Germany · Various German universities
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?
DAAD requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component for English-taught programmes. Some programmes may require higher scores. DAAD also accepts TOEFL iBT (80+) and TestDaF (level 4) as alternatives.
Does DAAD accept IELTS General Training?
No, DAAD scholarships require IELTS Academic. General Training is not accepted. If your programme is taught in German, you may need to provide a TestDaF or DSH certificate instead of or in addition to IELTS.
Can I apply for DAAD without German language skills?
Yes, many DAAD-funded programmes are taught entirely in English, so you can apply with only IELTS or TOEFL. However, having basic German skills strengthens your application and helps with daily life in Germany.
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