The KAAD Scholarship is a golden opportunity for students from developing and emerging countries to pursue higher education in Germany. Offered by the Catholic Academic Exchange Service, this Scholarship supports postgraduate studies including master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral programs. This fully funded scholarship is designed for academically outstanding individuals who are also committed to social and religious development in their home countries. The KAAD Scholarship aims to empower students to not only grow in their academic fields but also become leaders who can give back to their communities.
Every year, many students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East benefit from this Scholarship, receiving full financial coverage and a chance to study at some of the best universities in Germany. The program also provides opportunities to engage in intercultural and interreligious dialogue, making it a unique scholarship with a strong focus on both academic and personal development. If you are a dedicated and socially active individual looking to continue your studies in Germany, then this Scholarship 2025-2026 might be the perfect fit for you.
Details of the KAAD Scholarship:
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: Leading public universities and research institutions in Germany
- Program Level: Master’s, PhD, and Post-doctoral research
- Scholarship Duration: Full duration of the selected study or research program
Benefits of the KAAD Scholarship
The KAAD Scholarship comes with numerous benefits that make it a life-changing opportunity:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Travel costs to and from Germany
- Health insurance coverage
- Free German language courses
- Access to educational seminars, conferences, and workshops
- Networking with international scholars and alumni
- Academic and spiritual support throughout the study period
Eligibility Criteria for the KAAD Scholarship
To apply for the KAAD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be a resident and citizen of a developing or emerging country (Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East)
- Must have completed a university degree and have some professional experience
- Should intend to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s, PhD, or post-doctoral research)
- Must be actively involved in community service or religious activities
- Should ideally belong to the Catholic faith or a Christian denomination; others may apply if proposed by Catholic partners
- Must demonstrate willingness for interreligious and intercultural dialogue
- Should have at least basic knowledge of German (level B1 preferred) or be willing to learn
- Must plan to return to their home country after completing the program
How to Apply
The application process for the KAAD Scholarship is carried out through partner committees in your home country. Here’s how you can apply:
- Choose suitable courses of your interest. (You can apply for a maximum of three courses)
- Apply to universities offering those courses.
- You send your complete application(s) (with the above documents) directly to the universities.
- A selection committee suggests potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship.
- The suggested candidates will be contacted by DAAD to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal. (The link to the DAAD Portal will be provided by DAAD through email)
- The selection process will be finalized, and the suggested candidates will be informed accordingly.
Documents Required
Applicants must prepare the following documents for the KAAD Scholarship application:
- Completed application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter explaining academic and career goals
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Letters of recommendation
- Certificate(s) of Employment from the employer(s) that proves a minimum of two years of relevant working experience (after the bachelor’s degree) at the time of application and if possible, a guarantee of re-employment from your current employer upon returning home.
- Proof of Language Skills:
- English: IELTS or TOEFL (Note: The institutional TOEFL is not accepted)
- German: Required for courses taught in German
- Copies of Academic Degrees (certified translation if necessary)
- Copies of Academic Transcripts, including grading scale (certified translation if necessary)
- Applicants from the People’s Republic of China are asked to submit an APS Certificate with their application documents.
Application Deadline
The application deadline to apply for the KAAD Scholarship is Depending on the chosen study program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the KAAD Scholarship?
The KAAD Scholarship is a fully funded program for postgraduate study in Germany for students from developing and emerging countries.
Who is eligible for the KAAD Scholarship?
Applicants from developing countries with a university degree, work experience, and community involvement are eligible.
Can non-Christians apply for the KAAD Scholarship?
Yes, applicants of other religions can apply if recommended by Catholic partners and open to interreligious dialogue.
Does the KAAD Scholarship require German language skills?
Yes, basic German (B1) is recommended, and KAAD may support language learning before or during the program.
What study programs does the KAAD Scholarship support?
It supports Master’s degrees, PhD programs, and post-doctoral research.
What expenses are covered under the KAAD Scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, living costs, travel, health insurance, and language courses.
