Study in Germany without IELTS has opened up for many overseas students, including the Indian population. With world-class education systems, tuition-free public universities, and opportunities for settlement, Germany has built up a façade for itself. While IELTS is one of the most common English requirements, quite a few German universities allow applicants to present other proof of language skills. These include certificates like the Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate and alternatives like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, facilitating the whole application process and studies for students without adding extra expenses for IELTS.
Study in Germany without IELTS is a list of other recognized English language tests. This alternative for admission to the country with quality education in affordable and friendly surroundings opens up in 2025. Specific requirements as per individual universities must be checked by students before making an application, in order to be eligible.
Germany is quite famed for giving away free or only low-cost education, especially in the public education model. The only fees it charges from students are nominal semester fees, somewhere between €100-€400. Hence, even without IELTS, it can still afford to study in Germany. The common alternatives are:
Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate proving your previous education was in English
TOEFL or PTE test scores
Duolingo English Test
Some universities conduct their own language tests.
You must check the specific language requirements of each university before applying. Also, ensure you meet other standard admission requirements like academic certificates and a valid passport. This flexibility makes it easier for many students to study in Germany without IELTS in 2025.
Among all foreign nationals in Germany, Indians form the largest community. Most have learned English-based schooling. Universities accept the MOI certificate issued by Indian schools and colleges. Speaking thus, the Indian students do not need to go through the rigorous exercise of IELTS, and when they have the desire to go and study abroad in Germany, they can prove it. The following qualities tend to attract Indian students more towards Germany:
Public universities have low or free tuition.
The use of educational training is widely recognized.
Internships and jobs while studying and after.
Welcoming and multicultural environment.
Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees from foreign students, but require them to pay a nominal fee each semester that covers administrative costs, student services, and other administrative things. These fees usually hover between €100 to €400 per semester. For this reason, the major expense for a student will be living expenses. Private universities and some specialized courses may charge tuition fees, so check university websites for exact details.
German public universities are known for their high-quality education without exorbitant fees. For many programs, there are no tuition fees, and semester contributions cover administrative costs and student services. Indian and other international students benefit from these options, especially when IELTS is substituted with MOI certificates or alternative English tests.
In summary, you can study at highly affordable universities in Germany without IELTS by providing recognized alternative English proficiency documents.
This opens the door to quality education in Germany’s top institutions with minimal financial burden.
Many top public universities in Germany do not require IELTS if you can prove your English proficiency through alternatives like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, TOEFL, or PTE scores.
These universities offer affordable or free tuition with only a small semester fee (typically €100 to €400).
Here are some of the best cheap universities in Germany that accept students without IELTS:
University |
Tuition Fee |
English Proof Accepted |
Notes |
Ludwig Maximilian University Munich |
€85 semester fee |
MOI, TOEFL, PTE |
Prestigious, top-ranked |
Technical University of Munich |
Low tuition, €100-400 semester |
MOI, TOEFL, PTE |
Highly selective, STEM focus |
Humboldt University Berlin |
No tuition, semester fee applies |
MOI, TOEFL, PTE |
Free education, competitive |
Free University of Berlin |
No tuition, semester fee applies |
MOI, TOEFL, PTE |
Offers many English programs |
University of Bremen |
No tuition, small semester fee |
MOI, TOEFL, PTE |
Affordable with English programs |
University of Stuttgart |
Around €1500 per semester |
MOI, TOEFL, PTE |
Affordable, strong academic standing |
University of Cologne |
No tuition, semester fees |
MOI, TOEFL, PTE |
Well-recognized university |
One of the renowned German universities, the University of Berlin, has innumerable programs offered in English. MOI certificates, TOEFL, and PTE are accepted; IELTS is not. Most of the courses are free; only a semester fee is charged, which is used for service and administration.
Thus, justifiably, one of the best options for those who wish to study in Germany without IELTS and at almost no cost.
There are universities in Germany where a student can study at very low cost without IELTS and using some alternative English assessment papers, thus opening the doors for decent education at the top institutions in Germany with minimum financial strain. Go through the university requirements confidently before applying. Germany opens its doors to affordable, quality education for international students. Begin making your plans today!