The M.Sc. Sustainable International Agriculture (SIA) is taught in English. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency through a recognised language test or an accepted equivalent qualification.

Accepted English Language Tests

The following certificates are accepted, provided that the minimum requirements are met.

Please note: Only the overall test score is relevant. Scores achieved in individual test sections are not assessed separately.

  • Cambridge English Qualification: minimum overall score of 160
  • IELTS: minimum overall band score of 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): minimum overall score of 80
  • TOEFL iBT (from 2026): minimum overall score of 4
  • NULTE Certificate: minimum level B2
  • UNIcert: minimum level II
  • PTE Academic: minimum overall score of 59

Language test certificates should be no more than three years old at the time of application.

Important: Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates or letters confirming that a previous degree programme was taught in English are not accepted as proof of English language proficiency.

Currently enrolled at a German university?

If you are currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree programme at a German university, we also accept English language certificates issued by German university language centres. It is therefore worth checking whether your university's language centre offers a suitable English language test.

Exemptions from Language Certification

Applicants whose first language is English may be exempt from submitting a language certificate if they are from one of the countries or territories listed below.

The list is based on the UK government's list of countries for student visa purposes.

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America