DAAD Scholarships
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Level
- PG, PhD
- Deadline
- August–November
Last verified: 2026-03
About DAAD Scholarships
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships support international students pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies at German universities. Germany offers many tuition-free master's programmes, with DAAD scholarships covering living costs, insurance, and travel. The programme is one of the world's largest academic exchange organisations.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 80, TestDaF 4
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1DAAD requires IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component for English-taught programmes. This is a moderate requirement, but aim for 6.5+ to strengthen your application in the competitive selection process.
- 2Many German programmes are taught in English, but some require German proficiency. If your chosen programme is in English, IELTS Academic is sufficient. Check whether your programme also requires a TestDaF score.
- 3DAAD evaluates your complete academic profile, not just IELTS. A strong motivation letter and clear research proposal are equally important. Submit your IELTS score well before the August-November deadline window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for DAAD scholarships?
Does DAAD accept IELTS General Training?
Can I apply for DAAD without German language skills?
Need Band 6? Find out where you stand.
Submit one essay. See your band score on all 4 criteria in 60 seconds. Know exactly what to fix before you apply.
Connect with scholarship winners
Our community includes students who successfully secured IELTS-requiring scholarships. Get real advice on applications and preparation.