Germany is one of the smartest and most popular study destinations in the world, known for tuition-free or very low-cost education, top-ranked universities, world-class research facilities, and strong links with global industries. For the 2026 intake, many German universities continue to accept international students without IELTS or TOEFL if they submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.
An MOI certificate is an official letter from your previous school or university confirming that your degree was taught and assessed entirely in English. This allows students to apply for fully funded and partially funded scholarships in Germany without spending money on English language tests.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students study in Germany without IELTS, benefiting from EU-wide degree recognition, strong post-study work options, and excellent career prospects.
Why Study in Germany Without IELTS?
Many German universities accept MOI certificates instead of IELTS or TOEFL
Most public universities charge no tuition fees, even for non-EU students in many states
Living costs are reasonable compared to other EU countries (€800–1,300 per month)
Safe, stable, and international environment with English widely spoken in universities
Post-study work visa allowing 18 months job search after graduation
More than 400,000 international students from over 180 countries
Over 2,000 full degree programs taught in English
Strong career opportunities in engineering, IT, automotive, AI, renewable energy, and research
Top Universities in Germany Without IELTS (MOI Accepted)
The following universities commonly accept an English Proficiency Certificate or MOI letter instead of IELTS or TOEFL. Always confirm with the admissions office of your chosen program.
- Free University of Berlin
- University of Kiel
- University of Kassel
- University of Siegen
- University of Kaiserslautern-Landau
- University of Giessen
- University of Koblenz
- Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
- Braunschweig University of Technology
- Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
- Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
- Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
- University of Passau
- University of Hildesheim
- Ruhr University Bochum
- TH Köln
- University of Freiburg
- University of Bayreuth
- University of Bonn
- Hochschule Stralsund
- Mittweida University
- Chemnitz University of Technology
Tip: Always email the admissions office to confirm MOI acceptance. Most German universities respond quickly.
Major Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS 2026
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship Programme
Fully funded Master’s degree (1–2 years)
Covers tuition, monthly stipend (€934), travel allowance, insurance, and study allowance
MOI accepted instead of IELTS
Fields include public policy, governance, law, economics, and international relations
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
Fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Monthly stipend (€830–€1,200), health insurance, family allowance, book allowance
MOI accepted
For students committed to social democracy, sustainability, and human rights
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Monthly stipend (€992 for Master’s, €1,450 for PhD) plus research allowance
MOI accepted
Focus on ecology, democracy, social justice, and human rights
DAAD EPOS Scholarships
Fully funded development-related Master’s programs
Covers tuition, monthly stipend (€934), travel, and insurance
MOI accepted
Fields include engineering, public health, environmental management, and economics
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
Fully funded Master’s and PhD
Monthly stipend, tuition support, and research funding
MOI accepted
For students committed to democracy and social responsibility
Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships
Fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Monthly stipend and tuition support
MOI accepted
Focus on social justice, equality, and climate justice
University-Specific Scholarships
Free University of Berlin Merit and Excellence Scholarships
University of Freiburg Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month)
Ruhr University Bochum International Talent Scholarships
University of Bayreuth International Student Scholarships
How to Study in Germany Without IELTS
Request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous institution
Choose a German university and program that accepts MOI
Apply online through the university portal or Uni-Assist
Submit MOI certificate instead of IELTS or TOEFL
Receive an offer letter and apply for a German student visa
APS certificate may be required for students from certain countries
Important tip: Always confirm MOI acceptance before applying.
Living Costs in Germany (2026 Estimate)
Average monthly living costs range between €800 and €1,300
Berlin and Munich: €1,000–€1,500
Smaller cities like Kiel, Kassel, and Siegen: €700–€1,100
Shared accommodation: €400–€700
Food: around €250
Transport: €50–€100 (semester ticket often included)
Most DAAD and foundation scholarships cover living costs very well.
Application Checklist
Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
Academic transcripts
Valid passport
Strong motivation letter or research proposal (PhD)
Online application submission
Track application status regularly
Prepare visa and APS documents if required
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not confirming MOI acceptance with the university
Applying to programs that strictly require IELTS
Late applications
Weak motivation letters
Incomplete or incorrect document uploads
