Is it possible to study in Germany without IELTS?

Germany, also known as the paradise for higher education, is home to several world-class universities. Not just universities, Germany is also known to offer several courses to students which would be of higher value in their careers. These globally valued courses would offer you high-paying jobs and hence these things help you grow your interest to study in Germany as a favored study abroad destination. Do you know what adds to the popularity of the country among the students? It is a fact that they can also study in Germany without taking IELTS. People who are choosing Germany as their dream destination to study abroad is increasing year after year. Depending upon the country from which you are coming, you may or may not need a German Student Visa to study in Germany. You can escape yourself from a German Student Visa but you still have to obtain a Residence Permit to study in Germany lasting for more than 90 days, once you have arrived in Germany.
How can you study in Germany without IELTS?
Germany has emerged as a popular destination for international students to study at universities, colleges and vocational schools. This is mainly due to the country’s top-class higher education, with no tuition fees and affordable living costs.
The German higher education system is established on the principle of “study what you like, where you like”. The German university system emphasizes research and student-driven learning. You can choose from over 50 universities that offer degrees in English in Germany as well as many other languages. In addition to this there are a number of courses taught in English at German universities, which attract large numbers of international students each year. One has to prove their English proficiency score (IELTS) to get admitted to these programs. The minimum requirement is atleast 6.5 band, but it is recommended to get an 8 band in IELTS for better chances of acceptance by the university.
There are certain universities in Germany where international students can apply without IELTS score. So if you are not willing to give IELTS or finding it hard, you can still study in Germany. But the English proficiency proof will still be required for the application process. If you are a native of an English speaking country, your ID will be required to prove your nationality. For the international students of non-EU countries, a bonafide certificate is required to prove that they have completed their bachelor’s degree with English as a medium of instruction. This certificate is known as Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI).
However, it is better to check directly with the university for the exact requirement if they require IELTS or any other language-related examination.
How to get study visa without IELTS?
Usually, English proficiency score (IELTS) is one of the requirements to apply for the visa process. But if the university, you have applied for have accepted your application with MOI certificate as a proof of English proficiency, and issued an admission confirmation letter, then while registering for student visa, send your MOI certificate and admission confirmation letter together with other required documents.
Before applying for Visa make sure to know what type of Visa you need to apply for keeping in mind the number of days of your visit and also your further study plan if any.
- For studies lasting up to 3 months, you need to apply for a Schengen Visa.
- For studies lasting beyond 3 months, you need to apply for a German National Visa.
Types of Germany Study Visas
You can obtain German Visas for a variety of study levels and degrees. This may include undergraduate programs, graduation programs, diplomas, exchange, postgraduate studies, and so on. Even if you are willing to enroll yourself in some pre-academic program or non-academic German language course, you can do so with the help of due research.
There are 3 types of German student visas you can apply for:
- German Student Visa
- German Student Application Visa
- German Language Course Visa
Documents Checklist to study in Germany without IELTS
Keeping all the documents in an organised way will help you manage everything smoothly. Make a document file and make sure to keep the following documents:
Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI)
To study in Germany without IELTS, MOI certificate will act as English proficiency proof and also an important document for the visa application. So ensure that you have a valid MOI certificate to help you with the entire application process.
Admission Confirmation Letter
Once your application has been accepted by the university, ensure that you get a admission confirmation letter from the respective university. This letter will help you to apply for the visa along with MOI certificate.
German Language Course
German language is one of the most important thing to study in Germany. Although you can apply to German universities without the knowledge of German language, but it is advisable to clear at least 2 levels of German language up to A2 before applying as it will boost your chances of admission.
Student Visa
Last but not the least, make sure to get a student visa before commencement of the classes and get ready to land in Germany.
Universities with no IELTS Requirement
- PFH University, Göttingen
- Hochschule Stralsund
- Mittweida University
- University of Hildesheim
- Ruhr University Bochum
- Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
- University of Koblenz Landau
- Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
- TH Köln
- The University of Applied Sciences, Ingolstadt