Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
TH Köln English minimums
From the how-to-apply pages for Communication Systems and Networks, Renewable Energy Management and Natural Resources Management and Development, which state the same list.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0, at least 5.5 in each part |
| TOEFL iBT (from 21 Jan 2026) | 4.0, at least 3.5 in each part |
| TOEFL iBT (before 21 Jan 2026) | 80, at least high-intermediate in each part |
| PTE Academic | 66, at least 50 in each part |
| Cambridge ESOL | FCE grade B |
Narrow exemption
TH Köln exempts you only if you completed both your secondary education and your higher education entirely in English in one of its listed countries. It says only the listed proofs are accepted, with no exceptions, and TOEFL ITP is not accepted. Duolingo is not listed.
Free test: are you at TH Köln (Cologne University of Applied Sciences)'s score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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When to submit
Proof of English is needed by the time you apply for the master's, not after admission. For Communication Systems and Networks, an Abitur annotation confirming English at B2 is also accepted.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your TH Köln programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where TH Köln (Cologne University of Applied Sciences) 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
What IELTS does TH Köln need?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each part for its English-taught master's.
Does TH Köln accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 66 with at least 50 in each part.
Does TH Köln accept a medium of instruction letter?+
Only if both your school and university education were entirely in English in one of TH Köln's listed countries.
Does TH Köln accept TOEFL ITP or Duolingo?+
No. TOEFL ITP is explicitly not accepted and Duolingo is not on the list.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Germany accepting IELTS 6.0
- IELTS for Germany
- University of Cologne IELTS requirement
- Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 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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