I’ve been often asked this question whether taking IELTS is mandatory to study in Germany. Before I begin answering this I’d like to quickly brief what exactly IELTS is?

What?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System which is nothing but an exam to test your English proficiency in these four fields: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. In order to pass this exam you must pass each of these 4 fields individually. Each field is graded using a band which ranges from 1 to 9, naturally 9 being the highest. Scores received in all fields are then used to calculate a combined score that you will receive in your IELTS exam.

Why?

Any language proficiency exam is taken because you need to prove your language skills. In case of IELTS, you prove your English language skills. The reason could be studying abroad (a course offered in English), going to work abroad, going to do some internship abroad and many more. In case of studying abroad, you prove your English skills using the certificate you will receive after taking IELTS. Based on your score (not completely but it indeed plays a good role) your application might be accepted or rejected. Some universities, colleges or schools make it a mandate to have a certificate proving your English proficiency.

The reason why it is a mandate is clear since the place you’re applying to study is not aware of how good you are with English. Moreover, if you come from a country where English is not your mother tongue then it is critical to judge your skills. Additionally, they want to scrutinize applicants and language proficiency becomes one parameter to do that.

Germany & IELTS?

Now the question is why does Germany is a German speaking country then why does it, if it does, need an English language proficiency exam? The reason is because English skills are not limited to a course of study but expands your horizon of possibilities. Since a couple of years, Germany has been offering entire Master courses in English. However, majority of Bachelor courses are still offered in German, yet there are exception where the University offers some specific modules (lectures) completely in English or even provide the students the opportunity to write their thesis in English.

Some universities do not have a mandate prerequisite for English proficiency during application if your course is offered completely in German (as you won’t be needing English skills anywhere), however, others make it a mandate as changing language of certain modules from German to English would be easier if students are not limited to German language but are capable of understanding the English equally. Moreover, if you are finished with Bachelors and wish to continue your studies to masters, your English skills will only make it better to switch the medium from German to English.

My take-away!

Take the exam as:

1. It is not difficult.
2. It doesn’t cost you much time, energy or money.
3. It offers you flexibility – as you can apply to more universities, you can switch universities during the your course and you can apply for internship based your certificate.
4. It helps you improve your language skills.
5. You will have language proficiency skills certificate for a year that can be used anywhere.

muchlove 🙂