KAAD Scholarship for Developing Country Students (Germany)

The KAAD Scholarship is offered by the Catholic Academic Exchange Service (Katholischer Akademischer Austauschdienst) in Germany to support students and researchers from developing and emerging countries to undertake postgraduate study or research at German universities. It combines financial support with a values-based community, and works closely with partner organisations in students’ home countries.

The award is fully funded, providing a monthly stipend (around 992 euros for master’s and 1,450 for doctoral candidates), health, accident, and liability insurance, German language course funding where needed, a study materials allowance, family allowances where applicable, and integration into the KAAD alumni network. It runs for the duration of the postgraduate programme, or two to six months for a research stay.

Eligibility is for nationals and current residents of a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, or Eastern Europe, who hold a university degree (ideally with professional experience), are admitted to or enrolled in a master’s or PhD in Germany, and intend to return home; applicants should be Catholic or of another Christian denomination (others may apply if recommended by Catholic partners). You apply through the KAAD online application and the partner committee in your home country, which sets its own deadline, and shortlisted candidates are interviewed. For Christian students from these regions, it is a distinctive and supportive scholarship.

• From a developing or emerging country in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe.
• Catholic or from another Christian denomination (others may apply if recommended by Catholic partners).
• Already admitted to or enrolled in a master's or PhD programme at a German university.
• Intend to return to the home country after studies.
• Good academic record; at least two years of professional experience preferred.

• Monthly stipend of around EUR 992 (master's) or EUR 1,450 (PhD).
• Health, accident, and liability insurance.
• German language course funding if needed.
• Book and study materials allowance.
• Family allowance where applicable.
• Integration into the KAAD alumni network.
• Support from KAAD partner organisations in the home country.

• KAAD application form (obtained through the partner organisation).
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Study or research plan.
• Two academic references.
• Letter from the KAAD partner organisation.
• Proof of admission to a German university.
• Church affiliation or recommendation letter.
• Passport copy.

• Be a national and current resident of an eligible developing or emerging country, holding a university degree with professional experience and planning postgraduate study or research in Germany.
• Be Catholic (or another Christian denomination; others may apply if recommended by Catholic partners) and committed to returning home.
• Apply via the KAAD online application and through the partner committee in your home country (which sets its own deadline); shortlisted candidates are interviewed.