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 programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lasers and Photonics M.Sc. | 85 before 2026; 4.5 after 2026 | IELTS Academic 6.0 on the same page |
| Electrical Engineering and Information Technology M.Sc. | 85 until 2026; 4.5 from 2026 | B2 needed at enrolment |
| Computational Engineering M.Sc. | 86 (Band 4.5), at least Band 4.0 in all four sections | IELTS 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.
Keep reading
Related
- Ruhr University Bochum IELTS requirement
- TU Dortmund TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL fee in Germany
- The new TOEFL 1 to 6 score scale
- All 5495 guides
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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