Entrance Exam for Masters in Germany for 2025 Intake

Germany has been particularly famous for quality education over the years. Most international students are eager to study master’s programs in Germany. Still, there should be knowledge about entrance exams on advance notice before admissions. The type of entrance exam required varies with courses as well as universities depending upon the specific conditions or requirements of entrance for such a master’s program in Germany. Successcribe will guide you about several entrance exams that one needs to take to be part of a master’s program in Germany, their relevance, and what they cost. Before applying for a Master’s program in Germany, it’s important to understand the specific entrance exam for Masters in Germany required by your chosen university 

Important Entrance Exams to Secure Admission for a Master’s Program in Germany

Here is the Exams list to get admission to a Master’s Program in Germany:

GRE (Graduate Record Examination) 

Many German universities demand a GRE test for entry into the master’s programs; most are technical and engineering universities. GRE has analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning tests that provide a standardized measure of academic ability.

When is it required?  

The GRE is mostly required for technical courses, including engineering, computer science, and others. It’s not generally required of all German universities, though it does strengthen your application, especially when applying to competitive programs. 

Score Range  

• The range of GRE scores is 260 to 340. 
• Competitive programs will require 310 or better. 

Cost of GRE

The cost of GRE is around $220 (INR 18,000), though you might be slightly charged depending on where you are. That’s a good factor in costing entrance exam fees for masters in Germany. 

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

For students aspiring to pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or related management programs, the GMAT is often mandatory. GMAT assesses proficiency levels in analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative skills, and verbal ability. Universities offering business programs often require the GMAT as the entrance exam for Masters in Germany, while technical programs may prefer the GRE. 

When is it required?

The GMAT is typically required for business and management studies, especially from universities that have an excellent business program. Of the top German institutions awarding MBA degrees, such as ESMT European School of Management and Technology, the requirement for a GMAT score usually holds.

Score Range

• GMAT scores range from 200 to 800.
• Most institutions consider scores higher up, which is above 650 or so.

Cost of GMAT

The cost for sitting the GMAT is about $275 (INR 23,000). This would be on top of the overall cost for the entrance exam to the master’s in Germany, especially if business-related postgraduate courses are undertaken.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Most master’s courses in Germany are taught in English, and so most require test takers to prove their proficiency in English through a test called IELTS. IELTS tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

When is it necessary?

It is required in the application for students in an English-speaking country, especially those programs instituted in the universities coming from non-English-speaking countries. The scores of IELTS vary from university to university; most of German universities require a minimum band score of 6.5 or above. 

Score Range

IELTS is graded between 1 to 9 bands and a 7 band or above is competitive for top-tiered programs for the most part.

Cost of IELTS

However, the test fee for IELTS roughly ranges between €240 (INR 22,300) or more depending on the location and testing center.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL is yet another prominent English proficiency test carried out by most German universities. It similarly tests reading, writing, speaking, and listening. If you are planning to pursue to study abroad TOEF is one of the Entrance Exam for Masters in Germany by which you get the proficiency in English language.

When is it required?

For English-taught programs, most universities require TOEFL as an alternative to the IELTS. Though some may take both, so you should confirm which is preferred by your university.

Score Range

The TOEFL score range is 0 to 120 and for the major programs, it requires a score above 90.

Cost of TOEFL

TOEFL exam costs around $190 (INR 15,500) thereby increasing the entrance exam cost for masters in Germany.

TestAS (Test for Academic Studies)

TestAS is a selective aptitude test that is only taken by international students who want to opt for a bachelor’s or master’s degree course in Germany. It is also widely used for technical as well as engineering courses. The test is the assessment of one’s academic aptitude and sometimes, universities prefer TestAS instead of GRE.

When is it required?

TestAS is suitable for students applying for undergraduate and graduate programs, more so in the disciplines of engineering, natural sciences, and economics.

Score Range 

There is no credit scale for TestAS. This test measures cognitive and academic ability and gives universities insight into applicants’ academic potential.

TestAS Fee Structure

TestAS has a relatively lesser fee of €80 (INR 7,500). When it comes to the cost of entrance exams for masters in Germany, this is one of the cheapest options available there.

DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)

DSH is a German language test that conducts qualification exams at eight places in Germany: Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Göttingen, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, and Constance.

In case a student looks out for a German-taught master’s program, this DSH is unavoidable. This tests a candidate’s skills in the German language but emphasizes his control over the academic language skills.

Most of the programs are available in German and it is the country’s culture of giving free education in German, so these become highly competitive.

When is it required?

DSH exam is required for the aspirants to seek admission in German programs unless such applicants provide alternative German language competency certificates like TestDaF.

Score Range

The DSH exam scores are available on three levels, which include DSH-1, DSH-2, and DSH-3, but DSH-2 or DSH-3 is mandatory in most colleges to get admission to a master’s course.

DSH Cost

The cost of the DSH exam depends on the testing center but its costs range between €100 to €200 (approx. INR 9,000 to 18,000).

TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache)

Another test for proficiency in German is taken at the end of a course, TestDaF. It is accepted by all German universities for admission to classes taught in German.

When is it necessary?

TestDaF is required for applicants for German-taught programs only but can be used as proof of German language proficiency for visa application purposes.

Score Range

TestDaF is counted with a score from 3 to 5 points and TestDaF 4 is the minimum requirement for most of the master’s courses.

TestDaF Cost

The TestDaF examination itself costs around €195 or (INR 18,000) which is added up along with another cost for the entrance exam for masters in Germany.

Cost of Entrance Exam for Masters in Germany: Summary Table 

Here is the detailed table showing the Cost of the Master’s Entrance Exam in Germany: 

How to Prepare for Entrance Exams for Masters in Germany

Knowing which entrance exam for Masters in Germany is required for your course is essential to avoid delays in your application process. 

Here are some key point one should know when planning to pursue a master’s program in Germany. 

Know the Exam Pattern

First of all, every test will be unique as far as format and emphasis are concerned. So, understanding the format is the way to go. For example, the GRE puts more emphasis on quantitative reasoning than the GMAT, which carries integrated reasoning sections. Flip through the official guides of both tests, just to get a feel for the type of questions that would be asked.

Practice Tests

Practice tests are the best way to prepare for entrance tests. They not only familiarize one with the format of an exam but also its timing as well as question types.

Available Prep Courses

Institutions such as the GRE, GMAT, IELTS, or TOEFL usually offer preparation courses for these tests. The courses teach strategies, give ample practice materials, and may also include guidance to raise your scores.

Management of Time

Plan at least 3 to 6 months for the preparations since each requires different periods; otherwise, you will end up in last-minute rushes to finish them.

Keep in Touch with Updates on Application Requirements

Requirements are always changing for universities, and it would be best to check for the latest information regarding which exams are required and the minimum scores expected for your chosen program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Entrance Exam for Masters in Germany is a significant step in securing admission to top German universities, and with proper preparation, students can navigate this challenge successfully. Some of the top-ranked universities in the world have entry procedures that involve clearing entrance exams for entering German master’s programs. Be it language proficiency tests in English or German or a prove of academic skills by entrance tests like GRE and GMAT, knowledge of what is being required in the entrance tests and the cost incurred will help you.

It better prepares students before the application process. Proper preparation and a clear understanding of the costs involved would enable the student to go through the admissions process and successfully pursue his or her dream of studying in Germany.

Related Post

APS Certificate for Germany
Cost of studying in Germany
LLM in Germany for Indian students
Masters in digital marketing Germany