Unsurprisingly, many international students look forward to studying in Germany. With beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, and world-renowned universities, Germany offers an ideal destination for international students. Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich are some of the best places to find world-class universities.
In addition to offering various degree programs, German universities are known for their rigorous standards and commitment to research. For English-taught programs or programs with English-language components, many universities require prospective students to prove their proficiency in English by submitting TOEFL scores or another accepted English-language certificate as part of the application process.
If you want to study in Germany and hold an English language proficiency certificate from TOEFL, you might want to know which universities accept TOEFL scores. In this article, we will take a look at universities in Germany that accept TOEFL certificates.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Universities in Germany
Many German universities accept TOEFL scores for admission purposes. However, minimum scores often vary by degree level, program, and required CEFR level. The table below gives a general overview, but applicants should always check the official program page before applying.
1. University of Freiburg
- TOEFL Requirement | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- TOEFL iBT Score: minimum score depends on the required CEFR level: 44-71 points for English B1, 72-94 points for English B2, and 95 points or higher for English C1
The University of Freiburg is a well-known public research university in Germany with a wide range of programs across the sciences, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
It offers several programs taught in English; therefore, English proficiency may be required. For example, the Master of Science in Computer Science requires English language proficiency at C1 level, which can be proven with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 95.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is one of Germany’s major public research universities. Situated in the vibrant city of Munich, it offers various degree programs in different disciplines. For English-language requirements, applicants should check the specific program page because TOEFL requirements vary by department and degree program.
Students can choose from a wide range of programs taught in English as long as they meet the minimum language requirements. For example, the Master of Science in Economics requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80 points.
3. Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich is one of Germany’s leading engineering and science universities. Located in Munich, the university was established in 1868 and has a long history of excellence in teaching and research. In current major international rankings, TUM is ranked 22nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 27th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
At the Technical University of Munich, students can choose from an extensive range of English-taught degree programs in engineering, natural sciences, and business. The general minimum score requirement for accepted TOEFL iBT certificates is 88, though applicants should always check whether their chosen program has additional requirements.
For example, the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 88 points.
4. Georg-August University of Göttingen
The Georg-August University of Göttingen is one of the most respected universities in Germany. Founded in 1737, the university is known for its academic excellence and strong focus on research. International students who want to study at the university can also participate in English-taught study programs. The university accepts TOEFL certificates for admission as one way to prove English language proficiency, but the minimum score varies by program.
The university offers several master’s and Ph.D. programs in English. Among others, a Master of Science in Sustainable International Agriculture requires an internet-based TOEFL score of at least 80 points. For the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, English requirements may be met at C1 level or through a combination of B2-level English and German language proficiency, depending on the applicant’s situation.
5. Humboldt University of Berlin
The Humboldt University of Berlin is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Germany. Located in the vibrant city of Berlin, it has been at the forefront of research and teaching since its founding in 1810. English-language requirements depend on the program, so applicants should check the official admissions page for their chosen degree.
The university offers several undergraduate and graduate programs and innovative interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with partner institutions abroad. For example, you can pursue the Master of Science in Computational Neuroscience, conducted in English in conjunction with the Technical University of Berlin. Admission to the program requires a TOEFL score of at least 87 points on the internet-based TOEFL, 543 points on the paper-based TOEFL ITP, or 230 on the computer-based test.
Other programs may require higher English proficiency levels, so prospective students should confirm the exact TOEFL requirement on the relevant program page.
6. Free University of Berlin
- TOEFL Requirement | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- TOEFL iBT Score: minimum score varies by program; B2-level programs generally correspond to 72-94 points, while C1-level programs can require 100 points or higher
Freie Universität Berlin is one of the most internationally oriented universities in Germany. International students can gain quality knowledge in fields like biochemistry, cognitive neuroscience, computational sciences, and religious studies, among others. Admission requirements vary by program, so applicants should review the official requirements for the degree they plan to pursue.
International students applying to the university’s English-taught programs may need to meet either B2- or C1-level English requirements. For example, some C1-level programs accept TOEFL iBT scores of 100 or higher, while the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Research requires B2-level English skills, which correspond to 72-94 points in the TOEFL iBT range.
7. University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg is a major public research university in Germany known for programs in fields such as physics, South Asian studies, and economics. The university has also been associated with notable alumni and researchers, including Klaus Hasselmann, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2021.
For B2-level English proof, the University of Hamburg accepts a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 70 or a TOEFL paper-based score of 550. However, some English-taught programs require higher scores. For example, the Master of Science in Intelligent Adaptive Systems requires a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90, with minimum subscores of 20 in reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
TOEFL Scores of Students Studying in Germany
FAQs about Studying in Germany
What Type of TOEFL Exam is Accepted in Germany?
The TOEFL iBT is widely accepted by universities in Germany for English-taught programs. It measures the four academic English skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
You can take the TOEFL iBT at a test center or, where available, at home. ETS says TOEFL iBT scores are usually available in your ETS account three days after your test date.
If my degree program in Germany is taught in German, do TOEFL scores still matter?
For German-taught degrees, universities and scholarship providers generally focus on German-language proficiency rather than TOEFL scores. DAAD scholarship guidance says applicants must prove proficiency in the language of instruction, which may be German or English depending on the course. For German-medium programs, accepted proof often includes German certificates such as DSH, TestDaF, Goethe, or telc certificates, depending on the university and program.
Can I study in Germany or get a German scholarship without TOEFL if my degree was taught in English?
Yes, in some cases you can. Some German programs allow applicants to submit proof that a previous degree was taught in English instead of a TOEFL score, but this depends on the university and program.
For example, the MSc Global Health in Bonn accepts TOEFL, IELTS, proof that the degree was taught in English, or proof that English is an official language. The MA Development and Governance at the University of Duisburg-Essen lists TOEFL and IELTS requirements, but applicants can be exempt if they hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from an English-language college or university and provide official proof that English was the language of instruction and examinations.
We see this in our recipients’ stories as well. Mutiu Adebowale OYERO proved his English using an official medium-of-instruction document from his Nigerian university. Gayathri Gaganan also notes that her DAAD-funded PhD path did not require TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE; her academic track and prior experience carried more weight.
If you are looking for a university in Germany that accepts TOEFL scores, you are in luck. Many universities offer excellent educational opportunities, and TOEFL acceptance as one form of English-language proof can make Germany a strong option for international students looking for quality education.
We hope that you found this article on universities in Germany accepting TOEFL scores informative. You can head over to our Germany Page to explore various universities, scholarship opportunities, and Available Courses for International Students for your study options. Additionally, the English Language Proficiency Page will help you find resources to prepare for your next exam.
