Exam Prep for Studying in Germany
5000+
3,00,000+
International Students study in the U.K. every year
2 Yrs PSWV
Scholarships
Apply For Upcoming Intake
Studying in Germany means two things often pop up: language requirements and sometimes standardized tests. Whether you’re applying to English-taught master’s programs or German-taught degrees, knowing which exams matter — and how to prepare smartly — is half the battle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the key tests, accepted scores, and prep tips that actually work for Indian students.
Which exam for which program
- English-taught programs: IELTS / TOEFL / PTE are commonly accepted. Competitive programs may ask for GRE or GMAT (business / research-heavy STEM).
- German-taught programs: TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe (B2–C1) are standard. Some universities accept equivalent certificates or in-house language tests.
- Preparatory pathway: If you don’t meet academic or language requirements, you may attend a Studienkolleg (foundation year) before starting a degree.
English-language tests (for English-taught programs)
IELTS (Academic)
- Common target: 6.5 overall with 6.0+ in each band for most master’s programs; top/competitive programs may ask for 7.0+.
- Why students pick it: Widely accepted, quick result turnaround, clear band reporting.
TOEFL iBT
- Common target: 80–100+ depending on the university and program. Some STEM programs prefer TOEFL scores.
PTE Academic (Pearson)
- Common target: 58–65+ (university-specific). It’s computer-scored and accepted by many German universities.
GRE / GMAT
- Where needed: GRE (often for research-oriented masters, PhD, or top STEM programs); GMAT for some MBA or business master’s programs.
- Typical target ranges: GRE – Quant 155+ (varies by program); GMAT – 600+ for competitive business programs (varies widely).
German-language exams (for German-taught programs)
TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)
- What it measures: Academic German for university studies.
- Levels: TDN 3–5 per skill (reading, listening, writing, speaking). TDN 4 in all sections is commonly required for most degree programs.
DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
- What it measures: University German exam administered by German universities.
- DSH-2 (or higher) is usually required for degree entry (varies by university).
Goethe Institute Certificates (B2 / C1)
Usage: Many universities accept C1 Goethe for admission to German-taught programs; B2 may be accepted for Studienkolleg or preparatory courses.
Studienkolleg (foundation year) — when and why?
If your bachelor’s degree or school system needs equivalence or if your German level isn’t yet sufficient, Studienkolleg is the bridge: one academic year of subject-specific German + prep courses. After passing the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP), you can apply to a related undergraduate program. Many engineering/technical students choose this route when required.
How to plan your exam timeline (practical blueprint)
- 12–10 months before intake
- Decide target universities & check required tests (English/German; GRE/GMAT).
- Book test dates (popular slots fill fast).
- 9–6 months before intake
- Start structured preparation (course / tutor / self-study).
- Focus on weakest skill first (e.g., speaking for IELTS; quantitative for GRE).
- 6–3 months before intake
- Take a full mock test every 2–3 weeks; work on test strategy and timing.
- If applying to German-taught programs, increase German immersion (conversation partners, reading academic texts).
- 3–0 months before intake / deadlines
- Re-take tests if needed (leave buffer for score reports).
- Finalize language certificate, send scores with applications, and keep scanned copies ready for visa/university
Study-plan blueprint (12-week sample for language tests)
- Weeks 1–3: Diagnostic test + fundamentals (grammar, core vocabulary, concepts)
- Weeks 4–6: Skill blocks — Listening & Reading intensive; start weekly mock tests
- Weeks 7–9: Writing & Speaking drills, timed practice, feedback loops
- Weeks 10–12: Full-length mocks, error logs, exam-day simulation & relaxation techniques
Adjust intensity for GRE/GMAT: add Quant/Verbal alternate days, focus on data interpretation and timed sections.
Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
- Waiting too long to book a slot — secure a date early.
- Only doing practice tests without targeted feedback — fix errors, don’t just repeat tests.
- Ignoring university-specific score splits — some programs require section minima.
- Underestimating German academic writing — start early for TestDaF/DSH writing practice.
- Not documenting scores correctly — universities and visa files require official score reports.
Test prep options that work
- Instructor-led classes (best for structured learners).
- One-on-one tutoring (targeted weak-skill improvements).
- Self-study with a strong plan + mocks (cost-effective; requires discipline).
- Hybrid (course + tutor) — the best combo for most ambitious applicants.
Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF or GRE with Eleevate Overseas — expert tutors, personalised study plans and application-aligned coaching.
We match your target universities with the exact exam strategy, provide mock tests with feedback, and help polish your SOPs and application documents so your test scores translate into admits.
Why Eleevate Overseas for Exam Prep?
