The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is one of Germany's major political foundations, associated with Christian-democratic values. Its International Scholarship Programme funds highly qualified international students from around the world to pursue a master's or doctoral degree at a state or state-recognised university in Germany. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend (~€934 for master's scholars and ~€1,300 for doctoral candidates), along with allowances and a German language course, but it is about more than money: KAS scholars join a structured programme of seminars, networking, and mentoring centred on civic and political engagement, and become part of a large international alumni community. Applicants typically need German language skills (a key requirement, as much of the programme runs in German), a strong academic record, and demonstrated social and political commitment. Selection happens roughly once a year, with a main deadline around mid-July, and includes a review of the application and a selection workshop/interview.
Apply through the KAS online scholarship portal by the annual deadline (~mid-July), demonstrating academic excellence, German skills, and civic engagement.
German language ability is a major factor. Selection is typically once per year (deadline ~mid-July) and includes an application review plus a selection seminar/interview.
Worldwide (international applicants)
KAS selects scholars on academic excellence, German language ability, and — distinctively — demonstrated social and political engagement and alignment with the foundation's values. After an application review, shortlisted candidates attend a selection seminar or interview before final decisions.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation associated with Christian-democratic values, active in civic education, research, and international cooperation in over 100 countries. Its scholarship programme supports talented, socially engaged students in Germany and abroad, fostering future leaders committed to democracy and public service.
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.
The international scholarship programme of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a major German political foundation, funding international master's and doctoral students to study in Germany alongside a programme of civic and political engagement.
Highly qualified international graduates with German language skills, a strong academic record, and demonstrated social/political engagement who plan to study at a German state or state-recognised university.
A monthly stipend (~€934 master's, ~€1,300 doctoral with a research allowance), allowances, German language support, and a funded programme of seminars, mentoring, and networking.
Usually yes — German language skills are a key requirement because much of the seminar and network programme runs in German. Some study programmes may be in English, but German is central.
Selection is typically once a year with a main deadline around ~mid-July. Confirm the current cycle's date on the KAS scholarship portal.
Through the KAS online scholarship portal, with your CV, motivation, evidence of engagement, academic documents, and references. Shortlisted candidates attend a selection seminar or interview.
No — KAS emphasises personal and political development. Scholars take part in seminars, workshops, and mentoring on civic topics and join a large international alumni network.
Master's and doctoral study in Germany. Doctoral candidates receive a higher stipend plus a research allowance.
Yes — alignment with the foundation's Christian-democratic values and demonstrated social and political engagement are part of the selection.
Competitive — KAS selects engaged, high-achieving students and assesses them through both an application review and a selection seminar/interview.
Yes — doctoral candidates are eligible and receive a higher monthly stipend and a research cost allowance, alongside the seminar and network programme.
You need admission or a clear, credible plan for admission to a German state/state-recognised university; the scholarship supports study there.