University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for Ulm University?

Ulm University sets English in one statute. Programmes at C1, such as Communication and Information Technology, need IELTS 7.0, PTE Academic 76 or TOEFL iBT 95. Programmes at B2, such as Biology, need IELTS 5.5, PTE 59 or TOEFL 72. A degree from a programme taught only in English replaces the test. IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator are accepted.
  • Checked against official sources · 15 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Ulm's two English lists

These minimums are from Ulm's statutes on required language skills of 11 July 2023, which apply from the winter semester 2023/24. C1 is the default for English-taught programmes; a programme can set B2 when its subject content justifies it. Duolingo is not listed, and the statute states no validity period.

ProofC1 programmesB2 programmes
IELTS (Academic, Online or Indicator)7.05.5
PTE Academic7659
TOEFL iBT / iBT Home Edition9572
CambridgeC1 Advanced or C2 ProficiencyFirst (FCE), CELS Vantage or BEC Vantage
TOEICListening 490, Reading 455, Speaking 180, Writing 180Listening 400, Reading 385, Speaking 160, Writing 150
OtherUNIcert III or IV; C1 shown on your school leaving certificateUNIcert II; B2 shown on your school leaving certificate

Programme examples

Communication and Information Technology asks C1 and repeats the statute list, including a degree from a programme with English as the sole language of instruction. If your score is not ready, you can send it later but must present it at enrolment, with proof of a booked test date in your application. Applicants with a foreign bachelor's apply through uni-assist.

The Biology master's (English) asks B2 and is also applied for through uni-assist. Ulm's master's programmes list shows which degrees are taught in English, including Cognitive Systems, Energy Science and Technology, Finance, Molecular Medicine, Physics and Quantum Engineering.

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Exemptions and timing

The statute does not ask for a test if your degree came from a programme with English as the sole language of instruction. It names no country restriction, so an Indian or Pakistani degree taught only in English can qualify if your documents show it.

On request, the head of the Center for Languages and Philology can also waive the proof for long schooling in English, English as a mother tongue or years living in an English-speaking country, or a completed English studies degree. For admission-restricted English-taught programmes, proof is due by the application deadline; for unrestricted ones, by the end of enrolment.

Your German student visa is handled by the German embassy or consulate where you apply, not by Ulm University. This guide covers Ulm University'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 Ulm University programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where Ulm University 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 Ulm University accept PTE?+

Yes. PTE Academic 76 meets C1 and 59 meets B2 under Ulm's language statutes.

Is IELTS 6.5 enough for Ulm?+

For B2 programmes such as Biology, yes, since they need 5.5. C1 programmes such as Communication and Information Technology need 7.0.

Does Ulm accept IELTS Online?+

Yes. The statutes name IELTS Academic, IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator.

Can an English-medium degree from India replace IELTS at Ulm?+

Yes, if your degree came from a programme with English as the sole language of instruction. The statute names no country restriction.

Does Ulm accept Duolingo?+

Duolingo is not in Ulm's language statutes.

Keep reading

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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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