Germany

Academic Requirements

Key Requirements:

• Academic qualifications equivalent to German standards
• Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught courses; TestDaF/DSH for German-taught)
• APS Certificate (mandatory for students from India, China, Vietnam, etc.)
• Blocked account (proof of funds approx. €11,208 per year)
• University admission letter for visa application

General Requirements:

For Bachelor’s Degree Applicants - Required Documents:

• 10th & 12th mark sheets
• School leaving certificate
• Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) entrance qualification exam (Find the details below)
• APS certificate (if applicable)
• TestAs standardized aptitude test (Find the details below)
• Language certificate: German (TestDaF/DSH) or English (IELTS/TOEFL) depending on the medium of instruction

What is the Feststellungsprüfung?

The Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) is the final exam taken after completing a Studienkolleg (a preparatory course). It tests whether an international student is academically and linguistically ready to begin undergraduate studies at a German university.

Students from India, Pakistani, Bangladesh, Nepal, China and Some African countries must take the FSP if the student secondary education (like India’s 12th grade) is not recognized as equivalent to the German Abitur. 

Note: Students must pass the German language test (minimum B2–C1 level) as part of the FSP entrance exam.

Alternatives to Studienkolleg/FSP:

• If you've completed one year of university in your home country, you may be exempt from Studienkolleg/FSP
• If you're applying for a Master’s degree, you do not need FSP (only for Bachelor’s)

Structure of the FSP Exam

The FSP includes both written and oral exams in subjects based on the course stream (T, M, W, G, or S-course):

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About TestAS?

✅ What is the Purpose of TestAS?

• To assess your intellectual abilities that are important for university-level study.
• Helps German universities compare international applicants more objectively.
• Some universities require it for admission, while others use it to award scholarships or make selection decisions.

✅ Who Needs to Take TestAS?

• International students (like Indian nationals) applying for a Bachelor’s program in Germany.
• Especially required if you don’t have a direct university entrance qualification (e.g., 12th-grade Indian education often requires a foundation course or Studienkolleg).
• Some universities make it mandatory, while others treat it as optional but beneficial.

✅ Structure of the TestAS:

1. Core Test (mandatory)
• General academic skills: logic, pattern recognition, language comprehension, etc.
• Duration: ~110 minutes
2. Subject-Specific Test (choose one):
• Engineering
• Economics
• Humanities, Cultural Studies, and Social Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences
• Duration: ~145–150 minutes

✅ Test Format:

• Available as a digital test (Digital TestAS) or paper-based (less common now).
• Offered multiple times a year at certified test centers worldwide, including India.

✅ Language:

• Test is available in English and German – you can choose your preferred language.

✅ Is TestAS Compulsory for Indian Students?

• Not always compulsory, but:
• May be required by some public universities.
• Can improve chances of admission.
• May allow you to skip Studienkolleg in some cases if you score very well.

✅ Registration & Fees:

• Register on the official TestAS website: https://www.testas.de
• Fee: approx. €100

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For Master’s Degree Applicants - Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
• APS certificate (if applicable)
• Passport
• CV & Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (for some programs)
• Language certificate

English Language Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs

✅ German-Taught Programs

Most bachelor’s programs at public universities are taught in German.

• Required German Proficiency:

  • TestDaF: Level 4 in all sections

  • DSH: Level 2 or 3

  • Goethe-Zertifikat B2/C1

  • telc Deutsch B2/C1

• Prep Option:
  If you don’t meet the language level, you can join a Studienkolleg (foundation year) and improve your German.

✅ English-Taught Programs (Limited options)

Some universities offer English-taught bachelor's programs (mainly in applied sciences).

• Required English Proficiency:

  • IELTS: 6.0–6.5

  • TOEFL iBT: 80+

  • PTE Academic: 50–60

2. Master’s Degree Programs

✅ English-Taught Programs (Very common for international students)

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 (some accept 6.0)

• TOEFL iBT: 80–90

• Medium of Instruction letter (MOI): May be accepted by some universities if your bachelor’s was in English

✅ German-Taught Programs

• TestDaF, DSH, Goethe B2/C1, or telc C1 Hochschule required.

• Less common for international master's students unless fluent in German.