The KAAD Scholarship is the scholarship organization of the Catholic Church of Germany for students, graduates and researchers from developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern and South-Eastern Europe .
It provides financial and academic support to students, researchers and professionals in developing countries, with an emphasis on those from a Catholic or Church-affiliated background. The program promotes mutual understanding and global development through education and cultural exchange.
The Katholischer Akademischer AusländerDienst (KAAD), or Catholic Academic Exchange Service, promotes educational and cultural exchanges between Germany and developing countries. This program is to provide partnerships and long-term development in the countries of origin of its partners.
Overview of KAAD Scholarship:
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Eligible: Check the list of eligible countries below
- Scholarship value: Scholarship awardees shall receive an exemption from tuition fees at public universities. The scholarship amount to: PLN 1700 per month during the preparatory course, PLN 1,500 per month during the second studies.
- Application Status: Open
KAAD Scholarship Types:
The work of the KAAD scholarships can be grouped into three programs:
KAAD Scholarship Programme 1
KAAD Scholarship Programme 2
Eastern Europe Programme
KAAD Scholarship Programme 1
The Scholarship 1 program includes:
invitation program in cooperation with the destination countries and is intended for postgraduate students and people with proven professional experience who are usually invited to Germany for postgraduate studies or research stays.
Master study program in the country of origin: in fifteen locations in eight countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Peru, Zimbabwe)
Master’s program in a selected third country (eg Bangkok/Thailand for Myanmar students). Third country scholarships are possible for students from other continents in some third countries. This is especially true for Syrian refugees studying in Lebanon and Jordan.
Eligibility
You can apply for the KAAD 1 scholarship program if:
You come from and currently reside in a developing or developing country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America,
you have a university degree and professional experience in your home country
you want to pursue a master’s, doctorate or other postgraduate studies, or are considering a postdoctoral or research stay (2-6 months for academics) at a German university
are of the Catholic faith (or generally belong to a Christian faith, especially for candidates from the Near and Middle East). Candidates of another faith can be funded if nominated by Catholic partners with a documented willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue.
have knowledge of the German language before entry (KAAD can organize a German course of up to 6 months in Germany).
Requirement:
Above average performance potential for studies or research is required,
a study or research orientation towards a sustainable reintegration in the region of origin in question (otherwise the scholarship is considered as a loan),
a religious and social commitment or a desire to participate in an interreligious dialogue
German language skills of at least level B1 (or at least A2 in the case of study programs in English) to participate in our mandatory training program. Preparatory German courses in the country of origin are planned. In addition, it is possible to apply for a language course (full-time or during studies).
KAAD Scholarship Programme 2
The KAAD 2 scholarship program is made available to students from the Global South who are already studying for a doctorate or master’s degree in Germany. Catholic university chaplains have the right to nominate qualified candidates.
Scholarship applications can be submitted exclusively to the Catholic university chaplaincy (KHG or KSG) of your university.
It is not possible to apply directly to KAAD.
Eligibility
Student can apply for the KAAD 2 scholarship program if:
Student comes from a developing or developing country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America.
have already studied in Germany and have at least 10 months of studies.
you want to continue master’s studies (application possible during the last semesters of the bachelor’s), diploma or master’s degree (application as soon as possible after the intermediate exam or Vordiplom) or doctorate at a German higher education institution.
are of the Catholic faith (or belong to a Christian faith, which is especially true for students from the Near and Middle East). Candidates of another faith can be supported if they are nominated by Catholic partners with a documented desire to participate in an interreligious dialogue. have knowledge of the German language at least at the communication level.
Requirement:
Above average performance potential for studies or research is required,
a study or research orientation towards a sustainable reintegration in the region of origin in question (otherwise the scholarship is considered as a loan),
a religious and social commitment or a desire to participate in an interreligious dialogue
German language skills of at least level B1 (or at least A2 in the case of study programs in English) to participate in our mandatory training program. Preparatory German courses in the country of origin are planned. In addition, it is possible to apply for a language course (full-time or during studies).
Eastern Europe Programme
The Eastern Europe program offers, in cooperation with partner committees, doctoral and master’s programs, as well as shorter study and research stays in Germany. The Eastern Europe program offers:
Students with a Bachelor’s degree who want to pursue a Master’s degree at a German university (maximum 24 months). Tuition fees for paid Master’s programs can be financed in justified exceptional cases.
Young academics studying for a PhD in Germany (maximum 36 months)
Young academics preparing a PhD or habilitation in their home country and planning a research stay in Germany (up to 12 months)
Postgraduate students planning a research stay or deepening existing scientific knowledge in Germany after completing their examination in their home country or planning a non-consecutive postgraduate or additional course of study (this also applies to the continuing education of approved doctors). University professors plan a research stay (up to 6 months) in Germany.
Students enrolled in master’s programs in their home country and planning a study stay (up to 6 months) to collect material at a university in Germany.
Scholarships are awarded for all disciplines (except theology courses).
Eligibility
Candidates from all the countries of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus and of the Catholic faith (in exceptional cases also from another Christian faith, as long as they are nominated by Catholic partners).
Requirement:
Above average performance potential for studies or research is required,
a study or research orientation towards a sustainable reintegration in the region of origin in question (otherwise the scholarship is considered as a loan),
a religious and social commitment or a desire to participate in an interreligious dialogue
German language skills of at least level B1 (or at least A2 in the case of study programs in English) to participate in our mandatory training program. Preparatory German courses in the country of origin are planned. In addition, it is possible to apply for a language course (full-time or during studies).
To Apply and For more information about KAAD scholarships, visit the Official website.
