DAAD scholarship: what German level do you really need?

1. The quick answer per program

DAAD has no single required German level. The level depends exclusively on the teaching language of your target program.

That's a general rule. DAAD funds more than 250 programs, each with its own requirements. The official program fact sheet on daad.de is the only authoritative source.

2. What is DAAD and who can apply?

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the German agency that funds study and research scholarships for foreign students in Germany. It's the German equivalent of the Fulbright or Chevening programs. DAAD funds over 100,000 students per year in 200 countries.

DAAD scholarships cover four main categories:

• Master: 12 to 24-month scholarships for a full master's program
• PhD: 3 to 4-year scholarships for doctoral research
• Summer and winter courses: 3 to 8 weeks of intensive German immersion
• Research scholarships: short stays for researchers and postdocs

The scholarship typically covers the monthly stipend (~ €1,200/month for masters, ~ €1,400/month for PhDs), health insurance, and sometimes a flight ticket and settling-in allowance. It's one of the most generous study scholarships in the world.

3. German-taught master: C1 required

For a DAAD master taught in German, the near-universal minimum level is C1. Specifically, the host university will almost always require:

• Goethe-Zertifikat C1, or
• TestDaF with level 4 in all 4 modules (TDN 4 across the board), or
• DSH-2 (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), or
• TELC Deutsch C1 Hochschule

For some interdisciplinary or humanities programs, the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 or DSH-3 may be preferred. Studienkollegs (prep year), on the other hand, accept B2.

The TestDaF exam: what to expect

The TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache) is the most-used exam in Germany for university admissions. It's organized in over 95 countries. It assesses 4 skills on a TDN 3 to TDN 5 scale (above is exceptional).

For DAAD, the target is TDN 4 in all 4 modules, equivalent to C1. TestDaF cost: about €195 in Germany, 130 to 220 USD worldwide.

4. English-taught master: A2 or B1 German

For a DAAD master taught in English, the main requirement is English — not German. DAAD typically asks for:

• IELTS Academic 6.5 (sometimes 7.0), or
• TOEFL iBT 90 (sometimes 100), or
• Cambridge C1 Advanced

On the German side, DAAD generally asks for A2 or B1 "for daily life." Some programs (notably Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) require B1, others accept A1 — or even no prior knowledge if the scholarship includes a 6-month intensive course before the master.

5. PhD and postdoctoral scholarships

For a DAAD PhD, the required German level depends on the thesis supervisor and host university — not on a general DAAD rule.

In hard sciences (physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering), many PhDs are done in English. The German requirement can drop to A1 or even A0 (with a commitment to take a course). In humanities and social sciences, German is almost always required at B2 minimum, ideally C1.

6. DAAD Sommerkurse and winter courses

DAAD Sommerkurse (summer courses) generally require a minimum B1, sometimes A2 for intensive beginner courses. These programs last 3 to 8 weeks in full immersion, are run in over 100 German universities, and normally cost €800 to €2,000.

DAAD covers all or part of the costs via the Hochschulsommerkurse scholarship. It's one of the most accessible ways to go to Germany for the first time:

• Tuition fees covered (course + materials)
• Lump-sum allowance of €1,100
• Insurance included
• Travel allowance based on country of origin

Eligibility: bachelor (from year 2) and master students in any discipline. Deadline is usually end of November for the following summer's courses.

7. Which certifications does DAAD accept?

DAAD accepts five main official German certifications, plus two university-specific certifications.

For DAAD, Goethe-Zertifikat and TestDaF are the two best choices. Goethe is better recognized outside Europe, TestDaF is the standard in Germany and most countries. DSH is taken in Germany, so it's impossible without being on site already.

8. DAAD deadlines 2026-2027

DAAD deadlines are fixed each year. Missing a deadline = waiting 12 months.

When should you take your German exam?

Your certificate must be less than 2 years old at the time of application. So:

• DAAD master target (August deadline) → take your C1 between January and June
• DAAD PhD target (November deadline) → take your C1 between May and September
• Sommerkurs target (December deadline) → take your B1 between June and October

Allow 6 to 8 weeks between exam session and receipt of the official certificate. Don't cut it close: take your exam at least 2 months before the DAAD deadline.

9. The 5 mistakes that cost you the DAAD scholarship

1. Submitting B2 for a German-taught master. B2 almost never suffices for German-taught studies. Aim for C1 from the start.
2. Taking the exam too late. Allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive your certificate. If you're aiming at the August deadline, don't take your C1 in July.
3. Choosing a certification not accepted by the university. DAAD accepts many exams, but the university may require TestDaF or DSH specifically. Check both fact sheets.
4. Underestimating academic writing. C1 requires writing argued essays. Without systematic Schreiben practice with corrections, the score will be insufficient.
5. Ignoring English-taught programs. If your German is weak but your English is excellent, don't close the door to English programs. Over 200 DAAD masters are fully taught in English.

10. Frequently asked questions

What German level does DAAD require for a master?

For a German-taught DAAD master, the standard level is C1 (Goethe-Zertifikat C1, TestDaF level 4, or DSH-2). For an English-taught master, DAAD typically requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 and does not require German beyond A2 or B1, depending on the program.

Can I apply to DAAD with no German at all?

Yes. Some English-taught DAAD programs (international masters, science PhDs) accept candidates without prior German knowledge. DAAD often includes an intensive 6-month German course before the studies begin. But the program must explicitly allow this option in its official fact sheet.

Does DAAD accept the Goethe-Zertifikat or only TestDaF?

DAAD accepts several equivalent certifications: Goethe-Zertifikat (B1 to C2), TestDaF (TDN 3 to 5), DSH (1 to 3), TELC Deutsch (B1 to C2), ÖSD, and onSET-Deutsch. The receiving university may have its own preferences — check the program fact sheet before choosing your exam.

When should I take my German exam for a DAAD application?

Your certificate should be valid (generally less than 2 years old) when you submit your DAAD application, so take the exam 6 to 12 months before the deadline. Main DAAD deadlines are end of August for masters and October-November for PhDs. Allow 6 to 8 weeks between exam day and receiving the certificate.

Do DAAD Sommerkurse require a minimum level?

Yes. DAAD Sommerkurse generally require a minimum B1, sometimes A2 for intensive beginner courses. The exact requirement depends on the chosen Sommerkurs: the official fact sheet of each course states the required language level.

How much does TestDaF cost compared to Goethe C1?

TestDaF costs about €195 in Germany and 130 to 220 USD worldwide. Goethe-Zertifikat C1 costs 270 to 350 € in the eurozone and about 180,000 FCFA (≈ €274) in Cameroon. TestDaF is therefore often cheaper, but it only tests C1 level (other levels aren't tested).