I’m looking at an MSc in International Business in Germany. The course is in English, but I have only studied in India so far. Do I need IELTS or any other English proficiency test for admission?
Since you’re planning for an MSc in International Business in Germany and the program will be taught in English, most German universities will require proof of English proficiency. For Indian students, this typically means IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
Here’s how it usually works:
IELTS / TOEFL Requirement – Most universities ask for IELTS (overall band 6.5 or 7.0, depending on the university) or an equivalent TOEFL score. PTE is also accepted by many institutions.
MOI (Medium of Instruction) Letter – Some universities in Germany do accept a letter from your Indian university stating that your bachelor’s was taught entirely in English. However, this is not accepted everywhere and often depends on the university and the course. For competitive courses like International Business, they usually prefer standardized English test scores.
Alternative Pathways – A few universities also conduct their own English assessment tests or interviews as an alternative to IELTS/TOEFL but again it depends on the university and course.
Since you’re targeting a business-focused master’s, it’s better to take IELTS or TOEFL. It not only strengthens your admission chances but also helps with visa processing, because the German student visa authorities (embassies/consulates) often expect a recognized English test score even if the university waives it.
So, while some universities may waive IELTS if you provide a Medium of Instruction letter, We would strongly recommend taking IELTS Academic to keep your options open and avoid complications later with your visa.
