Aptitude Exams

With the Test for Foreign Students (TestAS), you can realistically assess your chances of completing your degree programme successfully. The TestAS is a standardised exam which allows universities to compare the scholastic aptitude of their prospective students. Each university recognises the test results differently. The test is comprised of three parts: the “onScreen” language test, the Core Test and “subject-specific test modules”.

The TestAS is intended for international students who wish to apply for admission to an undergraduate degree programme at a Germany university. An undergraduate programme is a degree programme which concludes with the first academic qualification, such as the bachelor’s degree, “Magister”, “Diplom” or State Examination. It measures the applicant’s general and subject-related aptitude necessary for completing such a programme successfully. You don’t require any specific knowledge or expertise about your subject of study when you take the test.

Advantages for students

The test results can identify your strengths and help you choose a field of study which matches your abilities. Following the test, you gain a more realistic perspective of your chances of earning a degree in your desired subject area. You can also compare how well you did with others who took the test. And you become familiar with the typical demands of your desired degree programme.

Advantages for universities

The TestAS offers universities a standardised method for comparing the scholastic aptitude of their applicants. The test evaluates the applicants’ suitability for their desired degree programme regardless of their country of origin or its grading system. Each university can then select those students which possess the necessary prerequisites for the degree programme in question. It is possible to accurately predict academic progress on the basis of the TestAS results.

TestAS recognition varies from university to university. While the TestAS is an obligatory prerequisite for admission to some universities, others do not require it, but may recommend it.

The TestAS offers you advantages at some 40 universities throughout Germany. At six universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, the test serves as an admission examination for applicants who have not gained a university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur). After passing the TestAS, you are no longer required to attend a foundation course. Several universities in Brandenburg also offer similar individualised admission procedures.

Facts and figures

- Administered three times a year (see information below for testing dates) - Cost: 80 euros - Languages: German or English - Testing centres: 281 locations in 76 countries

The TestAS certificate is recognised by German universities which have integrated the TestAS into their admission policies. Each university is permitted to determine how heavily to weight the TestAS results. Please inquire at the university (or faculty) of your choice as to whether the TestAS is considered in the admission decision.

The “onScreen” test is a 30-minute online test that assesses general language proficiency in German or English. The Core Test assesses the general skills required in all academic courses. The subject-specific test modules evaluate the skills you will need to successfully complete a degree programme in a specific subject area.

You may select one of four subject-specific modules:

The TestAS certificate is valid indefinitely.

The TestAS is not a measure of how much you know, but rather is an assessment of your cognitive skills. No specific knowledge is tested. The best way to prepare for the test is to become familiar with the TestAS format. You will find sample questions on the TestAS website. The TestAS Institute strongly recommends that all applicants complete these sample questions before taking the test.

To pass the language component of the TestAS, your language skills should be equivalent to level B1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages. Please keep in mind, however, that B1 is below the level required if you wish to study in Germany.

Based on your results of the “onScreen” language test, TestAS generates a relative score comprised of your language skills and the results of the individual subtests. Please note that “onScreen” does not replace the recognised language examination required for admission to a degree programme, such as the TestDaF.

Important! The TestAS is not the same as the TestDaF! The TestDaF is a language examination that assesses your German language skills, while the TestAS measures cognitive skills that are necessary for university study.