English Language Tests (IELTS / TOEFL & MOI Waivers)
Updated 18 October 2026 · 3 min read
IELTS, TOEFL or a medium of instruction letter?
If you apply for an English-taught Master's in Germany, each university sets its own English requirement, and some accept a letter from your Indian university confirming your degree was taught in English (a medium of instruction, or MOI, letter). Check each program's page.
For the student visa it is different. The German Embassy's APS leaflet says that for the visa process only language certificates approved by the German government are accepted, such as Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, ÖSD, DSD, IELTS and TOEFL, and tells applicants: do not provide exemption letters or medium of instruction letters. Without a preparatory language course, at least B2 level in the language of instruction is usually required (APS India leaflet, June 2026).
What this means: even if a university admits you with an MOI letter, plan to take IELTS or TOEFL for the visa.
Standard Score Cutoffs for Public German Universities
German public universities set language requirements at the individual program level.
IELTS Academic Score Cutoffs
| Target University Type | Overall IELTS Band | Minimum Sectional Cutoff | Status / Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tier Public (TUM, RWTH) | 7.0 | 6.5 in all 4 modules | High chance for top CS/Data Science programs |
| Standard Public Universities | 6.5 | 6.0 in all 4 modules | Common minimum at many public universities; check each program |
| Applied Universities (FH/HAW) | 6.0 | 5.5 in all 4 modules | Accepted by smallerFH/HAW institutions |
TOEFL iBT Equivalent Scores
| IELTS Band Equivalent | TOEFL iBT Score | Required Sectional Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS 7.0 | 95 – 100 | Min 20 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking, 22 Writing |
| IELTS 6.5 | 80 – 90 | Min 18 in all sections |
| IELTS 6.0 | 72 – 79 | Min 15 in all sections |
The Truth About MOI (Medium of Instruction) Waivers
An MOI Certificate is an official letter issued by your Indian university (DU, VTU, Anna University, Mumbai University, etc.) stating: "This is to certify that [Student Name] completed their Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, and the medium of instruction and examination was 100% English."
Should you rely on an MOI letter?
- It depends on the university. Some universities accept proof that your degree was taught in English. For example, TUM accepts proof that at least 50% of your degree was taught in English as an alternative to a test certificate (TUM language certificates). Others ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Check each program's language requirements.
- It does not work for the visa. For the German student visa, only government-approved certificates (such as IELTS, TOEFL, Goethe, ÖSD or DSD) are accepted, and MOI letters should not be submitted (APS India leaflet, June 2026).
- So in practice, most Indian applicants take IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT once and use it for both the university and the visa.
Rule 1: Always Choose IELTS Academic (Not General Training)
Do NOT book IELTS General Training by mistake! German universities and Uni-Assist (Uni Assist Manual) strictly require IELTS Academic.
Rule 2: Scores are Valid for 2 Years
Your IELTS or TOEFL test result is valid for exactly 2 years from the date of the exam. Ensure your test date remains valid through the entire university application and visa processing window!
Rule 3: Use Electronic Score Reporting (TRF / ETS Code)
When filling out your university application or Uni-Assist:
- For IELTS: Provide your TRF (Test Report Form) Number.
- For TOEFL: Use the official ETS Institutional Code to send scores electronically.
Rule 4: Retake Immediately If Writing Score is Below 6.0
Indian students frequently score 7.5+ in Listening and Reading, but drop to 5.5 in Writing due to essay formatting. If your Writing band is 5.5, book a retake or a single-skill retake immediately to cross the 6.0 threshold.
to understand CEFR language levels and why learning German up to B1 level is essential for part-time jobs and PR.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a medium of instruction (MOI) letter instead of IELTS for a German student visa?
No. The German Embassy's APS leaflet says only government-approved certificates such as Goethe, ÖSD, DSD, IELTS and TOEFL are accepted for the visa, and that exemption or medium of instruction letters should not be provided. Some universities accept MOI letters for admission, but you will still need a test for the visa.
Does my college need to issue the MOI letter, or can a professor?
Where a university accepts an MOI letter for admission, follow that university's rules; it is normally issued by your university's registrar or examinations office on official letterhead, not by an individual lecturer.