KATHOLISCHER AKADEMISCHER AUSLÄNDER-DIENST (KAAD)
KAAD Scholarship Programmes
full · masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Study in GermanyHost country
- ~€1,200/mo (PhD)Stipend
- Developing countriesEligibility
- Master’s & PhDStudy levels
- Partner-committee routeApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€16k
Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
Developing countries in KAAD's focus regions
Country
Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD)
Provider
KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst — the Catholic Academic Exchange Service) is a German scholarship organisation that supports graduates and academics from developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe to study and research in Germany. While rooted in the Catholic Church, it supports candidates committed to dialogue and the common good, including those of other faiths in some programmes. The scholarship funds master's and doctoral study (and some research stays) in Germany, providing a monthly stipend (around €1,200 for doctoral candidates and a lower rate for master's students), plus health insurance, a German language course, travel, and accompanying seminars and spiritual/pastoral support. Funding runs for the standard duration of the programme. KAAD operates through two main pathways: Programme 1 (Scholarships for candidates from developing countries, applied for from the home country through KAAD's partner committees) and Programme 2 (for candidates already in Germany, via KAAD's university groups). Deadlines and selection are set within these structures rather than as a single fixed date.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — ~€1,200/month for doctoral candidates; a lower monthly rate for master's students.
- Health insurance — Health insurance coverage during the scholarship.
- German language course — A funded German language course (typically up to ~6 months).
- Travel — Travel to and from Germany.
- Seminars & support — Accompanying seminars plus pastoral/personal support during studies.
How to apply
Apply through the appropriate KAAD pathway — Programme 1 via a KAAD partner committee in your home country, or Programme 2 if you are already in Germany — following its process and deadline.
- Identify your pathway — Determine whether you apply via Programme 1 (home country) or Programme 2 (already in Germany).
- Find your partner committee — For Programme 1, contact the KAAD partner committee/structure in your country.
- Prepare documents — Assemble your degree, transcripts, a study/research plan, references (often including a clerical/partner reference), and motivation.
- Submit your application — Apply through the relevant KAAD pathway by its deadline.
- Selection — KAAD and its committees assess academic merit, motivation, and engagement.
- Award & preparation — Selected scholars receive the stipend, language course, and accompanying support.
Eligibility
OriginFrom a developing country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, or (some programmes) Eastern Europe.
Degree & experienceA completed first degree, usually with ~2 years of professional experience in the home country.
Programme in GermanyA master's, doctorate, or research stay at a German institution.
German languageWillingness to learn German (a funded course is provided); German often needed for daily life/study.
ValuesCommitment to social engagement and the common good; KAAD is a Catholic organisation but open to candidates of other faiths in some programmes.
KAAD runs Programme 1 (apply from your home country via KAAD partner committees) and Programme 2 (for candidates already in Germany). Deadlines are set within these structures, not as a single fixed date.
Eligible countries
Developing countries in KAAD's focus regions
Deadlines
Varies by KAAD pathway/committee
Selection
KAAD selects scholars on academic merit, the quality of the study/research plan, motivation, and a commitment to social engagement and the common good, working through its partner committees and university groups. Personal references (often including a partner or clerical reference) are part of the process.
Verified sources
- KAAD Scholarshipskaad.deofficial
About the provider
KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst) is the Catholic Academic Exchange Service of the German Catholic Church, supporting graduates and academics from developing countries to study and research in Germany. It combines financial support with seminars and personal accompaniment, focusing on dialogue, development, and the common good.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is KAAD?
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KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst), the Catholic Academic Exchange Service, is a German scholarship organisation funding graduates from developing countries to study and research in Germany.
Who is eligible?
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Graduates from developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America (and some Eastern European countries), usually with ~2 years' work experience and a commitment to social engagement.
What does it cover?
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A monthly stipend (~€1,200 for PhD, lower for master's), health insurance, a funded German language course, travel, and accompanying seminars plus pastoral/personal support.
Do I have to be Catholic?
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KAAD is rooted in the Catholic Church and many scholars are Christian, but it supports candidates committed to dialogue and the common good, including those of other faiths in some programmes.
How do I apply?
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Through the appropriate KAAD pathway — Programme 1 via a KAAD partner committee in your home country, or Programme 2 if you are already in Germany — following its process and deadline.
When is the deadline?
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KAAD does not use a single fixed deadline; dates are set within its partner-committee and university-group structures. Contact your country's KAAD partner committee for timing.
Do I need German?
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A willingness to learn German is expected and a funded German course is provided; German is often needed for daily life and study, though some programmes are in English.
What levels does it fund?
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Master's and doctoral study in Germany, plus some research stays, with doctoral candidates receiving a higher monthly stipend.
Do I need work experience?
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Usually around 2 years of professional experience in your home country after your first degree, reflecting KAAD's focus on candidates who will contribute to their societies.
Is there support beyond funding?
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Yes — KAAD provides accompanying seminars, networking, and pastoral/personal support, emphasising the scholar's development and engagement, not just finances.
What are Programme 1 and Programme 2?
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Programme 1 is for candidates applying from their home country through KAAD partner committees; Programme 2 is for candidates already studying in Germany, via KAAD's university groups.
Is there a return expectation?
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KAAD emphasises that scholars contribute to the development of their home countries and societies, consistent with its mission, so engagement and return are encouraged.