Study in Germany Without IELTS- Universities List 2025

A short and clear answer to this question is- Yes. You can study in Germany without IELTS. In fact, you can study both bachelors and masters without IELTS. So, how can you do this? Let’s take it from here. If you’ve been dreaming of studying in Germany but IELTS is holding you back, don’t worry. There are alternate ways to prove your English proficiency, and many German universities openly accept them.

Let us break down how to study in Germany without an IELTS score, what you need instead, and which universities and programs are IELTS-free.

Why IELTS isn’t always necessary in Germany

Germany has always focused more on academic strength and practical readiness than test scores. While some universities may require IELTS/TOEFL, many waive this requirement if you meet one key condition that ‘you’ve previously studied in English.’ 

Instead of taking a standardized English exam, you can submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter to prove that your education was in English. This is widely accepted by several public universities and in select English-taught programs.

What is MOI and how to get it

The Medium of Instruction (MOI) is an official letter from your school or university that confirms your classes were taught in English. It should be:

• Printed on your institution’s letterhead
• Signed and stamped by the head of department or registrar
• Include the duration of study and clearly state that English was the mode of instruction

Most German universities accept MOI in place of IELTS, provided the rest of your application is strong.

Get a complete overview of the Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate.

Study in Germany without IELTS: Requirements

Here’s what you’ll generally need to study in Germany without IELTS:

• A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your school/college
• Proof of previous education in English (10+2 or Bachelor’s degree)
• Strong academic records
• Passport copy and photos
• CV/Resume
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
• APS Certificate (for Indian students)
• Proof of finances (Blocked account or sponsor letter)
• Optional: An online interview (some universities may test your English verbally)

German Universities that don’t require IELTS

Here’s a list of public universities in Germany where students have successfully applied without IELTS using an MOI letter:

• University of Siegen
• University of Kassel
• University of Giessen
• Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
• Braunschweig University of Technology
• University of Koblenz and Landau
• University of Bayreuth
• Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

How to Apply to German Universities without IELTS?

Follow the given steps to apply for German universities without an IELTS in hand:

• Research IELTS-Free Universities
• Request Your MOI Letter from school/ institution
• Choose English-Taught Programs
• Prepare Your Application Documents
• Apply via Uni-Assist or Directly
• Sit for a language interview (if any)
• Get Your Admission Letter and Apply for Visa

Conclusion

At StudyHQ, we believe IELTS shouldn’t be a barrier to great education. Germany values practical skills and academic intent — and if you’ve already studied in English, you shouldn’t have to spend extra on language tests. Instead you can focus on a strong MOI, personalized SOPs and university-specific research.

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