The student community gets worrisome as soon as their secondary education ends. Tuition fees for good universities are way out of budget, and studying something in budget dwindles the job prospects.
What if I told you there is a way out of it, that too, with world-class education?
You can opt to study abroad in Europe. No need to spend thousands on getting IELTS. You can study in Germany without IELTS.
Intrigued?
In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know to study in Germany without IELTS.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Options for Non-IELTS Students
Once you have the hindrance of IELTS out of the way, you have scholarship opportunities and options you can explore.
These are not just options but excellent opportunities to explore the possibilities of getting scholarships in some of the greatest universities. You can explore these options for non-IELTS study options in Germany:
DAAD’s Masters Student Scholarship
Highly competitive, accredited, and vetted government program. Students who have graduated in the last six years are eligible for this program.
Moreover, two years of job experience will improve your chances of qualifying for a scholarship. Students in the DAAD program benefit from monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel expense relief.
Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship
The application facilitates 1,200 exceptional students for both bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs. The scholarship covers tuition, living costs, and research expenses for two years. Depending on the student’s academics, they can also apply for extensions.
Erasmus+ Scholarship Program
An excellent program for German universities accepting students without IELTS. The program allows students to study for one or two semesters at a partner university in Germany.
The Erasmus+ Program is an initiative of the European Union; hence, you can explore universities from other countries of Europe too. The program pays university tuition, travel, and living expenses for the students for the duration of their stay.
Disclaimer: The program requirements are subject to change for any academic year. Best to check their websites for complete information or consult with experienced education consultants.
Universities in Germany Accepting Students Without IELTS
I cannot possibly list down all the names, but I will do one better. I am going to list all the names of the top German universities accepting students without IELTS.
| Name of University | Location |
| Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | Bernburg, Dessau-Roßlau and Köthen |
| Chemnitz University of Technology | Chemnitz in Saxony |
| Flensburg University of Applied Sciences | Flensburg in Schleswig-Holstein |
| Mittweida University | Mittweida |
| Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences | Frankfurt am Main |
| Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences | Nordhausen in Thuringia |
| Ruhr University Bochum | Bochum in North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Technical University of Braunschweig | Braunschweig in Lower Saxony |
| TH Köln | Köln |
| University of Bayreuth | Bayreuth in Northern Bavaria |
| University of Bonn | Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia |
| University of Giessen | Giessen in Hesse |
| University of Kassel | Kassel in Northern Hesse |
| University of Kaiserslautern | Kaiserslautern in Rhineland-Palatinate |
| University of Kiel | Kiel in Schleswig-Holstein |
| University of Koblenz and Landau | Rhineland-Palatinate |
| University of Siegen | Siegen in North Rhine-Westphalia |
Student Visa Requirements for Non-IELTS Students
This is a compiled list that may work for most universities and programs. But I urge you to do your due diligence because the process is tardy and redoing would be very discouraging.
Yes, collecting all the documents, meeting all requirements, and getting enrolled in the required semester requires some work.
But if you have all the documents sorted and ready, you will most definitely be able to send out applications to your top choice universities.
Here are all the documents you will need to study in Germany without English proficiency test:
- A valid passport (at least six-month expiry) – I recommend having at least a year’s expiry on your passport.
- Completely filled application/form
- Acceptance of letter from university
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of funds to manage your stay in Germany – this can be in the form of a scholarship if provided by the university or bank statements.
- Proof of language – MOI certificate, attained from last school/college, stating that most education was achieved in English language.
Pro tip: Complete the foundation course in German language for better success rates.
Another pro tip: In some cases, IELTS improves your chances of acceptance; in that case, you should look for options for IELTS preparation and get accepted fast.
Understanding German Language Requirements for International Students
German language, or Deutsch, is quite a tricky language. Some courses, especially most undergrad courses, require you to have some level of language proficiency (check the requirements).
These are mandatory as the course instructor teaches in Deutsch. There are six levels of language:
A1 – Basic
You would learn mostly words, numbers, and learn to introduce yourself. With this course, you will be able to understand Deutsch speakers and read to find your way around in the city.
A2 – Basic
After completing A2, you will be able to manage a conversation with some knowledge of grammar and tenses.
B1 – Intermediate
With this level, you will be able to write coherently, carry a conversation, and decipher many public announcements at tubes and airports.
B2 – Intermediate
After completing B2, you would be speaking confidently and engaging in high-grade discussions.
C1 – Advance
You will get complete autonomy of the language.
C2 – Proficient
This would make you speak and understand like a near-native. You can engage in complex discussions and conversations.
Most universities require you to complete A1, A2, or B1 level proficiency. Some universities only require A1. Once you are enrolled in the program, you can take foundation courses at your university and learn the language.
IELTS Alternatives for Studying in Germany
Here is what you would need to produce for Germany study abroad without IELTS.
- MOI (Medium of Instructions): The document states that the last program or study was taught in English language only. The document can be obtained from the university of the school.
- English Language Course: Check the requirements of the universities to which you intend to apply. They may have some courses outlined as an alternative to IELTS.
- Other Tests: Some colleges accept exam scores of the Duolingo English Test and Pearson Test of English.
Student Life in Germany
At first, students get tangled in sorting out various documents, insurance and lodging problems. Some of these problems can be addressed before reaching Germany.
However, once you settle down and your courses start, you will enjoy an independent and autonomous lifestyle. Campuses offer an array of clubs where students can partake in activities like sports, culture, politics, and academics.
There are many English-medium programs in Germany, and they provide you with the opportunity to meet many international students.
Besides campus life, you can explore the museums, parks, and mountain sites for recreational activities. To combat homesickness, make friends and take part in activities.
Immerse yourself in the culture, and you will definitely take advantage of what Germany has to offer besides great education.
Post-Study Opportunities and Work Visas
The student visa expires with the course. It is advised to keep track of things and apply for extensions in time before the visa expires. You can apply for two kinds of extensions after studying with language exemptions for Germany study visa:
Limited Residence Permit ǀ Aufenthaltserlaubnis
Also known as a temporary visa, the students get an extension of 18 months to seek employment. You can now work full-time as opposed to the limited hours of a student visa.
However, you may need to meet certain requirements like:
- Certificate/ Degree achieved from a German university.
- Health insurance record.
- Proof of funds to cover the cost of your stay.
German Residence Permit
With this visa, you are granted to stay in the country as outlined in the job contract. This permit is aligned with the job contract. It can be extended if the company offers you an extension.
EU Blue Card
It is offered to NON-EU students who studied in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It enables the students to work in 25 EU countries, including Germany.
Take Away
Germany is a hub of opportunities for students. According to DeStatis, one-third of the student population has stayed back in Germany for over ten years.
Students studying in the STEM industry end up finding great work opportunities. Education and medicine are highly competitive fields.
If you have all the goals aligned, and the path clear with objectives, you can definitely manage to get enrolled to study in Germany without IELTS.
Can I study in Germany without IELTS score?
Yes, one can explore non-IELTS study option in Germany. You can explore bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs without needing to provide an IELTS score.
Which German universities do not require IELTS?
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Chemnitz University of Technology, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, Mittweida University, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, Ruhr University Bochum and TH Köln are among some of the German universities without IELTS requirements.
What English language alternatives are accepted by German universities?
Mostly MOI, TOEFL, and some university-approved English language certificates are required for English-medium programs in Germany. Every university has different requirements, best to check their website to avoid any hindrances.
Are there scholarships for students without IELTS?
Yes, you can explore the platforms like DAAD’s Masters Student Scholarship, Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, and Erasmus+ Scholarship Program which enable you to study in Europe without IELTS.
Do I need German language skills to study in Germany?
Yes, some programs require German language proficiency requirements. To meet these criteria, you would be required to attempt a Deutsch language course in your country.