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Which certificate your goal needs, how each exam works, and what to practice — every guide, free.

Work & stay in Germany

Study & training

Family & everyday life

Healthcare & teaching

IELTS for the UK, Australia & Canada

IELTS Preparation

Goethe Vocabulary

Goethe Writing

Goethe Exam Guides

telc Exams

Germany Pathways

What are you preparing for?

Pick your goal — each card names the certificate and level it needs and the guides we have for it.

  • Nursing in Germany

    B2

    Nurses need B2 German before the license is issued, shown by a B2 certificate or a nursing language exam (Fachsprachprüfung); the state authority decides which proofs count, and most states accept general B2 certificates (Goethe, telc, ÖSD).

  • German citizenship

    B1

    German citizenship needs B1 German plus the Einbürgerungstest after 5 years of residence — any certificate on the BAMF list counts (Goethe, telc, DTZ, ÖSD, ECL), and no higher level shortens the wait.

  • Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

    A1+

    The Opportunity Card needs A1 German (or B2 English) to qualify and at least 6 points — German adds 1 point at A2, 2 at B1 and 3 at B2 or higher.

  • Study in Germany

    C1

    German-taught degrees generally accept Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule or DSD II; Goethe C1 counts for some programmes, and TestDaF or DSH levels are set by each university. English-taught programmes ask for IELTS at a level set by the university.

  • Family reunion

    A1

    The spouse visa asks for A1 German from an ALTE-standard provider — Goethe, telc, ÖSD or ECL — and the certificate should be no more than a year old.

  • Permanent residence

    B1

    Skilled workers can apply for permanent residence after 3 years with B1 German; Blue Card holders after 21 months with B1, or 27 months with A1.

  • Canada immigration

    IELTS 6.0

    Express Entry's Federal Skilled Worker stream needs CLB 7 — IELTS General 6.0 in every skill — while a competitive score needs CLB 9: Listening 8.0 and 7.0 in Reading, Writing and Speaking.

  • UK visa

    B2 · IELTS 5.5

    Since 8 January 2026 the Skilled Worker visa needs B2 English — IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in every component; people extending a visa granted before then still need B1 (4.0).

  • Australia visa

    IELTS 6.0

    Points-tested skilled visas need Competent English — IELTS 6.0 in every band — and Proficient (7.0) or Superior (8.0) earns extra points.

  • Doctor's license (Approbation)

    B2 + C1 FSP

    The Approbation for doctors, dentists and pharmacists takes two steps: a B2 general German certificate (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) first, then the C1 Fachsprachprüfung in medical German. From 01.11.2026 non-EU doctors must also pass the Kenntnisprüfung.

  • UK nursing (NMC)

    IELTS 7.0

    NMC registration asks for IELTS Academic 7.0 — 7.0 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and at least 6.5 in Writing — or OET. You may combine results from two sittings, so one retake can close a single gap.

  • Australian nursing (AHPRA)

    IELTS 7.0

    Nurses and midwives registering through AHPRA need IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, 7.0 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and at least 6.5 in Writing; the One Skill Retake is accepted. Other tests' scores changed on 23.04.2026, IELTS did not.

  • UK student visa

    IELTS 5.5

    For a degree-level course the Student visa needs IELTS for UKVI with 5.5 in every part; below degree level 4.0 is enough. Whether you need the UKVI version or a regular IELTS is decided by your university and shown on your CAS.

  • UK doctors (GMC)

    IELTS 7.5

    Doctors registering with the GMC need IELTS Academic 7.5 overall and at least 7.0 in each of the four parts, from one test and your most recent sitting, or OET instead. A One Skill Retake within 60 days counts; certificates are valid two years.

  • English-taught master's in Germany

    IELTS 6.5–7.0

    English-taught master's programmes in Germany typically ask for IELTS 6.5, while TUM and RWTH often want 7.0. Each university sets its own cut-off, so check the programme page before you book the test.

  • Au pair in Germany

    A1

    The au-pair visa for Germany needs basic German at A1, proven with a certificate from Goethe, telc, ÖSD, TestDaF or ECL. It must be recent: each mission sets its own limit, from six months to a year — check your embassy's checklist.

  • Teaching in Germany

    C2 · C1

    Teachers seeking recognition in Germany generally need C2 German — Goethe C2, telc C2, telc C1 Hochschule or DSD II. Bavaria and Saxony accept C1, so the level depends on the state where you want to teach.

  • Health professions in Germany

    B2

    Physiotherapists, midwives and other health professionals need B2 German for recognition; Goethe, telc, ÖSD and TestDaF certificates are accepted. The certificate may be no more than three years old, and details differ from state to state.

  • Swiss permits & citizenship

    A1–B1

    Switzerland sets a level per permit: A1 spoken for a family B permit, A2 spoken and A1 written for the C permit, B1 spoken and A2 written for citizenship. The SEM list names Goethe A1–C2, telc A1–B2 and telc C1 Hochschule.

  • Family reunion in Austria

    A1

    Family reunification in Austria requires A1 German before you move ("Deutsch vor Zuzug"); only ÖSD, Goethe, telc and ÖIF count. The certificate must be under a year old; for Austrian citizenship Goethe and telc are accepted only from B2.

  • Canadian citizenship

    CLB 4

    Canadian citizenship needs CLB 4 in English — with IELTS that means General Training with Listening 4.5 and Speaking 4.0. IELTS Academic results are not accepted.

  • Ausbildung (vocational training)

    B1–B2

    Vocational training usually asks for B1 German; healthcare programmes expect B2, and the exact level is set by the school or employer.

  • Studienkolleg

    B1–B2

    To apply for a Studienkolleg you need at least B1 German, but in practice most expect B2. Goethe, telc, TestDaF, DSH, ÖSD and DSD certificates are accepted.

  • Work visa & Blue Card

    —

    The Blue Card and the skilled-worker visa need no German certificate; B1 brings the settlement permit forward to 21 months for Blue Card holders (skilled workers: 3 years).

  • Diploma recognition

    B2–C1

    Professional recognition sets the German level by profession — B2 for nursing, B2 plus a C1 medical language exam for doctors — so check your profession's authority first.

  • Bachelor's in Germany (German-taught)

    C1

    German-taught bachelor's degrees accept DSH-2, TestDaF with 4 in every part, DSD II, Goethe C2 or telc C1 Hochschule; some take Goethe or ÖSD C1. If your school certificate is not enough, a Studienkolleg (B1 or higher) comes first. English-taught: IELTS.

  • Master's in Germany (German-taught)

    C1

    German-taught master's programmes take the bachelor's proofs — DSH-2, TestDaF 4 in every part, DSD II, Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule — but each university sets its rules: some accept Goethe or ÖSD C1, and some postgraduate programmes need no German.

  • Integration course & DTZ

    B1

    The integration course ends with the DTZ, rated A2 or B1, and the "Leben in Deutschland" test (15 of 33 correct; 17 for citizenship). B1 plus a pass earns the course certificate. DTZ mock exams for Hören, Lesen and Schreiben are coming soon (no Sprechen).

Exams by level
Tools
IELTS band calculatorCanada CRS calculatorLeben in Deutschland test

Why Take IELTS, Goethe or telc Exams in 2026?

Immigration & Work Visas

IELTS is accepted for immigration to the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand (alongside a small set of approved alternatives). In Germany the authorities ask for a Goethe or telc certificate: A1 for the Opportunity Card prerequisite and the spouse visa, B1 for citizenship and permanent residence. The Blue Card itself needs no German, but B1 brings settlement forward from 27 to 21 months.

University Admissions

Over 12,500 organizations in 140+ countries accept IELTS. German-taught degrees accept Goethe C2, telc C1 Hochschule, TestDaF or DSH (some programs also Goethe C1); English-taught programs usually ask for IELTS Academic.

Professional Registration

Healthcare professionals need IELTS 7.0+ in many English-speaking countries. In Germany, nurses need B2 German (a B2 certificate or a nursing language exam) before the license is issued. Engineering and accounting bodies also require proof of English.

German Free Education

Germany offers tuition-free university education for international students. Only semester fees (~€300/term) apply. A Goethe or telc certificate at C1 opens the German-taught programs as well.

IELTS Score Requirements by Country (2026)

Country / PurposeOverall ScoreComponent Minimum
UK Skilled Worker Visa5.5B2 — IELTS UKVI 5.5 in each skill (from 8 Jan 2026)
UK Student Visa (Degree)5.5-6.5Varies by university
Canada Express Entry6.0-7.06.0 each for CLB 7
Australia Skilled Migration6.0-7.06.0 each minimum
New Zealand Skilled Migrant6.56.5 in each skill
US University (Graduate)6.5-7.5Varies widely
Medical Registration (UK)7.57.0 each skill
Nursing (Australia)7.07.0 in each skill

German Language Requirements (Goethe Certificates)

PurposeRequired LevelNotes
Family Reunification (Spouse)A1Required before visa application
Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card)A1+A1 German (or B2 English) is the entry requirement; points: A2=1, B1=2, B2+=3
German CitizenshipB1Plus citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest) — Goethe B1 exam guide
Permanent ResidenceB1Niederlassungserlaubnis requirement
Naturalization (Standard)B15 years' residence for everyone; the 3-year fast-track (C1) was abolished in 2025
German University (German Program)C1DSH or TestDaF also accepted

Exam Preparation Tips

IELTS Writing Success

  • • Task 1: Spend 20 minutes, write 150+ words. Focus on key trends and data.
  • • Task 2: Spend 40 minutes, write 250+ words. Clear thesis + supporting paragraphs.
  • • Use linking words naturally: However, Furthermore, In contrast.
  • • Proofread for grammar errors in the last 2-3 minutes.

IELTS Speaking Confidence

  • • Part 1: Give extended answers (2-3 sentences), not just yes/no.
  • • Part 2: Use the 1-minute prep time to jot down key points.
  • • Part 3: Express opinions clearly with reasons and examples.
  • • Don't memorize answers – examiners can tell!

Goethe Exam Strategies

  • • Learn words with articles: Always "der Tisch", never just "Tisch".
  • • Writing: Follow the Goethe letter format exactly (Anrede, Grußformel).
  • • Speaking: Practice with a partner – monologue and dialogue tasks.
  • • Use official Modelltest materials from Goethe-Institut website.

Time Management

  • • IELTS: 60 min Reading = 20 min per passage. Don't get stuck!
  • • Goethe Reading: Skim first, then answer. Watch the clock.
  • • Both: Transfer answers carefully – silly mistakes cost points.
  • • Practice under timed conditions before exam day.

Official Exam Resources

For official information, registration, and sample tests, visit the exam authorities directly:

IELTS Official Sources

Goethe-Institut Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What IELTS score do I need for UK immigration in 2026?▼
For UK Skilled Worker visas, you need CEFR B2 English — IELTS for UKVI 5.5 or above in each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) — effective January 8, 2026. Holders granted before that date can still extend on the old B1 (IELTS 4.0) requirement. For UK citizenship, B1 (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent) is required. Student visas require IELTS 5.5-7.0 depending on the course level and institution.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?▼
IELTS Academic is for university admissions and professional registration. IELTS General Training is for immigration, work experience, or training programs. The Reading and Writing sections differ, but Listening and Speaking are the same.
How long is an IELTS score valid?▼
IELTS scores are typically valid for 2 years from the test date. After this period, immigration authorities and universities usually require a new test. Some institutions may accept older scores with additional evidence of English proficiency.
What Goethe certificate level do I need for German citizenship?▼
German citizenship (Einbürgerung) requires a B1 level certificate (Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or equivalent). Additionally, you must pass the Einbürgerungstest (citizenship test). The standard residence requirement is 5 years for everyone, and dual citizenship has been permitted since June 2024. The former 3-year fast-track (which required C1, not B2) was abolished in 2025, so no faster-than-5-year route via language level exists.
How much does the IELTS exam cost in 2026?▼
IELTS test fees vary by country. In the UK it is around £215-£229 (IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills variants cost more), in the US roughly $255-$320, and in Canada about CAD $340-$400. As IELTS stops offering the paper-based test from mid-2026 (timing varies by country), tests are computer-delivered, with results typically available in 1-5 days. Always check ielts.org for the current fee at your chosen test center.
All guides

IELTS Resources

Prepare for IELTS Academic and General Training

IELTS Overview

Complete guide: Academic vs General Training, band scores, test format and registration tips.

IELTS Reading

Strategies for True/False/Not Given, matching headings, and all question types. Time management tips.

IELTS Writing Samples

High-scoring Task 1 and Task 2 essays with examiner comments and band score analysis.

IELTS Listening

All 4 sections explained with tips for different accents and tricky question types.

IELTS Speaking

Part 1, 2, 3 tips with sample answers. Cue card strategies and fluency techniques for Band 7+.

IELTS Vocabulary List

Essential academic vocabulary for IELTS success. Curated word lists with definitions and example sentences.

3,000+ words

IELTS for Canada PR

Score requirements, CLB conversion, CRS points calculation for Express Entry immigration.

IELTS for UK Visa (UKVI)

UKVI requirements by visa type, Life Skills explained, approved centers, and preparation tips.

Goethe Vocabulary

German vocabulary lists for all CEFR levels (A1-C2)

A1

Goethe A1 Vocabulary

Essential 650+ words for the Goethe A1 certificate. Start your German journey here.

A2

Goethe A2 Vocabulary

The most frequent A2 words for everyday German, with articles and example sentences.

B1

Goethe B1 Vocabulary

The most frequent B1 words — the level required for German citizenship and permanent residence.

B2

Goethe B2 Vocabulary

Professional vocabulary for university studies and career advancement.

C1

Goethe C1 Vocabulary

Advanced academic vocabulary for university-level German proficiency.

C2

Goethe C2 Vocabulary

Near-native vocabulary including idioms, collocations, and specialized terms.

Goethe Writing Samples

Model texts and writing tips for Goethe exams

A1

Goethe A1 Writing

Form filling and short message writing practice with sample answers.

A2

Goethe A2 Writing

Personal letters and informal messages with model texts and tips.

B1

Goethe B1 Writing

Email and letter writing for citizenship requirements. Essential for integration.

B2

Goethe B2 Writing

Forum posts and messages to a named person, as in the exam.

C1

Goethe C1 Writing

Academic essays and summaries. University-level German writing.

C2

Goethe C2 Writing

Complex argumentation and academic discourse at native speaker level.

German Citizenship Test

Free Leben in Deutschland (Einbürgerungstest) practice — required for naturalization

FREE

Leben in Deutschland Test — Free Practice

Free practice for the official German citizenship test (Einbürgerungstest). Practice all 460 official BAMF questions. The real test asks 33 of them in 60 minutes — you need 17 correct to pass.

Resources in other languages

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