KAAD Scholarships are among the best opportunities available for international students from developing and emerging countries to study in Germany. These scholarships support postgraduates, master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and young academics who demonstrate strong academic potential, religious or social commitment, and a clear intention to contribute to their home region after completing their studies. KAAD Scholarships provide financial support, academic guidance, non-material support, seminars, and access to an international Catholic academic network. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about KAAD Scholarships 2027, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
KAAD stands for Catholic Academic Exchange Service. It is a scholarship organisation of the Catholic Church in Germany and supports students and researchers from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
The KAAD scholarship system is different from many other scholarship programs because applications are often processed through partner committees, Catholic university chaplaincies, or regional selection structures. Therefore, applicants should first identify which KAAD scholarship programme applies to their situation.
KAAD places strong emphasis on academic excellence, religious and social commitment, willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue, and the applicant’s plan to use their studies or research for the development of their home region.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD, Research
- Institution: German universities and selected partner institutions
- Study Destination: Germany
- Program Period: Depends upon the selected course.
KAAD Scholarships Application Deadline
The deadline for KAAD Scholarships depends on the scholarship programme and applicant category.
- Scholarship Programme 1: Applications are usually processed through KAAD partner committees in focus and partner countries. Deadlines may vary by country.
- Scholarship Programme 2: Applicants already studying in Germany should contact the Catholic University Chaplaincy, known as KHG or KSG, at their university. Exact deadlines are provided by the responsible KHG/KSG.
- Eastern Europe Programme: The second-stage application deadlines are 15 January for the March scholarship award and 30 June for the September scholarship award each year.
Applicants should check the official KAAD page and contact the relevant partner committee or KHG/KSG well before the deadline.
Scholarship Coverage
The KAAD Scholarships provide the recipient with the following benefits:
- Financial support for studies or research
- Support for master’s studies
- Support for PhD studies
- Support for postdoctoral or research stays
- German language course support, where applicable
- Academic seminars
- Spiritual and personal guidance
- Access to KAAD academic and alumni networks
- Non-material support and educational programmes
KAAD may also support German language preparation. For Scholarship Programme 1, KAAD provides a German language course of up to 6 months in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria for the KAAD Scholarships
To qualify for KAAD Scholarships, candidates must fulfill all of the following requirements:
- Applicants must come from a developing or emerging country.
- Be less than 45 years old
- Have proof of German language skills of at least B2 or comparable level
- Show above-average academic performance
- Be actively involved in voluntary work
- Be politically interested
- Support democracy, rule of law, and human rights
- Speak German at an adequate level
- Be enrolled in a full-time course of study at a state or state-recognized university in Germany
- Applicants must be from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, or the Caucasus, depending on programme.
- Applicants must have above-average academic performance.
- Applicants must show religious and social commitment.
- Applicants must be willing to engage in interreligious dialogue.
- Applicants must show that their studies or research are oriented toward permanent reintegration into their home region.
- Applicants must be Catholic or generally belong to a Christian denomination.
- Applicants from another religion may be supported if proposed by Catholic partners and if they show willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue.
- Applicants must meet German language requirements.
German Language Requirements
For Scholarship Programme 1, applicants must have German language skills before entering Germany.
KAAD expects:
- At least B1 German level
- At least A2 German level for English-language degree programmes
Applicants are expected to prepare German language skills in their home country. KAAD may also support a German language course in Germany.
Required Documents for the KAAD
Applicants may be required to prepare the following documents for the KAAD Scholarship:
- Online application form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Academic transcripts
- University degree certificate
- Proof of admission or enrollment
- Study plan or research proposal
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of professional experience, if required
- Proof of German language skills
- Proof of religious or social commitment Church or partner recommendation, if required
- Passport copy
- Any additional documents requested by KAAD or the partner committee
How to apply for the KAAD Scholarship?
Please follow the instructions below to apply for this scholarship:
- Visit the official KAAD scholarship website.
- Check which KAAD programme matches your situation.
- If you are living in your home country and want to study in Germany, check Scholarship Programme 1.
- If you are already studying in Germany, check Scholarship Programme 2 and contact your local KHG or KSG.
- If you want to study in your home country or a third country, check KAAD In-country and Third-country Scholarships.
- If you are from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, or the Caucasus, check the Eastern Europe Programme.
- Review the eligibility criteria carefully.
- Prepare the required documents.
- Apply through the relevant KAAD partner committee, Catholic University Chaplaincy, or online application form.
- Submit your application before the applicable deadline.
Websites
To learn more about the KAAD Scholarship, please visit the official websites:
