germany offers world‑class engineering programs, many of them tuition‑free even for international students; second, the country actively welcomes skilled workers through initiatives like the Opportunity Card. Of course, proof of English ability is essential, and institutions generally expect an IELTS score of around 6.5 to 7.0. I’m currently preparing for the test, targeting a 7.0 to be safe. Beyond academics, I appreciate the German emphasis on efficiency and work‑life balance. So yes, Germany is at the top of my list.” Band 9: “I’d like to talk about Germany, a country that I believe perfectly aligns with my academic and professional aspirations. Germany’s higher education system is renowned for its innovation, research output, and, notably, low tuition fees. For postgraduate engineering, a band of 7.0 or above is typically demanded. That’s why I’ve been rigorously practising my IELTS writing and speaking to achieve a strong 8.0, which not only meets the requirement but also demonstrates my capacity for academic discourse. Additionally, the new Skilled Immigration Act makes it relatively straightforward for qualified professionals to remain after graduation. So, I see Germany not just as a study destination, but as a long‑term career home. The combination of high‑quality education, a supportive immigration framework, and a strong economy makes it exceptionally attractive.”

Common Mistakes

❌Assuming a single score fits all. Germany is a federal system; each university and profession sets its own IELTS requirements. Don’t rely on one number – check your specific target.

❌Ignoring sub‑score minimums. Many programs (e.g., medicine) demand a certain band in speaking or listening. A high overall but low sub‑score can get you rejected.

❌Forgetting that German may be required too. Even for English‑taught courses, some universities require basic German knowledge (e.g., A1/A2) for daily life. Don’t neglect that.

❌Using an expired IELTS certificate. IELTS is valid for two years. If you applied two years ago, you may need to retake. For visa purposes, the certificate must be valid at the time of application.

❌Not checking the official website of Anabin or the competent chamber. For professional recognition, IELTS requirements can change. Always verify.

Top Tips

💡 Start early. German university applications often close months before the semester. Aim to take your IELTS at least 6 months before the application deadline so you have time to retake if needed.

💡 Target a score 0.5 above the minimum. Competition at top universities (e.g., TU9) can be stiff. A 7.0 instead of 6.5 could make your application stand out.

💡 Practice with German‑themed speaking topics. Your IELTS Speaking test might ask about study abroad, moving, or career plans. Prepare examples related to Germany – this boosts your fluency and confidence.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests, vocabulary lists, and study materials tailored to Germany‑bound candidates. They offer real‑time mock tests and band score calculators.

For official German university requirements, use:

DAAD Database (www.daad.de)

Anabin (for professional recognition)

German Embassy website for visa guidelines.

FAQ

Q: Can I get a German student visa with IELTS 5.5? A: It’s unlikely for English‑taught programs, which usually require 6.0–6.5. However, some foundation courses (Studienkolleg) may accept 5.5. For German‑taught programs, you need German language proof, not IELTS. Q: Does Germany accept IELTS Academic for work visas? A: Yes, for skilled worker visas and professional registration, IELTS Academic is generally accepted (some professions also accept IELTS General Training for non‑academic contexts, but Academic is safer). Q: Is IELTS required for the EU Blue Card in Germany? A: Not explicitly, but your employer may request it to prove English skills. If your job is in English, an IELTS score can strengthen your application. Q: Which is better for nursing – IELTS or OET? A: Both are accepted. Many German nursing regulators accept IELTS (usually 6.5–7.0). But OET is specifically for healthcare and may be easier if you are a medical professional. Check with the Pflegekammer.

Key Takeaways

✅Undergraduate programs typically require IELTS 6.0–6.5; postgraduate 6.5–7.0.

✅For work, regulated professions often need IELTS 6.5–7.0; non‑regulated jobs may not require it.

✅Always check specific sub‑score minimums and official institution/professional body websites.

✅IELTS is valid for 2 years – track your test date.

✅A score 0.5 above the minimum increases your chances of admission and visa success.

Related Posts:

IELTS Score for Canada: Study and Work Requirements

IELTS Score for UK: University and Visa Guide

IELTS for Nursing: Requirements by Country

This guide was last updated in April 2026. Requirements can change; always consult official sources.