DAAD IELTS Requirement
The IELTS score you actually need for the DAAD Scholarship — whether the scheme sets its own band or defers to your university, with the official source and how to check your band first.
What IELTS score do I need for the DAAD scholarship?
For English-taught programmes, DAAD requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component (or TOEFL iBT 80). A band of 6.5 or higher strengthens a competitive application.
DAAD does set its own English requirement for scholarships on English-taught programmes: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or the TOEFL iBT equivalent of 80. Because DAAD selection is competitive, aiming for 6.5 or above materially strengthens your file. DAAD accepts a range of tests (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE Academic and others). For German-taught programmes you instead prove German at the level the programme requires (often TestDaF or DSH), and no IELTS is needed. You cannot rely on a Medium-of-Instruction letter alone — check whether your specific programme and the scholarship require a recognised certificate.
Which test: IELTS Academic for English-taught programmes; German proficiency for German-taught.
DAAD IELTS requirement at a glance
| Programme | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English-taught programme (minimum)Or TOEFL iBT 80; other tests accepted | IELTS 6.0 overall, 5.5 in each component |
| English-taught programme (competitive target)Strengthens the competitive selection | IELTS 6.5+ overall |
| German-taught programme | German C1 (e.g. TestDaF / DSH); no IELTS |
Requirements can vary by scholarship line and host programme. A Medium-of-Instruction letter may not be enough — confirm on the DAAD scholarship database entry for your specific programme.
Official source: DAAD (daad.de)
DAAD IELTS requirement - common questions
What IELTS score do I need for a DAAD scholarship?
For an English-taught programme, DAAD requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (or TOEFL iBT 80). Because selection is competitive, most successful applicants score 6.5 or higher. German-taught programmes need German proficiency instead of IELTS.
Does DAAD accept IELTS or only TOEFL?
DAAD accepts a range of English tests including IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English and PTE Academic. IELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 each component) meets the minimum for English-taught programmes.
Can I use a Medium of Instruction certificate instead of IELTS for DAAD?
Not reliably. While some German universities accept a Medium-of-Instruction (MOI) certificate for admission, DAAD scholarship applications often require a recognised language certificate. Check the requirement on the DAAD scholarship database entry for your specific programme before assuming an MOI letter is enough.
Is IELTS 6.5 good enough for DAAD?
Yes — IELTS 6.5 comfortably clears the 6.0 minimum for English-taught programmes and puts you in a stronger position for the competitive DAAD selection. Aim to have no individual band below 5.5, and ideally 6.0, to be safe across programmes.