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English proficiency testA widely recognised English test, accepted by German universities for English-taught programmes and often useful for the student visa. We map the band you need and prepare you to reach it.
For university you sit IELTS Academic, which tests listening, reading, writing and speaking and reports a band from 0 to 9 for each plus an overall band. German universities accept it for English-taught degrees, and the speaking test is a real conversation with an examiner, not a recording.
Universities read all four bands and usually set both an overall minimum and a per-section minimum, so a single weak skill can hold back an otherwise strong result. Tap a section to see what it asks and how we train it.
Four recorded sections of rising difficulty, from everyday conversation to academic talks, answered as you listen.
Long academic passages with a range of question types that reward fast, accurate reading under time pressure.
Task 1 describes a chart or process; Task 2 is a structured academic essay. Both are marked on clarity and structure.
A face-to-face interview in three parts, scored on fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
Each section returns a band from 0 to 9, and so does your overall result. Click a band to see what it means. The shaded zone marks the band most universities ask for.
Band 3, extremely limited. Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Well below any university requirement. Band 4, limited. Basic competence limited to familiar situations, with frequent problems in understanding and expression. Below the bar for study. Band 5, modest. Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations though making many mistakes. Some foundation courses accept it; most degrees do not. Band 6, competent. Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies. Many English-taught programmes ask for an overall 6.0 to 6.5, often with a per-section minimum. Band 6.5, the common target. A safe overall band for most English-taught degrees, and what we usually plan around. We still confirm the exact requirement for each programme. Band 7, good. Operational command with only occasional inaccuracies. Competitive courses often ask for 7.0, sometimes with a per-section minimum. Band 8, very good. Fully operational command with only occasional unsystematic errors. Above what almost any programme requires. Band 9, expert. Full, fluent and accurate command of English. The top of the scale, rarely needed for admission.
IELTS comes in two modules. For university admission you need Academic. General Training is for work and migration and is not accepted for study.
The module you sit for university.
Not the one you want for admission.
We turn each programme requirement into a clear overall and per-section target, so you know exactly what to hit.
Writing and speaking hold back most candidates. We start with the section limiting your overall band, not the one you enjoy.
You practise the real task types and timing, including the speaking interview, so the exam feels familiar.
We schedule the test to land before your deadlines, with a margin for a retake if one section falls short.
For university admission you need IELTS Academic. General Training is for work and migration and is not accepted for study.
Many English-taught programmes ask for an overall 6.0 to 6.5, and competitive courses 7.0, often with a per-section minimum. We confirm the exact requirement for each programme.
Both are widely accepted in Germany. The choice usually comes down to which format suits you and which test is easier to book near you. We help you decide.
Start with a placement and a plan: your current level, the gap to your target band and the route there.