KAAD offers scholarship routes for eligible international applicants pursuing Master’s, PhD, postdoctoral or research opportunities in Germany, as well as selected in-country and third-country scholarships. Applicants must carefully check the correct programme because eligibility and application routes differ.
Eligibility Summary:
KAAD Programme 1 is for applicants from developing or emerging countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America who currently live in their home country, have a university degree and professional experience, and want to pursue postgraduate study or research in Germany.
Available KAAD Scholarship Routes
This is mainly for applicants who are still living in their home country and want to come to Germany for postgraduate study or research.
You may be eligible if you:
Come from and currently live in a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America.
Have a university degree and professional experience in your home country.
Want to pursue a Master’s, PhD, postgraduate study, postdoc or research stay at a German university.
Are Catholic or belong to a Christian denomination. Applicants from another religion may be supported if proposed by Catholic partners and if they show willingness for interreligious dialogue.
Have German language skills before entering Germany.
KAAD also expects above-average academic potential, social or religious commitment, and a study or research plan connected to reintegration into the applicant’s home region.
This route is for eligible students who are already studying in Germany.
Important: KAAD says applications for Programme 2 must be made through the Catholic University Chaplaincy, also known as KHG or KSG, at the applicant’s university location. Direct application to KAAD is not possible for this programme.
Come from a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America.
Are already studying in Germany.
Have at least 10 months of study remaining.
Are pursuing or planning a Master’s, Diplom, Magister or PhD at a German higher education institution.
Have German language knowledge at communication level.
3. In-Country and Third-Country Scholarships
KAAD also offers selected in-country and third-country scholarship options.
For Africa, KAAD lists in-country Master’s scholarships in Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. For Latin America, scholarships are available in Peru and Guatemala. For the Near and Middle East, KAAD mentions opportunities in Jordan and Lebanon, including third-country scholarships for refugees from Iraq and Syria.
4. Eastern Europe Programme
This programme supports applicants from Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus. It may support Master’s study, PhD study, research stays and academic visits in Germany.
KAAD lists the second-stage application deadlines for this programme as 15 January and 30 June each year.
