University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for Leibniz University Hannover?

Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) publishes one certificate list by CEFR level, and each programme's admission regulations set the level. B2 means IELTS Academic 5.5, PTE Academic 59 or TOEFL iBT 72 (4.0 on the new scale). C1 means IELTS 7.0, PTE 76 or TOEFL 95 (5.0). English-taught Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering ask C1.
  • Checked against official sources · 15 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

LUH's accepted English certificates

These minimums are from LUH's language certificates page. IELTS Academic counts on paper, on computer or online, and PTE Academic on paper or on computer. TOEFL scores should be sent with DI code 7122. Duolingo is not on the list, and the page gives no IELTS band minimums or validity period.

ProofB2C1
IELTS Academic5.57.0
PTE Academic5976
TOEFL iBT / Home Edition4.0 or 4.5 (previously 72)5.0 or 5.5 (previously 95)
CambridgeB2 FirstC1 Advanced
Othertelc English B2·C1 University, UNIcert IItelc English B2·C1 University, UNIcert III, LLC Pathway to Master's

Programme examples

The Computer Science M.Sc. can be studied in English or German; the English route needs English C1 and the German route German C1. LUH says there are enough English modules to finish the degree in English, with a smaller choice. Non-EU applicants need a preliminary review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist.

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering teaches mainly in German, but English-taught programmes or tracks need English C1 instead, and a uni-assist VPD is required. The Mathematics, Meteorology and Physics master's are held in English and need English or German at B2.

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Bachelor's, German and exemptions

LUH says international applicants to any bachelor's programme must show German B1 to apply and C1 by registration, and that only a handful of postgraduate programmes need no German. Plan English-taught study at LUH at master's level.

The central page lists no general exemption for an English-taught degree. Its exemptions for native speakers and English-medium degrees are written for English Studies, which asks IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 78 or Cambridge First, with certificates no older than three years. Ask your programme whether an English-medium bachelor's is enough.

Your German student visa is handled by the German embassy or consulate where you apply, not by Leibniz University Hannover. This guide covers Leibniz University Hannover's admission rule only. Our IELTS for Germany guide covers the visa side and test fees.

English requirements in Germany are written into each programme's admission or examination regulations and can change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your Leibniz University Hannover programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where Leibniz University Hannover publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.

Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.

If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.

Frequently asked questions

Does Leibniz University Hannover accept PTE?+

Yes. PTE Academic 59 counts as B2 and 76 as C1 on LUH's certificate list.

What IELTS score does LUH Computer Science need?+

The English route needs C1, which LUH's list sets at IELTS Academic 7.0, PTE 76 or TOEFL iBT 95 (5.0 on the new scale).

Does LUH accept IELTS Online?+

Yes. LUH's list accepts IELTS Academic on paper, on computer or online.

Does Leibniz University Hannover accept Duolingo?+

Duolingo is not on LUH's list of accepted language certificates.

Are there English-taught bachelor's degrees at Hannover?+

LUH says international applicants to any bachelor's programme need German at C1 by registration, so its English-taught options are at master's level.

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Verified against the linked official sources on 15 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.

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