Which exams do you need to study in Germany?

International students planning to study in Germany in 2026 may need to take different entrance and language tests depending on their course, level of study and language of instruction. Apart from English and German language proficiency exams, some applicants may also be required to take aptitude tests or obtain an Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certificate before applying for a German student visa.

Students applying to English-taught programmes are generally required to submit scores from IELTS or TOEFL, while those enrolling in German-taught courses must demonstrate German language proficiency through exams such as TestDaF or DSH.

For undergraduate admissions, some universities require applicants to take TestAS, an aptitude test for international students. Indian students applying for technical bachelor's programmes may also be eligible for direct admission at some universities using JEE Advanced scores instead of completing a foundation year.


Applicants to competitive postgraduate programmes, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), may need GRE scores, while GMAT is commonly required for MBA and management-related courses at some business schools.

APS certificate for Indian students

Indian students must also obtain an APS certificate, which verifies academic records through the Academic Evaluation Centre of the German Embassy before applying for a German student visa.

According to the guidance, the certificate is not an entrance exam but a mandatory document for visa applications. Since processing can take between four and eight weeks, applicants are advised to begin the process after receiving their final academic transcripts.

Universities set their own requirements

Admission requirements vary by institution, and students should check the eligibility criteria of their chosen university before registering for any examination.

While many public universities primarily assess applicants based on academic performance, additional test requirements depend on the programme and institution.