
KAAD Germany Scholarships Fully Funded for International Students 2025-2026 Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Description
If you’re a student or professional from the Global South looking to pursue higher education or research in Germany or your region, the Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) offers comprehensive, fully funded scholarships through its three major programmes. These include KAAD Scholarship Programme 1, Programme 2, and the Eastern Europe Programme. Each is designed to support students committed to development, academic excellence, and intercultural dialogue.
What is KAAD?
KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst) is a Catholic scholarship organization in Germany that works with partner countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. It supports highly qualified students and academics from developing countries who are motivated to use their knowledge for the benefit of their home countries.
KAAD Scholarship Programme 1: Invitation, In-country, and Third-country Funding
This is the main programme through which KAAD invites postgraduates and professionals to study or conduct research in Germany. It includes:
1. Invitation Programme
- Open to postgraduates and professionals with proven experience
- Offers fully funded postgraduate studies or research stays in Germany
- Applicants are generally invited through cooperation with partner committees in focus countries
2. In-country Programme
- Funded Master’s studies within the home country
- Available in 15 partner institutions across 8 countries:
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guatemala
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Peru
- Zimbabwe
3. Third-country Programme
- Master’s studies in selected third countries, especially where in-country options are not feasible
- Example: Students from Myanmar can study in Thailand (e.g., Assumption University or Mahidol University in Bangkok)
- Available for refugees from Syria studying in Jordan or Lebanon
- Other regions may also be eligible depending on partnerships
KAAD Scholarship Programme 2: Support for Students Already in Germany
This programme supports students from the Global South who are already enrolled in Master’s or PhD programmes at German universities.
Key Features:
- Only students already studying in Germany are eligible
- Applicants must be nominated by Catholic University Chaplaincies
- Designed for high-achieving and socially engaged international students
- Encourages continued academic growth and integration into German academic life
KAAD Eastern Europe Programme: Scholarships for Eastern Partnership Countries
In collaboration with local partner committees, KAAD supports scholars from Eastern Europe, including countries in the Caucasus, the Balkans, and Central Asia.
Programme Highlights:
- Funds PhD and Master’s programmes, as well as shorter research stays in Germany
- Encourages academic exchange and capacity building in Eastern Europe
- Fosters inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue within the European context
Degree Level
KAAD Germany Scholarships for International Students (Fully Funded) is available to undertake Bachelor, Masters, PhD level programs at Germany Universities.
Available Subjects
Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
KAAD scholarships are comprehensive and fully funded, offering:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend for living costs
- Accommodation and travel allowances
- German language training
- Access to KAAD's non-material support programmes including:
Academic mentoring
Intercultural training
Spiritual and leadership development seminars
Eligible Nationalities
Open to international students from developing/emerging country.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria (General for KAAD Programmes)
- Citizenship in a developing/emerging country (or from Eastern Europe, depending on programme)
- Excellent academic record and a completed university degree
- Proven professional experience or academic potential
- Religious affiliation (usually Christian or Catholic); non-Christians must demonstrate willingness to engage in interfaith dialogue and be recommended by a Catholic partner
- German language proficiency (usually minimum B1, or A2 for English-taught programmes)
- Commitment to return and contribute to the development of their home country
- Active social, religious, or community engagement
Application Procedure
How to Apply for a KAAD Scholarship
For Programme 1:
- Contact KAAD’s local partner committee in your country
- Undergo pre-selection and complete the online application process
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews and final selection
For Programme 2:
- Must be nominated by a Catholic chaplaincy in Germany
- Candidates already enrolled in a German university apply with their local chaplaincy's support
For Eastern Europe Programme:
- Apply through national KAAD committees or designated KAAD representatives in your region