The German Catholic KAAD Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity offered by the Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD), the scholarship organisation of the German Catholic Church. It supports outstanding postgraduate students and researchers from developing and emerging countries to pursue Master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral studies in Germany.
KAAD aims to foster future leaders who will contribute to the social, cultural, and scientific development of their home countries upon return. The programme emphasises academic excellence, reintegration in the home region (failure to return may convert the scholarship to a loan), religious/social commitment, and openness to inter-religious dialogue.
Key Scholarship Programmes
KAAD operates several programmes, with Scholarship Programme 1 being the primary one for new applicants from the Global South seeking studies in Germany.
- Scholarship Programme 1 (Invitation Programme): Targets postgraduates with professional experience for Master’s, PhD, or research stays in Germany. Applications are handled via regional partner committees in focus/partner countries.
- In-country Programme: Master’s studies in the home country (available in select locations, e.g., Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya).
- Third-country Programme: Master’s in a third country (e.g., for specific refugee groups).
- Scholarship Programme 2: For students from the Global South already studying Master’s/PhD in Germany (apply via Catholic university chaplaincies – KHG/KSG).
- Eastern Europe Programme: Separate pathway for applicants from Central/Eastern/South-Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for KAAD scholarships (primarily Programme 1 for studies in Germany), applicants must:
- Come from (and currently reside in) a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, or (for Eastern Europe Programme) relevant regions.
- Hold a university degree (e.g., Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants) and have relevant professional experience from the home country.
- Plan to pursue a Master’s degree, PhD, other postgraduate studies, or a postdoctoral/research stay (2–6 months for academics) at a German university.
- Demonstrate above-average academic performance in studies and research.
- Show religious and social commitment (e.g., church/community involvement) and willingness to engage in inter-religious dialogue.
- Be a Catholic Christian (or belong to a Christian denomination). Candidates from other religions may apply if proposed by Catholic partners and able to prove commitment to inter-religious dialogue.
- Have German language skills (at least B1 level preferred; A2 minimum for English-taught programmes) or be willing to attend a preparatory course (KAAD offers up to 6 months of language training in Germany).
- Commit to permanent reintegration and contributing to their home country/region after studies.
Benefits of the KAAD Scholarship
This fully funded scholarship provides comprehensive support, including:
- Full coverage of tuition fees (where applicable).
- Accommodation and living expenses (monthly stipend).
- Health insurance and other related costs.
- Preparatory German language course (up to 6 months) before the programme starts.
- Access to Germany’s world-class universities and research facilities.
- Participation in educational seminars, spiritual guidance, and networking events.
- Opportunities for cultural exchange, inter-religious dialogue, and building global networks with alumni and professionals.
- Personal and spiritual support to prepare for leadership roles back home.
How to Apply for the KAAD Scholarship (2026 Intake)
The application process is competitive and typically involves two stages. Deadlines vary by programme and region, but selections often occur twice a year (e.g., March and September). For Programme 1 (main pathway for new studies in Germany), applications are processed via partner committees in your region.
Follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility carefully against the criteria above and confirm your country is a focus/partner country (applications from non-focus countries are exceptional only).
- Visit the official KAAD website at https://www.kaad.de/en/stipendien/ to review detailed programme information.
- Start your application by submitting an initial online inquiry/form via the official portal: https://www.kaad.de/en/scholarship-application (or https://www.kaad.de/en/scholarship-application for the application link).
- Provide personal details, academic background, career objectives, and information on religion/social activities.
- Indicate if applying on recommendation from a partner institution/person.
- Contact regional partner committees (for Programme 1) in your country/region for guidance – KAAD cooperates with local committees/associations. They handle pre-selection.
- Prepare and submit required documents (if advanced to the next stage): CV, academic transcripts/certificates, motivation letter, proof of language skills, recommendation letters, evidence of social/religious commitment, and study/research plan.
- Await selection – Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or further stages.
- For Scholarship Programme 2: Contact the Catholic University Chaplaincy (KHG/KSG) at your German university directly (not via KAAD).