Official TestAS Exam Dates 2027: Fees, Exam Structure, and Registration Guide
The 2027 TestAS (Test for Academic Studies) examination cycle is organized by the German testing authority g.a.s.t. across 6 testing dates throughout the year, featuring 3 paper-based sessions and 3 computer-based (Digital TestAS) sessions. The standard international examination fee is 150 Euro per registration. Scores hold lifetime validity, serving as an indispensable requirement for APS verification for studying in Germany and enabling direct admission and talent scholarships at Vietnamese-German University (VGU).
Below is the official 2027 examination timetable, subtest structure analysis, registration walkthrough, and optimal timeline planning for prospective university applicants.
1. Official 2027 TestAS Schedule by g.a.s.t.
Registration windows for paper sessions typically conclude 4 to 5 weeks prior to exam day. Candidates must monitor registration windows proactively to secure a seat and finalize payment on time:
| Exam Date | Registration Window (Open – Close) | Score Release Date | Test Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 25, 2027 | Sep 01, 2026 – Jan 21, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | Paper-based (Written) |
| Mar 18, 2027 | Nov 02, 2026 – Mar 08, 2027 | Apr 08, 2027 | Digital TestAS (Computer) |
| Apr 24, 2027 | Jan 04, 2027 – Mar 22, 2027 | May 24, 2027 | Paper-based (Written) |
| Jun 15, 2027 | Jan 04, 2027 – Jun 03, 2027 | Jul 06, 2027 | Digital TestAS (Computer) |
| Oct 23, 2027 | Jan 04, 2027 – Sep 23, 2027 | Nov 22, 2027 | Paper-based (Written) |
| Nov 25, 2027 | Jan 04, 2027 – Nov 15, 2027 | Dec 16, 2027 | Digital TestAS (Computer) |
(Data source: Official g.a.s.t. TestAS Portal)
Strategic Scheduling Guide for Study Abroad Timelines
- Winter Semester Enrollment in Germany (Classes begin in October): Uni-assist and direct university deadlines usually close on July 15. You should target the February or March 2027 session. Scores released in late March or early April provide ample time to complete APS certification and submit university dossiers.
- Summer Semester Enrollment in Germany (Classes begin in April following year): Deadlines typically fall on January 15. The June or October 2027 session allows comfortable student visa processing.
- Admissions at Vietnamese-German University (VGU): The March 2027 (Digital) session or university-administered May entrance tests allow early admission confirmation and scholarship allocation well ahead of national graduation exams.
Review prerequisites: Germany Study Abroad Requirements with TestAS and New APS Rules.
2. What is TestAS and Why is it Essential?
TestAS is a standardized cognitive aptitude examination designed for international students seeking higher education in Germany. The exam does not evaluate memorized factual knowledge or historical dates. Instead, it measures logical deduction, numerical analysis, chart interpretation, and spatial reasoning in an academic language (English or German).
Core Functions Across Two Pathways:
- German Study Abroad Route: The Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) at the German Embassy in Hanoi mandates TestAS scores for high school graduates before issuing certificates for Studienkolleg preparatory courses or direct undergraduate admission.
- Vietnamese-German University (VGU) Route: VGU relies on TestAS as an independent entrance exam. High scores secure direct admission and merit scholarships ranging from 25%, 50%, to 100% of tuition.
Learn foundational details: What is TestAS? Exam Structure, Fees, and Registration Guide 2026.
3. Comparing Paper-based and Digital TestAS
Examinees may choose between paper and digital formats. Key differences include:
| Criteria | Paper-based TestAS | Digital TestAS |
|---|---|---|
| Total Test Duration | Approx. 4.5 hours (including breaks). | Approx. 3.5 hours (including breaks). |
| Pacing Architecture | Section-level timing; candidates distribute time freely across items. | Per-item countdown clock (70–90 seconds/question). Automatic lock on timeout. |
| Available Modules | 4 traditional modules: Economics, Engineering, Math/CS, Humanities. | 6 modules: adding dedicated tracks for Medicine and Life Sciences. |
| Score Metric | Standard Score from 70 to 130 (Benchmark mean: 100). | Numerical TestAS Score from 0 to 200. |
| Navigation Flexibility | Able to revisit and modify earlier answers within the same section. | No backtracking; locked questions cannot be revisited. |
Read comprehensive format comparison: Digital TestAS vs. Paper TestAS: Detailed Format Comparison.
4. Comprehensive Breakdown of TestAS Exam Sections
The examination comprises two compulsory components:
Part 1: Core Test (Kerntest)
Assesses general cognitive reasoning over 110 minutes across 4 subtests:
- Solving Quantitative Problems (22 questions / 45 minutes): Arithmetic reasoning, percentage proportions, practical mathematical modeling.
- Inferring Relations (22 questions / 10 minutes): Determining verbal analogies between academic concept pairs.
- Completing Number Series (22 questions / 25 minutes): Identifying computational rules governing sequential series.
- Continuing Numerical Patterns (22 questions / 30 minutes): Recognizing algorithmic relationships within matrix schemas.
Part 2: Subject-Specific Module
Candidates select 1 specialized module matching their prospective degree (145 – 150 minutes):
- Economics Module: Analyzing Economic Interrelations and Analyzing Processes.
- Engineering Module: Formalizing Technical Interrelations, Visualizing Solids, and Analyzing Technical Interrelations.
- Mathematics, CS and Natural Sciences Module: Analyzing Scientific Interrelations and Understanding Formal Depictions.
- Humanities and Social Sciences Module: Understanding and Interpreting Texts and Flexible Use of Language.
View module selection guide: How to Choose Your TestAS Subject Module for VGU and Germany.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for TestAS 2027
Follow these five steps on the international examination portal to secure your seat:
- Step 1: Create an Account: Visit www.testas.de, select Participants, and input identity details matching your passport.
- Step 2: Select Exam Parameters: Choose your 2027 test date, delivery format (Paper or Digital), medium (English or German), and subject module.
- Step 3: Select Test Centre:
- Northern Vietnam: Vietnamese-German Centre (VDZ) at HUST Hanoi.
- Southern Vietnam: Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnamese-German University (VGU).
- Step 4: Finalize Payment: Pay the 150 Euro international fee via Visa or Mastercard enabled for online transactions.
- Step 5: Print Admission Ticket: 1–2 weeks before test day, log into your profile to print your official Admission Ticket, which must be presented alongside your original passport.
6. Examination Fees and Refund Policies
- Standard Registration Fee: 150 Euro per attempt (identical for paper and digital formats).
- Equivalent in VND: Approximately 4,000,000 to 4,300,000 VND depending on bank exchange rates.
- Financial Policy: Once the registration deadline passes, g.a.s.t. enforces a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy under any personal circumstances.
7. How to Interpret Your Standardized Score Report
TestAS does not issue pass or fail verdicts. Instead, performance is scored through normalized psychometrics:
- Standard Score (Standardwert): Ranges from 70 to 130, with 100 anchored as the international benchmark mean. Scores between 90 and 110 reflect average performance; marks above 110 denote superior cognitive ability.
- Percentile Rank (Prozentrang): Scales from 1 to 100, indicating the proportion of global examinees who scored equal to or below your mark.
- Language Competency Evaluation: Reflects your operational language command according to the CEFR framework (typically B1, B2, or C1).
8. Target TestAS Scores for VGU and German Universities
| Target Admission Pathway | Standard Score | Percentile Rank | Admission Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum VGU Threshold | $\ge 90$ points (per section) | $\ge 30%$ | Both Core Test and Module must meet threshold. |
| Safe Admission at VGU | $100 - 105$ points | Top $50% - 40%$ | Popular programs (CSE, BBA) typically require 105–110. |
| VGU Talent Scholarship (25% - 100%) | $115 - 120+$ points | Top $10% - 5%$ | Automated top-down merit quota review. |
| APS Certificate for Germany | No cut-off floor | Any | Valid exam completion satisfies APS requirement. |
| Studienkolleg Foundation in Germany | $100 - 105$ points | Top $50%$ | Maximizes invitation probability (Zulassung). |
| TU9 Technical Universities in Germany | $110 - 120+$ points | Top $20% - 10%$ | Vital for restricted admission programs (NC). |
Review VGU details: How to Apply to Vietnamese-German University (VGU) with TestAS.
9. Top Preparation Tactics to Ace TestAS 2027
- Practice with Official g.a.s.t. Samples: Download authentic test sets from testas.de to understand item formats.
- Master Strict Time Allocation: The primary obstacle for candidates is pacing. In Inferring Relations (22 items in 10 minutes), you have under 28 seconds per question. Time all practice sessions rigorously.
- Internalize Academic Vocabulary: Master math and science terminology in English or German (prime numbers, matrices, inversely proportional, friction, derivatives). Rapid comprehension saves precious seconds.
- Use Elimination Strategies: In complex 3D solid visualization items, disproving three incorrect options is often vastly quicker than constructing the exact solution mentally.
Read complete strategy guide: TestAS Preparation Guide from A–Z: Roadmap and Time Allocation.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many times can I retake TestAS?
You can retake TestAS without any limit. Each sitting requires the standard 150 Euro registration fee. When applying to universities, you may submit your highest score certificate.
2. How long are TestAS scores valid?
TestAS certificates never expire. Scores are valid indefinitely. You can sit the test in Grade 11 and retain your score permanently for university applications.
3. Can Grade 11 or Grade 12 students take TestAS?
Yes. There are no age restrictions. Taking TestAS in Grade 11 alleviates senior-year stress. Grade 12 students should sit the February or March 2027 sessions to meet German Winter Semester deadlines.
4. Is the English version valued less than the German version?
No. Both languages hold equal merit in evaluations conducted by the APS, German universities, and VGU. Always select the language in which you perform best.
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