TOEFL for German Universities 2026:
Score Requirements in Both Scales

Why most TOEFL-for-Germany guides are already outdated

On January 21, 2026, ETS replaced the 0–120 TOEFL score with a 1.0–6.0 band scale aligned to CEFR levels (source: ETS TOEFL iBT Test Overview, 2026). Students who take the test now receive band scores. Students with pre-2026 scores still have 0–120 results. Both remain valid through January 2028. For a full explanation of the January 2026 scoring changes, see our TOEFL 2026 score guide.

German universities are catching up at different speeds. TUM already accepts both scales: its admissions page confirms that the new scoring system "is accepted" (source). TU Berlin's Global Production Engineering program explicitly lists both: "TOEFL iBT ≥ 4.5 and ≥ 87" (source). The University of Bamberg (translated from German), by contrast, notes on its advising page that partner universities are updating their requirements "only gradually" and that "no clear trend is yet apparent" (source).

Not every university follows the ETS concordance mechanically. WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management requires TOEFL 100 on the old scale but sets the new-scale equivalent at 5.5, not the 5.0 the ETS concordance predicts. HHL Leipzig follows the same pattern, requiring band 5.0 for an old-scale requirement of 90. Applicants with pre-2026 scores that meet the old threshold may find their equivalent band falls short of the new threshold at these schools. Verify against each university's current admissions page.

TOEFL requirements at 15 German public research universities

The universities below are Germany's main destinations for English-taught master's programs. Requirements vary significantly by program: a single university can require anywhere from 72 to 100+ depending on the department. Every score below is sourced from the university's own admissions or language requirements page as of August 2026.

Four universities were excluded because their current requirements could not be sourced cleanly from their own admissions pages as of July 2026: RWTH Aachen and the University of Tübingen were mid-update, the University of Freiburg's central language requirements page was not resolving (the MEG program above was verified separately), and the University of Cologne's requirements are fragmented across departments. Check each university's admissions page directly for current thresholds.

TOEFL requirements at German private and business schools

The five schools below are private, English-taught business schools with distinct application patterns from public universities. Requirements tend to be higher (typically 90–100+ iBT) because programs are fully taught in English and use case-method instruction. Some German business schools accept GMAT scores in lieu of TOEFL for applicants with strong GMAT performance: TUM School of Management, for example, accepts GMAT 600+ as English proficiency proof. See our GMAT Focus scoring guide for details on GMAT score thresholds.

* WHU and HHL set new-scale thresholds higher than the mechanical ETS concordance. WHU requires 5.5 for old-scale 100 (ETS concordance: 5.0). HHL requires 5.0 for old-scale 90 (ETS concordance: 4.5). Pre-2026 scores meeting the old threshold may fall short of the new threshold at these schools.

How to prepare for the 2026 TOEFL for German universities

Most English-taught master's programs in Germany require TOEFL iBT scores in the 80–100 range on the old scale, which corresponds to band 4.0–5.0. For STEM programs at technical universities like TUM and KIT, the typical threshold is 88–90 (band 4.5). For competitive business school programs at WHU, ESMT, or Hertie, the threshold rises to 95–100 (band 5.0 or higher).

Start with a free mock exam. PrepDrills' free tier includes AI grading on Set 1 easy for both Speaking and Writing, scored on the 1.0–6.0 band scale with per-construct feedback. This gives you a baseline before you build a study plan. Try the free TOEFL app.

Prioritize Reading and Writing for German master's programs. STEM programs at German universities emphasize academic reading comprehension and structured writing. Allocate more study time to these sections. Practice Complete the Words for vocabulary recognition, Build a Sentence for grammar under time pressure, and Read in Daily Life for practical comprehension. For Speaking, focus on Listen and Repeat practice to build fluency.

Timeline. Students starting at B1 level should allow 3–6 months to reach band 5.0 (C1). Students at B2 level typically need 8–12 weeks to reach band 4.0–4.5. PrepDrills' Eppy grader is calibrated to the ETS 2026 published scoring rubrics with per-construct feedback (Fluency, Intelligibility, Language Use, Organization for Speaking), so you get actionable feedback on every practice session rather than a single combined score.

Practical considerations for applying to German universities

TOEFL Home Edition. The Home Edition is accepted at most German universities. ETS states it is identical to the test center version. The Hertie School explicitly lists acceptance of the Home Edition on their admissions page. Check your target program for any exceptions.

Application timing. Get your TOEFL results at least 4 weeks before the application deadline. Score reports take 6–10 days. Winter semester applications typically close in mid-July; summer semester in mid-January.

Tuition. Public German universities charge only a semester contribution of €150–350 (not full tuition). Private business schools charge significantly more. Post-study work visa: Germany offers an 18-month job-seeking visa after graduation.

TOEFL vs IELTS. Both are accepted at most German universities. Neither is preferred for admission purposes. The TOEFL iBT format, with its academic passages and integrated tasks, aligns closely with the English used in master's lectures and seminars. Choose whichever format you perform better on.

Bildungsurlaub and Bildungsgutschein: German Funding for TOEFL Preparation

Germany offers two major public funding pathways that can cover part or all of your TOEFL preparation and testing costs.

Bildungsurlaub (Paid Education Leave)

Employees in 15 of Germany's 16 federal states have a legal right to Bildungsurlaub: 5 days of paid leave per year to attend approved continuing education, including language courses. Bayern is the sole exception among current legislation (Sachsen introduces its own program in 2027).

To use Bildungsurlaub for TOEFL preparation: verify your state's specific requirements (Berlin, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Hessen, and Hamburg each have distinct rules), apply to your employer 4 to 15 weeks in advance (state-dependent), choose a course approved as Bildungsurlaub-eligible in your state (providers such as Sprachcaffe, EF, and specific language schools maintain state-by-state approval), and present your registration confirmation to your employer. Approved TOEFL courses through Bildungsurlaub-eligible providers typically cost €500 to €1,200 for intensive weekly formats.

Bildungsgutschein (Education Voucher)

For job seekers or those transitioning careers, the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) issues Bildungsgutschein vouchers that fund approved career-training courses up to €9,135 over three years. This includes exam preparation and test fees where the certification demonstrably improves employment prospects. Requirements include a consultation with your local Agentur für Arbeit office, documented career benefit of the training, and enrollment with a Bildungsgutschein-approved provider.

Where PrepDrills Fits

PrepDrills is a 100% online self-study application, so it does not currently qualify for Bildungsurlaub or Bildungsgutschein funding. However, at $29.99 per month for Pro access (approximately €28), PrepDrills represents a fraction of the cost of Bildungsurlaub-approved intensive courses. Many German students use PrepDrills alongside an in-person course or as complete self-study preparation. For details on the 2026 format changes and section-specific strategies, see our Writing guide and Reading guide.

TOEFL or IELTS for Applications from Germany?

Most German applicants applying to English-taught graduate programs abroad face a choice between TOEFL iBT and IELTS. In Germany specifically, both tests are widely accepted, but there are strategic differences depending on your target destination.

TOEFL iBT is stronger for: US graduate programs (MBA, MSc, PhD) at business schools and research universities, German business schools with strong US partnerships (WHU, ESMT, Mannheim Business School, Frankfurt School), and applicants also considering Canadian universities.

IELTS is stronger for: UK universities (Oxbridge, LSE, Imperial, Russell Group), Australian and New Zealand graduate programs, and some Swiss and Dutch programs.

Both are typically accepted equivalently for: German universities' English-taught programs (TU München, RWTH Aachen, HHL, Frankfurt School), most European MBA programs (INSEAD, HEC Paris, IESE), and Erasmus Mundus programs.

For German students applying to US MBA programs via corporate sponsorship or DAAD scholarship, TOEFL iBT remains the more strategic choice. Top US business schools (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT Sloan) historically prefer TOEFL scores despite officially accepting IELTS. For a detailed comparison, see our TOEFL vs IELTS vs Duolingo comparison.

Comparing TOEFL Preparation Options in Germany

Cost varies significantly between preparation pathways in Germany. Below is a general comparison of typical options:

*Prices are approximations based on publicly available 2026 provider information. Verify current pricing directly with each provider. Bildungsurlaub eligibility varies by state and by course; confirm with your provider and employer before booking.*

Frequently asked questions