KAAD Scholarships  2026

The KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländerdienst) scholarship programme supports postgraduate students, PhD candidates, researchers, and university teachers from Central, Eastern, Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

Applicants must be of Catholic denomination (exceptional cases for other Christian denominations with Catholic partners). Scholarships fund master’s degrees, PhDs, research stays, and study visits in Germany.

If you are looking for similar opportunities in Europe, explore fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students.

Who Can Apply?

KAAD accepts applicants from all countries of Central, Eastern, and South‑Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. Eligible candidates include:

• Postgraduates with a Bachelor’s degree seeking a Master’s degree in Germany (max. 24 months)

• Young academics working toward a PhD in Germany (max. 36 months)

• Doctoral candidates working on a doctorate or habilitation in their home country planning a research stay in Germany (up to 12 months)

• Postgraduates planning a research stay or non‑consecutive postgraduate study in Germany after completing exams at home

• University teachers planning a research stay in Germany (up to 6 months)

• Master’s students in their home country planning a study visit to collect material at a German university (up to 6 months)

For students seeking other funded programs in Central Asia, check latest scholarships in Kazakhstan for all nationalities.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

KAAD scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, including:

• Monthly stipend for living expenses

• Tuition fees (in justified exceptional cases for fee‑based Master’s programmes)

• Travel costs

• Health insurance subsidy

• Language course fees (German language training)

• Study and research materials allowance

• Family allowance (where applicable)

Scholarships are awarded for all disciplines, with the exception of theological courses (for theology, contact Renovabis).

Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Citizens of Central, Eastern, South‑Eastern Europe, Central Asia, or the Caucasus

• Denomination: Catholic (exceptional cases for other Christian denominations with Catholic partner support)

• Academic qualification: Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants; Master’s degree for PhD applicants

• German language skills: Required for most programmes (exceptions may apply for research stays)

• Age limit: Usually not older than 30 for Master’s, 35 for PhD

For applicants from the Middle East and other regions, see financial aids for students in Middle East.

How to Apply – Step by Step

KAAD has a two‑step application procedure:

Step 1: Complete the online application form available on the KAAD website.

Step 2: If you are eligible for the second stage, KAAD will send you the necessary application documents.

Step 3: Submit your complete application by the deadline.

Important Deadlines (Second Stage)

• 15 January (for scholarship award in March)

• 30 June (for scholarship award in September)

Apply well in advance. Late applications are not accepted.

Required Documents (Second Stage)

• Completed application form

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Letter of motivation

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• Proof of German language proficiency (if applicable)

• Two letters of recommendation (from university professors)

• Letter of acceptance or supervision agreement from a German university (if already available)

For a complete list of open scholarships in Europe, visit list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Why Choose KAAD?

• Comprehensive funding – Monthly stipend, travel, health insurance, language courses

• Strong alumni network – Join a global community of scholars

• Spiritual and personal development – KAAD emphasises values and leadership

• Flexible duration – From short research stays to full degree programmes

• Interdisciplinary approach – All academic fields welcome (except theology)

Final Thoughts

The KAAD scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for Catholic and Christian scholars from Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. With two application deadlines per year (15 January and 30 June),

you can plan your academic journey to Germany with full financial support. Contact your local KAAD partner or apply directly through the official website.

Apply Now for KAAD Scholarships