Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Potsdam's English certificate list
These minimums are from Potsdam's language skills page, last changed on 22 April 2026. Each master's admission regulations set whether it needs C1, B2 or A2.
| Proof | B2 | C1 |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic / IELTS Online | 6.0 in every component | 7 in every component |
| TOEFL iBT / Home Edition | 75 | 95 |
| PTE Academic / Online | 59 | 76 |
| Cambridge | B2 First 160 | C1 Advanced 180; C2 Proficiency |
| Degree taught in English | Accepted | Accepted if English was the exclusive language of instruction |
Programme examples
Polymer Science is run jointly with Berlin universities and asks a minimum IELTS of 6.5 or TOEFL 90 iBT. Applications are accepted year-round by Freie Universität Berlin.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is taught in English and asks for B2 English plus German at A2.
Potsdam's list accepts a degree with English as the exclusive language of instruction from a recognised university, with no country restriction stated. Duolingo is not on the list.
Free test: are you at the University of Potsdam's score yet?
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How to check
Because Potsdam sets band minimums in every component, an overall 7.0 with one band at 6.5 does not meet C1 on this list. Check your programme's admission regulations for the level it uses.
Your German student visa is handled by the German embassy or consulate where you apply, not by the University of Potsdam. This guide covers the University of Potsdam's admission rule only. Our IELTS for Germany guide covers the visa side and test fees.
English requirements in Germany are set per programme and can change between intakes. The score that binds you is the one on your University of Potsdam programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Potsdam 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 score does the University of Potsdam need?+
At least 6.0 in every IELTS component for B2 programmes and 7 in every component for C1. Polymer Science asks 6.5.
Does Potsdam accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 59 for B2 and 76 for C1, including PTE Academic Online.
Does Potsdam accept an English-medium degree?+
Yes. Its list accepts a degree from a recognised university with English as the exclusive language of instruction.
Does Potsdam accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on Potsdam's list of English certificates.
Keep reading
Related
- FU Berlin IELTS requirement
- HU Berlin IELTS requirement
- IELTS for Germany: visa, universities and fees
- PTE for Germany compared
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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