Yes, you can study in Europe without IELTS. Each university and each embassy sets its own rules. A waiver at admission does not promise a visa.
Seven routes work for Indian students. They are a university-certified English-medium degree, Class XII English marks, another recognised test, an online test where listed, the university's own test, prior study in an exempt country and local-language study.
Germany's embassy asks for a recognised certificate. It does not recognise Duolingo, PTE or TOEFL Home Edition. Choose your visa proof before you apply for the 2027 intake.
Admission vs visa: which English proof counts where?
Two offices check your English. The university checks it for admission. The embassy or immigration office checks it again for the visa. A proof that passes one can fail the other.
| Stage | Who decides | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | The university, programme by programme | Its own list of English proficiency proof. ETH Zurich and Politecnico di Milano accept certified English-medium study. Erasmus School of Economics does not. |
| German visa | The embassy | A recognised certificate. |
| Dutch permit | Your university sponsors it | IND lists no separate English test. Erasmus School of Economics says online tests do not work for visa purposes. |
Germany needs extra care for the German student visa. The embassy's February 2026 page lists Goethe, ÖSD and telc for German and IELTS or ALTE members for English. It generally expects C1 for direct degree entry. An older 2024 checklist told applicants not to submit language-of-instruction certificates. The two pages differ, so ask the embassy before you book.
Any condition must appear in your admission letter. Get it in writing.
The 7 ways
Each way works at some universities only. Check your exact programme page before you rely on one.
University-certified language-of-instruction proof
A MOI certificate says your degree was taught in English. ETH Zurich exempts bachelor's graduates when the university confirms it officially and rejects teacher letters. Politecnico di Milano lets master's applicants upload a university-certified teaching-language document.
- Best for: master's applicants with an English-medium BTech or BSc.
- Watch out: The University of Agder does not exempt Indian English-medium degrees.
- Visa note: Do not count on it in Germany.
Class XII English marks or IB
Some countries read your school English grade. Sweden accepts English grades on CISCE certificates and on CBSE certificates from 2008. Politecnico di Milano accepts an upper-secondary qualification earned in English. TUM accepts an IB Diploma taught in English.
- Best for: undergraduate applicants.
- Please note: Check with the embassy of your destination country.
Other recognised tests
IELTS alternatives include TOEFL iBT, Cambridge and sometimes PTE. Padua sets B2 at TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.0 or Cambridge B2 First 173. Groningen accepts IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge C1 or C2 for master's programmes.
- Best for: students without an English-medium degree.
- Visa note: Germany's 2024 checklist named TOEFL and Cambridge as accepted.
Online tests, such as Duolingo, where listed
The Duolingo English Test costs USD 70. Acceptance varies. Padua does not accept it. Germany's embassy does not recognise it either.
Use it for admission only and only after you check the university's list.
The university's own English test
Some universities test you themselves. Groningen accepts its Language Centre test and may admit you conditionally. The test asks for C1 in writing and B2 in the other skills.
Ask for the minimum scores in writing. Ask how the result affects your visa.
Prior study in an exempt country
A few universities waive proof if you studied in certain countries. One UvA research master exempts full programmes finished in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Agder exempts one year of study there, or a Nordic degree.
This route fits few Indian applicants.
Local-language programmes and Studienkolleg
IELTS does not matter when you study in German. The embassy asks for B1 German for a preparatory course and generally C1 for direct degree entry. After Class XII, the Studienkolleg route also needs 70% in Class XII.
Which way fits UG, master's and PhD applicants?
Your level decides your best route.
| Level | Best ways | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2, 3, 7 | Germany needs 70% in Class XII |
| Master's | 1, 3, 5 | Some countries reject English-medium degrees. Some fields need the dMAT |
| PhD | Ask the host | The host sets the English rule |
PhD rules vary a lot. Erasmus University requires a test unless your degree comes from the Benelux, UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Groningen requires a test for all PhD candidates. DAAD notes that some universities ask for TOEFL 90 or IELTS 7. Get the host's rule in writing.
Germany extras that decide your timeline
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APS certificate: It is mandatory for most Indian applicants and PhD and PostDoc applicants are exempt. Plan for about four to six weeks. The fee is non-refundable.
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70% rule: From Winter Semester 2026/27, Class XII needs at least 70%, on every board. You then take Studienkolleg, or enter directly after one successful Bachelor-level year.
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dMAT: APS added a Digital Master Test for selected master's fields, with sessions in mid-January and mid-March. Check the current field list.
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Blocked account: You need EUR 11,904 and you can withdraw EUR 992 a month. That is about INR 13 lakh.
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Visa fee: It is EUR 75, paid in INR.
What skipping IELTS saves
IELTS costs about INR 19,000 since April 2026. Duolingo costs USD 70, about INR 6,000 to 6,500. An MOI costs little and the price varies by registrar.
The savings are real. A refused visa costs far more. Secure your visa proof first.
Red flags for parents and sponsors
- An agent promises a waiver and the university has not stated it in writing.
- An agent sells a templated “exemption letter.” The embassy's 2024 checklist told applicants not to submit them.
- A German undergraduate plan with Class XII marks below 70%.
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