English language requirements
BIMM University Berlin requires that your English language skills are of a level that enable you to succeed in your chosen course of study. Here are the English language requirements for BIMM University Berlin.
All applicants are required to demonstrate their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Not only will this greatly benefit your career opportunities in the international music and film industry, but it will also allow you to collaborate with your fellow students and creatives.
We accept a wide range of country-specific English language qualifications, please see your country on our Entry Requirements page. We also accept a number of English language tests based on the following minimum standards.
If you want to find out more about why we chose to teach all of our courses in English – read more about it here.
Academic and school qualifications
| Exam | Undergraduate degrees | Postgraduate degrees |
|---|---|---|
| A level (A2)
(including Cambridge International A Levels) |
C grade or above in English language or English Literature | C grade or above in English language or English Literature |
| AS level (A1)
(including Cambridge International A Levels) |
C grade or above in AS English language or English Literature | C grade or above in AS English language |
| European Baccalaureate | Grade 6.0 (80%) English Language component | 85% English Language component |
| GCSE English/ GCE O level/ iGCSE | C/4 or above | C/4 or above |
| International Baccalaureate | Standard Level in English A: Language & Literature with a minimum of grade 4
OR Standard level English A: Literature at a minimum of Grade 4 OR English B Standard Level minimum grade 6 / Higher Level in minimum Grade 5 |
Standard Level in English A: Language & Literature with a minimum of grade 4
OR Standard level English A: Literature at a minimum of Grade 4 OR English B Standard Level minimum grade 6 / Higher Level in minimum Grade 5 |
| International Foundation Year (taught in English)
(must be a recognised qualification in the UK, verified on ECCTIS). Subject to admissions assessment. |
Pass the Foundation year. | Pass the Foundation year. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | Grade C or above (ordinary) or at Grade D or above (higher) | Grade C or above (ordinary) or at Grade D or above (higher) |
| Scottish National N5 English Language | Grade C or above | Grade C or above |
| USA High School Diploma
(must be accredited by a recognised USA awarding body or taught in the USA & verified on ECCTIS) |
High School Diploma/ GED with a minimum of a C in Grade 12 English Language. | High School Diploma/ GED with a minimum of a C in Grade 12 English Language. |
English language tests
| Exam | Undergraduate degrees | Postgraduate degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
No more than 2 years old |
170 overall with no less than 160 in each component | 170 overall with 163 in each component |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
No more than 2 years old |
170 overall with no less than 160 in each component | 170 overall with 163 in each component |
|
Duolingo English Test (DET) No more than 2 year old
|
110 overall, with no less than 100 in each component |
120 overall, with no less than 100 in each component* *some of our courses require higher individual component scores in Reading & Writing. Check course page for more information |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic version
*We may be able to accept IELTS Indicators taken from 1st July 2020 onwards No more than 2 years old |
6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each element: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing | 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in each element: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing overall |
| INTO Pre-sessional English course (6-week or 12-week) |
B2 CEFR level with a minimum of 55 in each component and overall. | B2 CEFR level with a minimum of 55 in each component and overall. |
| LanguageCert Academic
*Test can be taken online or in-centre No more than 2 years old. |
Pass with a minimum score of 65 overall and 60 in each skill to meet B2 CEFR. | Pass with a minimum score of 70 overall and 60 in each skill to meet B2 CEFR. |
| LanguageCert International ESOL (B2 Communicator Level)
*Test can be taken online or in-centre No more than 2 years old |
Pass with a minimum score of 33 in each skill to meet B2 CEFR. | High Pass with a score of 38 in each skill.
(No less than 33 in each element will be considered) |
|
Oxford International Digital Institute (OIDI) Pre-sessional No more than 2 years old
|
6 overall, with no less than 5 in each component |
7 overall, with no less than 5 in each component* *some of our courses require higher individual component scores in Reading & Writing. Check course pages for more information |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
We cannot accept PTE Academic Online. No more than 2 years old |
Min. 59 overall with no less than 59 in each element | 62 overall with no less than 59 in each element |
| TOEFL (iBT) and Home Edition
*We do not accept TOEFL ITP tests available in China No more than 2 years old. |
72 overall with no less than 18 in Reading, 17 in Writing, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking*
*New scoring system for TEOFL exams taken on or after 21st January 2026: B2 CEFR level with a minimum of 4 overall and 4 in each element. |
86 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 21 in Writing, 20 in Listening and 23 in Speaking*
*New scoring system for TEOFL exams taken on or after 21st January 2026: B2 CEFR level with a minimum of 4.5 overall and 4.5 in each element. |
| Trinity ISE 2
No more than 2 years old |
Pass with Merit | Pass with Distinction |
Degree-level and exemption routes
| Exam | Undergraduate degrees | Postgraduate degrees |
|---|---|---|
| We may consider an Academic (not technical or professional) Degree taught in English from a non-majority English speaking country.* | Applicant has provided evidence of a completed academic (not technical or professional) degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above that was taught in English with a final certificate/ transcript and letter from the institution confirming the programme was taught in English.
In addition, confirmation from ECCTIS that the qualification meets the requirements. *Subject to Admissions assessment.
|
Applicant has provided evidence of a completed academic (not technical or professional) degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above that was taught in English with a final certificate/ transcript and letter from the institution confirming the programme was taught in English.
In addition, confirmation from ECCTIS that the qualification meets the requirements. *Subject to Admissions assessment. |
| British bachelor’s degree | 2:2 or above* | 2:2 or above |
UK Home Office Defined Majority English Speaking Countries:
|
Applicant has studied and successfully completed an academic qualification at least equivalent to RQF Level 6/ a UK Bachelor’s Degree, taught in a majority English-speaking country.
Or is a national of a majority English-speaking country on this list. |
*Contingent on an academic progression assessment
Some certificates are valid for 2 years from the date they were issued. If your certificate does not have expiry terms, please note that Admissions Teams will apply discretion to determine whether the new test is required, depending on your circumstances.
If you studied English as a first language and your country is not listed above, please contact admissions@bimm-university.de to confirm if your qualification will be accepted.
Please note: Entry requirements are subject to change.
Any questions?
We’re committed to making your transition to Germany as smooth as possible. For help, support or advice, please call or email us between 9am-5pm CET using the contact details below.
Tel: +49 30 311 99 186
Email: admissions@bimm-university.de
