KAAD Scholarship Program is a great opportunity for students who need sponsorship to embark on a Masters or PhD Studies in Germany. The Catholic Academic Exchange Service is making some scholarships available to students from Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America. If you desire to get a master’s degree, a PhD, or do post-doctoral researches project at a university in Germany, prepare your application materials and apply as soon as possible.
KAAD is working together with some regions to make scholarship opportunities available to citizens who are interested in research. There are some Board of Partners in these countries, and applications are channeled through these bodies. Submissions from other countries can be considered only in extraordinary cases.
Offered annually: Yes
Country: Germany
Study Level: Master’s, PhD
About Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD)
KAAD – The Catholic Academic Exchange Service is the award institution of the German Catholic Church for post-graduate students and scientists from (developing) nations in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Near and Middle East, as well as Eastern and Southeastern Europe. KAAD offers support to scholars in form of scholarships and educational programs. It also provide spiritual and personal assistance.
Field of Study that is Available: No precise area of preference. Though, the selection board has often express preference to fields and courses that they thought to be of importance to the home country of the Student. This is exactly not untrue precisely for areas of PhD-theses. There is actually a definite inclination towards “growth oriented” studies – this does not actually imply that other fields (cultural, philosophic, linguistic, etc.) cannot be of importance for a nation, and are ruled out.
KAAD Scholarship Program – Eligibility
To qualify for KAAD Scholarship Program, students must satisfy the prerequisites listed below:
- Interested students should hail from a developing or emerging nation in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America and they should be living there currently.
- Interested candidates should have a university degree and professional experience from their home country.
- Interested candidates should desire to get a master’s degree or a PhD at a university in Germany or do a post-doctoral research project (2-6 months for established university lecturers) at a university in Germany.
- Candidate is a Catholic Christian (or belongs to a general a part of a Christian denomination).
- Students from other religions can apply if they are endorsed by Catholic partners, and can corroborate their obligation to interreligious dialogue.
- They should have German language skills before starting the studies (KAAD can offer a language course for 6 months max, in Germany).
Supplementary Prerequisites
- Interested candidates should have above-average performance in studies and research.
- The orientation of the candidate’s studies or research for permanent reintegration in their home region (or else the scholarship is switched into a loan).
- Religious and social obligation (activities), and disposition to inter-religious dialogue.
Application Deadline: Not specified
KAAD Scholarship Program – Benefits
- Students who are offered sponsorship are supported by KAAD with their Visa-modalities, paid for the flights to Germany and back, with language training in Germany before their studies, etc.
KAAD Scholarship Program – How to Apply
To apply for KAAD Scholarship Program, interested candidates should follow the steps below:
- Interested and eligible candidates should visit Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) on www.kaad-application.de to apply.
- Apply for the KAAD Masters and PhD Scholarship
- Interested and qualified applicants can go ahead to the online application portal to fill and submit their applications.
- Helpful: The program is partnering with countries in various region. There are some Board of Partners in these regions and applications are channeled through them. Submissions from other countries can be considered only in exceptional cases.
For further details about KAAD Scholarship Program, visit the official website.
Not interested in this particular scholarship? See other scholarships here.
FAQs
1. What is the KAAD Scholarship Program?
The KAAD (Catholic Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship Program is a fully-funded initiative in Germany that supports international students, particularly from developing countries, who wish to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s or PhD) or research projects at German universities. The program emphasizes academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to societal development, often with a focus on candidates from Catholic or socially-engaged backgrounds.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the KAAD Scholarship?
Eligible applicants must:
Be a citizen of a developing country (mainly Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
Hold a bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) from a recognized university.
Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential.
Have a clear research or study plan relevant to their field of interest.
Show commitment to social or community development, preferably aligned with Christian values.
3. What does the KAAD Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded and typically includes:
Monthly stipend for living expenses.
Tuition fees at the German university.
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
Travel costs (round-trip airfare to Germany).
Possible allowances for family members in some cases.
This support allows scholars to focus entirely on their academic and research pursuits.
4. How can I apply for the KAAD Scholarship in 2026/2027?
To apply:
Visit the official KAAD website and download the application form.
Prepare your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, research or study proposal, and recommendation letters.
Submit your completed application to the KAAD office or partner organization in your home country before the deadline.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, either in person or online.
Tip: Start your application early, as the selection process is highly competitive, and ensure your proposal aligns with KAAD’s mission of promoting leadership and social engagement.
