Applications are now open for the KAAD Scholarships 2026. These scholarships support students and researchers from developing and emerging countries who want to study in Germany. The programme offers fully funded support for Master’s degrees, PhD studies, and short research stays. It is open to candidates from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
There is no application fee. KAAD gives preference to fields that help with development in your home country. Deadlines vary by region and programme, but most applications for the September intake close around June 2026. For more BS, MS, Phd, Postdoc Positions visit here.
Key Details:
- Degree Level: Master’s, PhD, and short research stays (2 to 6 months).
- Host Country: Germany (some in-country and third-country options also available).
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded.
- Application Deadline: Varies by country and partner committee.
- Application Fee: None
- Eligible Nationalities: Citizens from developing countries
What This Scholarship Offers:
The KAAD scholarship helps you focus completely on your studies without financial stress. You will receive:
- Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
- Health insurance.
- Travel costs (return flight from your home country to Germany).
- Support for German language courses if needed.
- Additional support for research and academic activities.
Also Check: Heinrich Böll Scholarships for Masters and PhD Students in Germany
Eligibility Criteria:
You can apply if you meet the following conditions:
- You come from and currently live in a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America.
- You have a university degree and relevant professional experience.
- You show above-average academic performance.
- You plan to return to your home country after studies to contribute to its development.
- You are Catholic or Christian (applicants from other religions may be considered if proposed by Catholic partners and show willingness for inter-religious dialogue).
- You have at least basic German language skills (B1 level preferred, A2 for English programmes).
Also Check: Knight-Hennessy Masters and PhD Scholarship at Stanford University
About KAAD Scholarship Programmes:
KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst) is a German Catholic scholarship organization that supports students and researchers from developing and emerging countries.
KAAD’s scholarship work is divided into three main programmes:
- Scholarship Programme 1
- Scholarship Programme 2
- Eastern Europe Programme
Scholarship Programme 1:
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 if you:
- Come from and currently reside in a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America
- Have a university degree and professional experience in your home country
- Would like to pursue a Master’s degree, PhD, or other postgraduate studies, or are planning a post-doc or research stay (2-6 months) at a German university
- Are of Catholic denomination (or generally belong to a Christian denomination — especially for applicants from the Near and Middle East). Applicants of another religion can be funded if proposed by Catholic partners with willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue.
- Have German language skills prior to entry (at least B1, or A2 for English-taught programmes). KAAD can provide a German language course of max. 6 months in Germany.
What Does KAAD Expect from You?
- Above-average performance potential for studies or research
- Orientation of studies/research towards permanent reintegration into your home region (the scholarship is considered a loan otherwise)
- Religious and social commitment or willingness to engage in inter-religious dialogue
- German language skills of at least B1 level (or A2 for English programmes) for participation in the compulsory educational programme
How to Apply?
Applications are processed via KAAD’s partner committees in your region. Applications from other countries can only be considered in exceptional cases.
Also Check: Academic and Research Positions at University of Sheffield,UK 2026
Scholarship Programme 2:
Who Can Apply?
Scholarship applications for Programme 2 can be made exclusively through the Catholic University Chaplaincies (KHG or KSG) at your university in Germany. Direct applications to KAAD are not possible.
You can apply if you:
- Come from a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America
- Are already studying in Germany and have at least 10 months of study remaining
- Would like to pursue a Master’s degree (in final semesters of Bachelor’s), a Diploma/Magister degree, or a PhD
- Are of Catholic denomination (or belong to a Christian denomination). Applicants of other religions may be supported in some cases.
- Have knowledge of the German language at a communication level
What Does KAAD Expect from You?
- Above-average performance potential
- Orientation of studies/research towards permanent reintegration into your home region
- Religious and social commitment or willingness to engage in inter-religious dialogue
- German language skills of at least B1 (or A2 for English programmes)
How to Apply?
- Contact the responsible Catholic University Chaplaincy (KHG/KSG) at your university.
- The selection committee meets twice a year.
Also Check: PhD, Postdoc and Professor Opportunities at University of Antwerp
Eastern Europe Programme
The Eastern Europe Programme supports — in cooperation with partner committees — PhD and Master’s programmes, as well as shorter study and research stays in Germany.
Who can apply?
Applicants from all countries of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus and of Catholic denomination (in exceptional cases also of another Christian denomination, provided they are proposed by Catholic partners).
In-country and Third-country Scholarships:
KAAD also awards scholarships for selected countries, cities, and universities:
Africa In-country Master’s programmes in partner countries: Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe.
Asia
- Students from Myanmar can study in Thailand (Third-country Scholarship) through Assumption University of Thailand (Bangkok).
- Additional scholarships for Myanmar students in Public Health at Mahidol University.
Latin America In-country Master’s programmes in Peru and Guatemala.
Near and Middle East
- In-country studies in Jordan and Lebanon.
- Refugees from Iraq and Syria can apply for Third-country Scholarships in Jordan or Lebanon.
Also Check: NYU Abu Dhabi Postdoctoral and Research Opportunities 2026
How to Apply:
For Scholarship Programme 1 (Main Programme):
- Apply through KAAD partner committees in your home country or region.
- Direct applications to KAAD are usually not accepted.
- Visit the official KAAD website, fill the initial online questionnaire, and contact the local partner committee.
For Scholarship Programme 2:
- Apply only through the Catholic University Chaplaincy (KHG or KSG) at your university in Germany.
- You must already be studying in Germany with at least 10 months remaining.
For In-country and Third-country Scholarships:
- Check specific opportunities in your region (Africa, Asia, Latin America, or Near and Middle East).
Important Tip: Start by visiting the official KAAD website and contact the partner committee in your country for exact deadlines and documents.
Also Check: Academic and Research Positions at University of Sheffield,UK 2026
