University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Ruhr University Bochum?

Ruhr University Bochum sets English rules per master's programme. Lasers and Photonics, and Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, ask for TOEFL iBT 85 for tests before 2026, or 4.5 from 2026. Computational Engineering asks for 86, given as Band 4.5, with at least Band 4.0 in all four sections. Medium of instruction certificates are not accepted for Lasers and Photonics.
  • Guide updated · 2 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 2 November 2026

Ruhr University Bochum TOEFL minimums by programme

From the programme pages for Lasers and Photonics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and Computational Engineering. There is no single university-wide figure.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Lasers and Photonics M.Sc.85 before 2026; 4.5 after 2026IELTS Academic 6.0 on the same page
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology M.Sc.85 until 2026; 4.5 from 2026B2 needed at enrolment
Computational Engineering M.Sc.86 (Band 4.5), at least Band 4.0 in all four sectionsIELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in each part

Ruhr University Bochum TOEFL test rules

Lasers and Photonics says it accepts only the listed certificates and that medium of instruction certificates are not accepted. A language certificate must be uploaded while the application portal is open; a missing certificate, or one with too low a score, makes the application incomplete and it is excluded. Electrical Engineering and Information Technology requires B2 at the time of enrolment.

For comparison, the Lasers and Photonics page asks for IELTS Academic 6.0, and the Computational Engineering page asks for 6.0 with 6.0 in all four parts.

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If your TOEFL score is below Ruhr University Bochum's level

The pages do not describe a conditional English route. Computational Engineering accepts confirmation from your university that your first degree was completed entirely in English, and Lasers and Photonics may consider the Oxford Test of English (120) or PTE Academic (55) as equivalent.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Ruhr University Bochum programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Ruhr University Bochum need?+

85 before 2026 or 4.5 from 2026 for Lasers and Photonics and EEIT; 86 (4.5) with 4.0 per section for Computational Engineering.

Does Lasers and Photonics accept a medium of instruction letter?+

No. The page says medium of instruction certificates are not accepted.

What happens if my TOEFL score is too low?+

For Lasers and Photonics, the application is treated as incomplete and excluded.

Does Computational Engineering set section minimums?+

Yes. At least Band 4.0 in all four sections.

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Related

Guide updated on 2 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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