Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Yes, the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test) is accepted by public and state-accredited private universities across Germany for English-taught Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs.

Required scores depend on the university level and major:

• General Minimum Requirement: A total TOEFL iBT score between 72 and 80 points (out of 120) corresponds to CEFR Level B2.

• Top Public Universities (e.g., TUM, RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin): Require a score of 88 to 95+ points (CEFR C1 level).

• Competitive Business & Master's Degrees: Aim for 90 to 100+ points for optimal acceptance chances.

The updated shorter TOEFL iBT exam lasts approximately 2 hours in a single session and evaluates four academic modules:

• Reading: ~20 minutes (2 academic passages)

• Listening: ~36 minutes (3–4 lectures, 2–3 conversations)

• Speaking: ~16 minutes (4 tasks using a computer microphone)

• Writing: ~29 minutes (Integrated task & Writing for an Academic Discussion)

• Cost in India: Approximately ₹16,900 (subject to ETS fee updates).

Most German universities and Uni-Assist accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, provided the score report is sent officially via ETS. However, because a few specific public technical university faculties strictly mandate test-centre scores, EduOptions Germany verifies your target program's rules before you register for the test.

A TOEFL iBT score report is valid for 2 years from the test date. Your score must remain valid at the time of university application submission and VFS student visa processing.

EduOptions Germany manages the score-reporting process for you. When registering for the test or ordering additional score reports via your official ETS account, we ensure the correct ETS Institution Code is selected.

Most German universities specify a total score rather than section-wise cutoffs. However, top engineering and business faculties recommend maintaining a balanced performance across all four sections:

• Reading: 18 – 22+

• Listening: 17 – 21+

• Speaking: 18 – 23+

• Writing: 18 – 22+

Some private institutions and specific public departments accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate issued by an accredited Indian university. However, the German Embassy, VFS Global, and top-tier public universities (like TU9 institutions) strongly require a standardised test scorecard (TOEFL or IELTS) to ensure error-free student visa issuance.

Both exams hold 100% equal recognition across German institutions:

• TOEFL iBT: 100% computer-delivered (including speaking recorded into a microphone); total score out of 120.

• IELTS Academic: Evaluates speaking in an interview format (face-to-face or digital examiner); scored on a 0–9 band scale.

EduOptions Germany guides you by:

• Recommending official ETS preparation tools and test-centre registration dates.

• Matching your TOEFL score against eligible public (€0 tuition) and private German universities.

• Correctly mapping your official score report to Uni-Assist and direct university portals.

• Ensuring your test scorecard meets German Embassy standards for VFS national student visa approval.