Can I apply for a Master's with a B2 certificate?

Varies by program — B2 is sufficient for some Master's programs, but C1 is the standard for most.

#Language Requirements by Program

#Situations Where You Can Apply for a Master's with B2

• English-taught Master's program (1000+ available) — B2/B1 German supportive
• Conditional admission — the Universität says "achieve C1 after arrival"
• After Studienkolleg M-Kurs — TestDaF B2 may be accepted instead of DSH
• Art and applied programs — emphasis on practical skills

#Common Situations Where B2 is Not Enough

• Medicine (different for PhD, clinical branches, of course)
• Law Master's
• German philology
• Classic DAAD scholarship (generally requires C1)

#Strategies for "I have B2 but I want a Master's"

1. Focus on English-taught Master's programs — 1000+ programs in the DAAD database: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/courses/all-degrees/
2. Focus on reaching C1 — you can prepare for TestDaF or DSH in 3-6 months
3. Get conditional admission, then quickly achieve C1 in Germany after arrival
4. Try Studienkolleg M-Kurs — 1 year, both language and academic preparation

#Practical Side Note

Even in English-taught Master's programs, German C1 is practically necessary for life in Germany, internships, and post-graduation jobs. Start with B2, and continue learning in parallel.

Related: How to prove German C1 with which exam? · English Master's with IELTS