Study in Germany for Free Without IELTS Complete Guide
German universities are a great place for foreign students because most public universities offer free tuition. What’s even better is that there are many programs that do not require IELTS. But remember that if a university does not require IELTS, it does not mean that they do not need any proof of your English language skills. Such universities accept other forms of English proficiency.
Ways to Study in Germany for Free Without IELTS
If you are not required to take IELTS, German universities accept the following methods to prove your English proficiency:
Previous Degree Certificate (MOI)
This is the most common method. If you studied your previous degree (bachelor’s or masters) entirely in English, you should get a certificate from your previous university stating that your medium of study was English. This is usually sufficient.
Also Check: German Language Exam Preparation For Students
Other English Tests Accepted by German Universities
Many universities also accept scores from other tests instead of IELTS, such as:
- TOEFL
- PTE Academic
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Cambridge English Exams
University Interviews for English Proficiency
Some universities may conduct interviews themselves to check your ability to speak and understand English.
Exemption for Citizens from English-Speaking Countries
If you are a citizen of an English-speaking country such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand, you will often be exempted from English proficiency tests.
Studying in an English-Speaking Country
If you have completed your previous degree in an English-speaking country, you do not need to take IELTS.
German-Language Programs and English Proficiency Requirements
If you are applying to a program that is taught entirely in German, you do not need to provide any proof of English. However, you will still need to have a good level of German (B1/B2 level or higher) and may also need to provide a certificate of this.
Visa Essentials for Studying in Germany Without IELTS
Remember, even if the university does not require IELTS, the German embassy or consulate in your country may ask for proof of English proficiency when issuing a visa. So be sure to confirm this with the German embassy in your country.
Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026
Popular Universities in Germany Offering Tuition-Free and IELTS-Free Courses
It is very important to always check the university’s website and the details of the specific program you are interested in, as the IELTS exemption rules can change from program to program and year to year. Here are some good public universities in Germany that offer tuition-free courses and often offer admission to English-medium programs without IELTS (if you have an MOI or other alternative proof):
Top Universities in Germany (Requires Good Academic Scores)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): Very good in engineering and computer science.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich): One of the oldest and largest universities in Germany.
- Heidelberg University: Germany's oldest and most famous university.
- RWTH Aachen University: Known especially for engineering.
- Humboldt University of Berlin: A top-notch university in humanities, social sciences, and science.
- Free University of Berlin: Another large and good university in Berlin.
- University of Bonn: A large public research university.
- University of Freiburg: Famous for science, engineering, and humanities.
- University of Hamburg: One of the largest universities in Germany.
Other Good Public Universities Offering IELTS Exemption
- University of Stuttgart: Strong in engineering and science.
- Ruhr University Bochum: A large university offering courses in many fields.
- University of Siegen: A comprehensive research-based university.
- Braunschweig University of Technology (TU Braunschweig): Special focus on engineering.
- University of Giessen (Justus Liebig University Giessen): Has a wide range of courses in chemistry, physics, and biology.
- University of Kassel: Famous for engineering and social sciences.
- Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences: Emphasizes practical education.
- Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Esslingen): Good in technology and economics.
- University of Kaiserslautern: Focuses on engineering and science.
- Chemnitz University of Technology: Teaches engineering and technology.
- University of Bayreuth: Known for its collaborative research in various fields.
- University of Koblenz and Landau: Programs such as computer science and environmental sciences.
- University of Bremen: Does good research in marine science and material sciences.
- University of Duisburg-Essen: Offers a wide variety of subjects.
- University of Leipzig: One of the oldest universities in Germany.
- University of Münster: A large public university with a wide range of subjects.
Also Check: Fully Funded Scholarships for USA and UK 2025-2026
Easy Ways to Apply Without IELTS
Find Programs Taught in English in Germany
Visit websites like DAAD or MyGermanUniversity to see which English-taught programs you are interested in.
Check University Requirements for Admission
Once you have selected a few programs, go directly to the university’s website and check the admission requirements for that particular program. They will tell you whether you need IELTS or whether other tests like MOI, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo are also accepted.
Get an MOI Certificate
If your previous degree was in English, get an official MOI certificate from your old university.
Prepare for Other English Tests
If you don't have an MOI certificate, prepare for and submit any other English tests required by your chosen university (such as TOEFL or Duolingo).
Collect Other Documents for Admission
Prepare other documents required for admission such as your academic records, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, copy of passport, etc.
Apply Online for Your Chosen University
Submit your application through the university's own online portal or via Uni-Assist (a central service for many German universities).
Show Financial Proof for Living Expenses
Remember that even if the studies are free, you will have to show money for your living expenses in Germany (usually by depositing money into a blocked account).
Final Tip: Stay Updated on University Admission Requirements
Always check the latest information and requirements on your university's official website, as the rules are constantly changing.