Will German universities accept the old TOEFL score after January 2026?

Yes. Scores are valid for two years. For tests taken before January 21, 2026, the old score remains valid. For tests taken after, your report will include both the new 1–6 score and a comparable 0–120 score.

Do I need TOEFL if my bachelor's was taught in English?

For German universities, a degree taught in English from a non-native English country (like India) is usually not sufficient. You will need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score unless you have a high school diploma from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

Is the TOEFL Home Edition accepted in Germany?

Yes. German universities, including TUM and the University of Tübingen, explicitly accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.

What is the TOEFL code for uni-assist?

The TOEFL institution code for uni-assist is 2727.

What TOEFL score is required for a German student visa?

For visa purposes, you need to meet the English requirement of your university. Generally, a B2 level (72+ old scale / 4+ new scale) is sufficient, but check your specific program's requirements.

Is TOEFL accepted in Germany?

Yes, TOEFL iBT is accepted by all public and private universities in Germany for English-taught programs.

TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany: Public & Private Options

Both public and private universities in Germany accept the TOEFL iBT for English-taught programs. If you are planning to study in Germany, understanding where your TOEFL score fits in is an important first step. Continue reading this guide to know more about the German universities that accept TOEFL.

Key Highlights:

Top German universities like the Technical University of Munich (TUM), LMU Munich, and Heidelberg University all accept TOEFL scores for admission to their English-taught programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
The average TOEFL score required for bachelor's degrees in Germany is 4.0–4.5 (72 - 94 old scale) and for master's programs is 5.0 (95-106 old scale).
For the Winter 2026 intake or beyond, understanding the new TOEFL scoring format is essential.

Understanding TOEFL Requirements for Germany

Here are some program-specific TOEFL score requirements for universities in Germany.

Note: From January 21, 2026, TOEFL scores are reported on a 1 to 6 scale instead of the old 0 to 120 system.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's)

Minimum TOEFL score: 72–90 iBT (old scale)
New TOEFL scale equivalent: Around 4.0–4.5

Master's Programs

Minimum TOEFL score: 79–95+ iBT (old scale)
New TOEFL scale equivalent: Around 4.0–5.0
Competitive programs: At top universities like the Technical University of Munich and the University of Tübingen may require 100+ iBT (~5.0)
Section requirements: Some programs set minimum scores for individual sections

Doctoral Programs (PhD)

Minimum TOEFL score: 87–100 iBT (old scale)
New TOEFL scale equivalent: Around 4.5–5.0
Key section focus: Greater emphasis on the Writing section

TOEFL Accepting Universities in Germany

Some of the leading universities, like the Technical University of Munich and LMU Munich, proudly accept TOEFL scores for their international programs.

This table shows the list of universities accepting TOEFL in Germany, so it gets easier for you to make a decision.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Freie Universität Berlin	University of Freiburg
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)	RWTH Aachen University	University of Tübingen
Heidelberg University	KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology	University of Hamburg
Humboldt University of Berlin	Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)	TU Darmstadt
University of Regensburg	RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau

Top German Universities Accepting TOEFL

The Technical University of Munich, Germany's highest-ranked university, accepts a TOEFL score of 4.5 (86 - 90 old scale), and RWTH Aachen University also requires a 4.5.

This table provides a clear overview of the top German universities that accept TOEFL.

University	QS Ranking 2026	Required TOEFL Score (Old Scale)	New Score Equivalent (approx.)
Technical University of Munich (TUM)	22	88+	4.5
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)	58	72–87 (varies)	4–4.5
Heidelberg University	80	79–92 (varies)	4–4.5
Freie Universität Berlin	88	80	4
RWTH Aachen University	105	80–90	4–4.5

Let’s learn more about the top TOEFL-accepting universities in Germany in detail.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

TUM is one of Germany's top-ranked universities that accepts TOEFL. It is famous for engineering, technology, and computer science. For admission, it requires proof of English proficiency to ensure students can comfortably follow and succeed in English-taught programs. While a standard master's course might require a TOEFL score of 4.5, all applicants must ensure their scores are valid (issued within the last two years).

Program Level	Example Program	TOEFL Requirement (New 1–6 Scale)
B.E. / B.Tech	Bachelor's Programs	Check Department
MS	M.Sc. in Informatics / Data Science	4.5
MBA/PGDM	MBA	4.5
MIM	M.Sc. in Management	4.5

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

LMU is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious TOEFL-accepting universities. Students can study strong programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Located in Munich, it attracts a large number of international students. While a TOEFL score of 4.0 is a baseline for some programs, many competitive master's and doctoral programs, such as a PhD in Medical Research, require a higher score for admission.

Program Level	Example Program	TOEFL Requirement (New 1–6 Scale)
B.E. / B.Tech	Bachelor's Programs	Check Department
MS	M.Sc. Programs (General)	4.0
MBA/PGDM	MBA Programs	Check Department
MIM	Master in Management	4.0

Heidelberg University

As the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg is a strong research institution with a global reputation, particularly in life sciences, medicine, and humanities. Admission is highly competitive, and while the university sets a general minimum TOEFL score of 4.0, individual departments like international health may require a higher score. For instance, the MSc International Health requires a TOEFL score of 4.5.

Program Level	Example Program	TOEFL Requirement (New 1–6 Scale)
B.E. / B.Tech	Bachelor's Programs	Check Department
MS	M.Sc. Programs (General)	4.0
MBA/PGDM	MBA Programs	Check Department
MIM	M.Sc. International Health	4.5

Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin is a top-ranked public research university that accepts TOEFL. It is well-known for its strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and political science. It has a strong international focus and offers several English-taught programs that attract students from around the world. Since many courses require strong analytical writing and discussion skills, aiming for a TOEFL score of around 4.5 is recommended to stay competitive.

Program Level	Example Program	TOEFL Requirement (New 1–6 Scale)
B.A. / B.Sc	Bachelor's Programs	Check Department
MS	M.A. in International Relations	4.0
MBA/PGDM	MBA / PGDM	4.5
MIM	Master's in Management / Related Programs	4.5

RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen is Germany's top technical university, popular for engineering and technology. It has strong industry connections, particularly with the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Due to its popularity in fields like Mechanical and Software Engineering, meeting the upper end of the TOEFL score requirement (4.5) is advisable for a competitive edge.

Program Level	Example Program	TOEFL Requirement (New 1–6 Scale)
B.E. / B.Tech	Bachelor's Programs	Check Department
MS	M.Sc. Software Systems Engineering	4.0
MBA/PGDM	MBA / PGDM	4.5
MIM	M.Sc. in Management	4.5

From the Desk of Yocket

German universities accept TOEFL for their English-taught programs, but the scoring system changed on January 21, 2026. The old 0–120 scale has shifted to a new 1–6 half-band scale. If you are applying for Winter 2026 or beyond, understanding this change is essential. Our latest guide breaks down the conversion, requirements, and top universities accepting the TOEFL in Germany.

Preparing for the TOEFL and shortlisting the right universities can be overwhelming. With Yocket Prep, you get personalised study plans and practice tests tailored to the new scoring format. Our counsellors also guide you through selecting universities and strengthening your application. Let Yocket help you turn your German education dream into reality.