KAAD Scholarships

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Germany

Fully Funded

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MSc & Ph.D

December 31, 2026

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The KAAD Scholarships are offered by the Catholic Academic Exchange Service, KAAD, to support talented students, graduates, and researchers from developing and emerging countries. The scholarships mainly support applicants from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America who want to study or conduct research in Germany.

KAAD has different scholarship routes. Scholarship Programme 1 is for applicants who are still living in their home country and want to come to Germany for a Master’s, PhD, postgraduate study, postdoctoral research, or a short research stay. Scholarship Programme 2 is for students from the Global South who are already studying in Germany and still have enough study time remaining.

At Darrab Education, we recommend students check the official KAAD website carefully before applying. KAAD is not only about academic excellence; it also considers professional experience, social or religious commitment, willingness for interreligious dialogue, German language preparation, and long-term contribution to the applicant’s home region.

You must be from a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America
You must hold a university degree and have relevant professional experience
You should be applying for a master’s or PhD program in Germany
You must show commitment to returning to your home country after graduation
You need to demonstrate active involvement in community work or leadership
You must be a Christian (preferably Catholic), or open to interreligious dialogue and values
You need to show strong academic performance and motivation
You should have basic German language skills or be willing to learn the language

Ask yourself

Are you engaged in your community?
Are you planning to bring your knowledge back home?
Can you commit to the scholarship’s values and network?

Types of Scholarships and Their Eligibility Criteria

Scholarship Programme 1
For applicants from developing or emerging countries who live in their home country.

Eligibility:

Citizenship and residence in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America
University degree and relevant professional experience
Intention to pursue a Master’s, PhD, post-doc, or 2–6 month research stay in Germany
Catholic or Christian affiliation (especially for Near and Middle East); others considered if recommended by Catholic partners and open to interreligious dialogue
German language skills; KAAD may offer a six-month course in Germany

Scholarship Programme 2
For students from the Global South already studying in Germany

Eligibility:

Citizenship from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America
Already enrolled in a German university with at least 10 months of study left
Pursuing a Master’s, PhD, Diplom, or Magister degree
Catholic or Christian background preferred; others must be endorsed by Catholic partners and willing to engage in interreligious dialogue
Basic German communication skills

Eastern Europe Programme
For students from Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus

Eligibility:

From eligible regions regardless of current residence
Catholic required; other Christian denominations accepted in rare cases if endorsed by Catholic partners
Religious affiliation and cooperation with Catholic institutions matter more than home country

Each program targets a different region or applicant status. Choose the one that fits your situation and prepare accordingly.

Passport or identity document.
Updated CV.
University degree certificate.
Academic transcripts.
Proof of professional experience.
Proof of German language level.
Admission letter or communication with a German university, if available.
Study plan or research proposal.
Motivation letter.
Recommendation letter.
Information about religious, social, or community engagement.
Recommendation or support from a Catholic partner, institution, or relevant contact, if required.

The KAAD online inquiry form asks for personal information, nationality, religious affiliation, academic background, German language level, employer information, intended degree, intended study project, career objectives, recommendation source, and details of religious and social activities.

For applicants living in their home country:

Check whether your country is one of KAAD’s focus or partner countries.
Review the requirements for Scholarship Programme 1.
Prepare your academic, professional, language, and social engagement information.
Submit the KAAD online inquiry/application form.
Applications are normally processed through KAAD partner committees in the applicant’s region.
Applications from countries outside KAAD’s focus and partner countries are considered only in exceptional cases.

For applicants already studying in Germany:

Contact the Catholic University Chaplaincy, KHG or KSG, at your university.
Ask about the exact deadline and procedure.
Apply through KHG/KSG, not directly to KAAD.
The KAAD selection committee meets twice a year, but the exact deadlines should be confirmed with the responsible KHG/KSG.

Financial support for Master’s, PhD, postgraduate study, postdoctoral research, or research stay.
Support for short research stays of 2 to 6 months for academics.
German language course support; KAAD states that it can provide a German language course of up to 6 months in Germany.
Participation in KAAD’s compulsory educational programme.
Access to KAAD’s academic, social, religious, and alumni network.
Support for students and researchers who want to contribute to their home region after graduation.

Can I apply for a Master’s degree?

Yes. KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 may support Master’s study in Germany for eligible applicants.

Can I apply for a PhD?

Yes. KAAD may support PhD applicants, depending on eligibility, academic profile, and programme route.

Can Muslims or applicants from other religions apply?

KAAD mainly supports Catholic or Christian applicants. However, applicants from another religion may be considered if they are proposed by Catholic partners and show willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue.

Do I need German language skills?

Yes. German language skills are important. KAAD expects German before entry, and for its educational programme applicants usually need at least B1 German, or at least A2 for English-taught programmes.

Is there one fixed deadline?

No. KAAD does not have one universal deadline for all applicants. The deadline depends on the scholarship programme, country, partner committee, or KHG/KSG office.

Can I apply directly to KAAD if I am already studying in Germany?

No. For Scholarship Programme 2, students already studying in Germany must apply through the Catholic University Chaplaincy, KHG or KSG, at their university location. Direct application to KAAD is not possible.

Official Source

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