Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship 2026

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), associated with Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is one of Germany’s six major political foundation scholarship programs. It awards approximately 600 scholarships per year to German and international students who demonstrate academic excellence, social engagement, and political awareness. The Foundation seeks individuals who are committed to democracy, rule of law, and social responsibility. International students from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply for Master’s and PhD programs at German universities.

• Open to international students from all countries
• Must be enrolled in or accepted to a Master's or PhD program at a German university
• Must demonstrate excellent academic record
• Must show active social or political engagement
• Must align with the Foundation's values of democracy, rule of law, and social market economy
• Must have German language proficiency (typically B2+ for most programs)
• Age limits may apply — generally under 30 for Master's applicants

• Master's students: €934/month plus €300 book allowance. PhD students: up to €1,350/month plus €100 research allowance. Family and childcare allowances available. Health insurance support. Participation in the Foundation's extensive seminar program covering politics
• Society
• And culture. Networking with KAS alumni worldwide. Mentoring from experienced professionals.

Completed online application form, CV/Resume, Detailed motivation letter, Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified translations if not in German or English), German language proficiency certificate (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 or B2+), Two recommendation letters (academic), Evidence of social/political engagement, Research proposal (for PhD applicants), Passport copy

• Be a foreign student or doctoral candidate who has completed a first degree in your home country and intends to do a master's/postgraduate degree, doctorate, or a research stay of at least two semesters at a German university
• Apply either through the responsible KAS office abroad (international selection, only from that year's focus countries/regions, by the local deadline) or, if already in Germany, online via the KAS campus portal by 15 July
• Submit the application form and required documents (including a thesis outline for PhD applicants) and show commitment to KAS's values