Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany in 2025

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a widely accepted English proficiency test for non-native English speakers seeking admission to universities around the world. In Germany, many universities accept TOEFL scores as part of their admission requirements for international students. This topic provides an in-depth look at TOEFL accepting universities in Germany, including their admission requirements, programs, and the benefits of studying in Germany.

Importance of English Proficiency in German Higher Education

While Germany is known for its strong tradition of offering programs in the German language, there has been a significant increase in English-taught programs (ETPs) over the past decade. As of 2025, there are over 1,500 ETPs available across German universities, catering to the needs of international students who may not be proficient in German. English proficiency is crucial for the following reasons:

• Academic Success: Proficiency in English ensures that students can comprehend lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments effectively.
• Communication: English serves as a common medium of communication among students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Employability: Many multinational companies operating in Germany use English as their working language, making English proficiency a valuable asset for future employment.

TOEFL iBT Overview

The TOEFL is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Students who achieve high TOEFL scores have a competitive edge when applying to TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the TOEFL assesses four key language skills:

• Reading: Evaluates the ability to understand and analyze written texts.
• Listening: Measures the capacity to comprehend spoken English in academic settings.
• Speaking: Assesses the ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Writing: Tests the skill of articulating ideas coherently in written form.

The TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) is the most commonly taken version, with scores ranging from 0 to 120. Each section is scored out of 30 points.

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours (excluding the 10-minute break).
• Sections: 4 sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing).
• Total Score: 0 to 120 (each section is scored out of 30).
• Test Delivery: Computer-based, administered at authorized test centers or online (TOEFL iBT Home Edition).

TOEFL iBT Section Breakdown

Here is the TOEFL Section Breakdown:

Section 1: Reading

Skills Tested:

• Understanding main ideas and details.
• Making inferences and identifying the author’s purpose.
• Summarizing information and understanding vocabulary in context.

Tips:

• Practice skimming and scanning techniques to save time.
• Focus on understanding the structure of academic texts.

Section 2: Listening

Skills Tested:

• Understanding main ideas and supporting details.
• Recognizing the speaker’s attitude and purpose.
• Following the organization of ideas.

Tips:

• Take notes while listening to key points.
• Pay attention to tone and emphasis to infer meaning.

Section 3: Speaking

Tasks:

• Task 1 (Independent): Express your opinion on a familiar topic.
• Tasks 2-4 (Integrated): Read a passage, listen to a conversation or lecture, and respond to a question based on the material.

Skills Tested:

• Speaking clearly and coherently.
• Organizing ideas effectively.
• Integrating information from reading and listening materials.

Tips:

• Practice speaking within the time limit (45-60 seconds per response).
• Use templates to structure your responses.

Section 4: Writing

• Duration: 50 minutes.
• Number of Tasks: 2 tasks.

Tasks:

• Task 1 (Integrated): Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and write a response summarizing the points made in the lecture and how they relate to the reading.
• Task 2 (Independent): Write an essay expressing your opinion on a given topic.

Skills Tested:

• Organizing and developing ideas.
• Using appropriate grammar and vocabulary.
• Writing clear and coherent essays.

Tips:

• Practice outlining essays before writing.
• Use transition words to improve coherence.

Tips for Achieving a High TOEFL Score

• Practice Regularly: Use official TOEFL practice tests.
• Improve English Proficiency: Read English books, watch English movies, and practice speaking.
• Take Mock Tests: Simulate the real exam environment.
• Time Management: Learn how to manage time effectively during the test

Also Read: Scope of German language

Factors Influencing TOEFL Score Requirements

Several factors influence the TOEFL score requirements set by German universities:

• Program Demand: Highly competitive programs may set higher TOEFL score thresholds to select the most qualified candidates.
• Language of Instruction: Programs taught entirely in English typically have higher TOEFL score requirements compared to those taught in German.
• Academic Level: Graduate programs often demand higher proficiency levels, reflected in higher TOEFL score requirements.

Why Take the TOEFL?

Many TOEFL accepting universities in Germany also consider IELTS scores for admission, Bur here’s why Take the TOEFL instead of other English proficiency tests.

• Accepted Globally: Over 11,500 institutions in 160+ countries accept TOEFL scores.
• Comprehensive Assessment: TOEFL evaluates all aspects of language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Computer-Based Test: The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) is available worldwide and offers a standardized testing experience.
• Widely Recognized in Germany: Many German universities, especially those offering international programs, accept TOEFL scores for admission.

TOEFL Format

The TOEFL iBT test consists of four sections, each designed to evaluate different aspects of English language proficiency:

1. Reading (60-80 minutes)

• Comprises 3-4 academic passages, each followed by multiple-choice questions.
• Tests comprehension, inference skills, and vocabulary knowledge.

2. Listening (60-90 minutes)

• Includes conversations and lectures followed by questions.
• Assesses the ability to understand main ideas, details, and speaker intent.

3. Speaking (20 minutes)

• Consists of 4 tasks: 2 independent and 2 integrated tasks.
• Requires test-takers to express opinions and summarize spoken and written material.

4. Writing (50 minutes)

• Comprises 2 tasks: an integrated task (reading and listening) and an independent task (essay writing).
• Evaluate coherence, grammar, and argument development.

Each section is scored on a scale of 0-30, with a total TOEFL score ranging from 0-120.

Also Read: Job opportunities after learning German language

Top 10 TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany

Here are the top universities that accept the TOEFL as its Language Proficiency Test. The list of TOEFL accepting universities in Germany continues to grow, reflecting the country’s commitment to international education.

1. TUM (Technical University of Munich)

The Technical University of Munich is one of Germany’s top-ranked TOEFL accepting universities in Germany, known for its excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and technology. TUM accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 88 on the iBT. The university offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in English, attracting students from around the world. 

2. RWTH Aachen University 

RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s leading universities of technology, known for its excellence in engineering and natural sciences. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80-90 on the iBT, depending on the program. RWTH Aachen offers a variety of master’s and doctoral programs in English.

3. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

LMU is one of Europe’s premier academic and research institutions, offering a broad spectrum of subjects. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80-100 on the iBT, depending on the program. LMU is particularly renowned for its programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

4. Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and one of the most prestigious in Europe. It accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80 on the iBT. Heidelberg University offers a wide range of programs in English, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

5. Humboldt University of Berlin

Humboldt University is known for its excellence in research and teaching, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80-100 on the iBT, depending on the program. Humboldt University offers a variety of master’s and doctoral programs in English.

6. Free University of Berlin 

The Free University of Berlin is one of Germany’s leading research institutions, known for its programs in social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80-100 on the iBT, depending on the program. The Free University of Berlin offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in English.

7. University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities, known for its programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80 on the iBT. The University of Freiburg offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in English.

8. KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

Some of the most prestigious TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany include KIT which is one of Germany’s leading universities in engineering and natural sciences. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80-90 on the iBT, depending on the program. KIT offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs in English.

9. University of Tübingen

The University of Tübingen is renowned for its excellence in research and teaching, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80 on the iBT. The University of Tübingen offers a variety of master’s and doctoral programs in English.

10. University of Göttingen

The University of Göttingen is known for its excellence in research and teaching, particularly in the natural sciences and humanities. The university accepts TOEFL scores for its English-taught programs, with a minimum requirement of 80 on the iBT. The University of Göttingen offers a variety of master’s and doctoral programs in English.

Also Read: Is German easy to learn for beginners

Alternatives to TOEFL

While many students opt for TOEFL Accepting Universities, it’s worth noting that some institutions also accept other English proficiency tests like IELTS or PTE Academic. While the TOEFL is widely accepted, some German universities also recognize other English proficiency tests, such as:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Another globally recognized English proficiency test.
• Cambridge English Qualifications: Certificates demonstrating English language proficiency.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic): A computer-based English language test.

Applicants should verify which tests are accepted by their chosen universities and the corresponding score requirements.

Scholarships and TOEFL Score Impact

Many scholarships for international students in Germany require proof of English proficiency. 

Higher TOEFL scores (100 or more) can increase your chances of getting scholarships. Many TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany offer scholarships to international students, with higher TOEFL scores often increasing the chances of receiving financial aid.TOEFL scores can help you qualify for scholarships such as:

TOEFL vs Other English Proficiency Tests for German Universities

Some universities accept multiple English language proficiency tests. Here’s how TOEFL compares

Common Mistakes Students Make with TOEFL for Germany

Avoid these errors when applying with TOEFL scores:

• Not checking university-specific TOEFL requirements

Always verify the minimum TOEFL score for your program. Some universities require section-wise scores (e.g., 25 in Speaking).

• Sending TOEFL scores late

TOEFL score reporting takes 6-10 days. Send scores at least a month before deadlines.

• Choosing the wrong TOEFL version

Some universities only accept TOEFL iBT, not TOEFL Essentials or paper-based TOEFL.

Conclusion 

Germany is an excellent destination for international students seeking high-quality education in a diverse and inclusive environment. With a wide range of TOEFL-accepting universities and English-taught programs, students from non-German-speaking countries can easily pursue their academic goals in Germany. By understanding the admission requirements, application process, and benefits of studying in Germany, students can make informed decisions and embark on a successful academic journey.

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