KAAD Scholarships 2026/2027 in Germany — Fully Funded for Students from Developing Countries

The KAAD Scholarships 2026/2027 are open now, with the application deadline on June 30, 2026. Offered by the Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD), the programme funds Master’s degrees, PhD studies, and research stays in Germany, as well as in-country and third-country study options — for academically strong students and researchers from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

Successful applicants receive a monthly living stipend, tuition support, German language training, research funding, and access to academic and professional networks. KAAD runs several distinct scholarship programmes depending on your country, academic level, and where you intend to study. Read the details below carefully to identify which programme applies to you before applying.

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KAAD Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Name ⇒	KAAD
Host Country ⇒	Germany
Study Level ⇒	Masters | PhD
Benefits ⇒	Fully funded — monthly stipend, tuition support, language training, research funding, mentoring
Funded By ⇒	Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD)
Eligible Countries ⇒	Developing and emerging countries across Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus
Application Deadline ⇒	June 30, 2026

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About the KAAD Scholarship

The Catholic Academic Exchange Service — Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst, known as KAAD is a German Catholic organisation that has funded international students and researchers from the Global South since 1958. Unlike many scholarship programmes that select purely on academic merit, KAAD places equal weight on social commitment, willingness to engage in intercultural and interreligious dialogue, and a demonstrated intention to contribute to development in the applicant’s home country after graduation.

This means the scholarship is not designed for students who want to build careers in Germany and remain abroad. KAAD looks for candidates who see their studies as a means of developing knowledge and skills they will bring back to their communities and countries. If that describes your motivation for postgraduate study, KAAD is a programme worth investing serious preparation in.

The scholarship operates across several distinct programmes, each with its own eligibility requirements, application route, and geographic focus. You must identify the right programme before starting your application. If you apply through the wrong route, the admissions team will assess your application against criteria that do not match your circumstances.

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The KAAD Scholarship Programmes

Scholarship Programme 1 — Study in Germany, In-Country, or Third Country

This is the main international programme and covers three routes:

The Invitation Programme funds postgraduate studies or research stays in Germany for students and researchers from eligible developing and emerging countries. This is the route for applicants who are not yet in Germany and want to come to Germany to study or conduct research.

The In-Country Programme funds Master’s studies at universities in the applicant’s own country. This programme is currently available in Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Peru, and Zimbabwe. If you are based in one of these countries and want to pursue a Master’s degree at home rather than abroad, this is the relevant route.

The Third-Country Programme funds Master’s studies at a university outside the applicant’s home country but not in Germany. Currently active pathways include students from Myanmar studying in Thailand, and refugees from Syria and Iraq studying in Jordan or Lebanon. Other selected third-country opportunities exist — check the official KAAD website for the current list.

Scholarship Programme 2 — For Students Already Studying in Germany

This programme supports students from developing countries who are already enrolled at a German university and need scholarship support to continue their studies. It covers Master’s degrees, Diplom or Magister degrees, and PhD programmes.

Catholic University Chaplaincies (KHG or KSG) at your university location in Germany accept applications for Programme 2 only. You cannot apply to Programme 2 directly through KAAD. If you are already in Germany and need support, your first step is to contact the Catholic chaplaincy at your university.

To be eligible for Programme 2, you must already be studying in Germany and have at least 10 months of study remaining at the time of application.

Central, Southeastern, and Eastern Europe Programme

This programme covers applicants from Central Europe, Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. It funds Master’s studies in Germany, PhD studies in Germany, research stays, habilitation projects, scientific research visits, and study visits for Master’s students.

Applicants for this programme typically belong to the Catholic faith or another Christian denomination. Academic admission requirements for the intended programme must also be met.

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What the KAAD Scholarship Covers

Depending on the programme and your individual circumstances, KAAD scholarship support includes:

• Monthly living stipend — regular financial support to cover day-to-day living costs during your studies or research stay
• Full or partial tuition fee support — depending on your programme and the fees charged by your host institution
• German language training — language course funding to help you reach or maintain the required proficiency level before and during your studies
• Research funding support — financial assistance for research-related activities and materials
• Support for research stays in Germany — for researchers on short-term academic visits
• Academic mentoring — guidance from KAAD’s academic and professional network throughout your scholarship period
• Networking opportunities — access to KAAD’s community of current scholars and alumni across disciplines and countries
• Support for intercultural and interreligious activities — KAAD actively supports participation in dialogue events and community engagement as part of its scholarship model

The exact financial figures for the monthly stipend are not published in a single consolidated form on the official KAAD source amounts vary by programme, country, and individual circumstances. Contact KAAD directly or consult the official programme pages for current stipend rates before making financial plans.

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Eligibility Requirements

All KAAD scholarship applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:

• You must come from a developing or emerging country in one of the eligible regions: Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, or the Caucasus
• You must have strong academic performance. KAAD does not publish a specific GPA floor, but the programme is competitive and academic excellence is a primary selection criterion
• You must demonstrate social or religious commitment. Involvement in community, development, or faith-based work is a genuine requirement, not a soft preference
• You must show a clear willingness to contribute to development in your home country after completing your studies. Applicants who cannot articulate this convincingly are unlikely to be selected
• You must be willing to participate in intercultural and interreligious dialogue. This is a core value of the KAAD programme and is reflected in scholarship activities throughout the award period
• You must meet the German language requirements for your intended programme:
  • Minimum B1 level German for most programmes
  • Minimum A2 level German for English-taught programmes

For Scholarship Programme 2 applicants additionally:

• You must already be enrolled and studying in Germany
• You must have at least 10 months of study remaining
• You must apply through a Catholic University Chaplaincy (KHG or KSG) — not directly to KAAD

For the Central and Eastern Europe Programme additionally:

• You must be from an eligible country in Central, Eastern, or South-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, or the Caucasus
• You typically must belong to the Catholic faith or another Christian denomination
• You must meet the academic admission requirements for your intended programme in Germany

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Required Documents

Prepare all of the following before beginning your application:

• Completed KAAD scholarship application form
• Updated CV. Include your academic background, research experience, and social or community involvement
• Academic transcripts and certificates from all relevant institutions
• Proof of German language proficiency, at the level required by your programme (B1 for most; A2 for English-taught)
• Research proposal or study plan. Outlining your intended area of study, your research questions, where applicable, and how your studies connect to development work in your home country
• Recommendation letters, from academic supervisors or professional contacts who can speak to your ability and character
• Proof of admission or current enrolment at your intended or current institution
• Passport copy
• Any additional supporting documents required by your specific programme

On the research proposal or study plan: KAAD is not simply assessing your academic ability, it is assessing your purpose. Your proposal should explain what you intend to study, why you have chosen Germany or your host country, and crucially, how this qualification connects to your plans for contributing to your home country or region after graduation. This is the section where most applicants fail to distinguish themselves. Be concrete: name the sector, the problem, the community, or the policy area your work is aimed at.

If you are applying at the B1 German language level, ensure your certificate is current and from a recognised test provider. A language certificate that is out of date or from an unrecognised institution will weaken your application at the document review stage.

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How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Identify your programme before doing anything else. Read the programme descriptions above and determine which of the three routes under Programme 1, Programme 2, or the Central and Eastern Europe Programme applies to your situation. Applying through the wrong route wastes your preparation time and reduces your chances.
2. Visit the official KAAD scholarship page and review the specific requirements and instructions for your programme.
3. If you are applying under Programme 2 and are already in Germany, contact the Catholic University Chaplaincy (KHG or KSG) at your university immediately. Applications for Programme 2 cannot be submitted directly to KAAD, the chaplaincy is the only route.
4. Prepare all required documents. Have your transcripts, CV, language certificate, research proposal, recommendation letters, and proof of admission or enrolment ready before opening the application form. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
5. Complete the scholarship application according to the instructions for your programme. Each programme may have specific form requirements, follow the instructions on the official KAAD page precisely.
6. Submit before June 30, 2026. Applicants who pass the first stage of the selection process will receive additional application documents from KAAD directly. Monitor your email from July onward if you have submitted a complete application.

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Application Deadline

The KAAD Scholarships 2026/2027 deadline is June 30, 2026.

For Nigerian and West African applicants in the WAT timezone (UTC+1): Germany operates on CEST during summer (UTC+2), which is one hour ahead of WAT. The June 30 deadline should be treated as end-of-business German time, meaning your application should be submitted no later than 11:00 PM WAT on June 30. Submitting several days early is strongly advisable, particularly if you need to gather recommendation letters or obtain a language certificate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the KAAD Scholarship open to Nigerian and African students?

Yes. Africa is one of KAAD’s primary eligible regions, and Nigerian students are eligible to apply. You must demonstrate academic excellence, social or community commitment, German language proficiency at the required level, and a clear intention to contribute to development in Nigeria or your home region after completing your studies.

Do I need to be Catholic to apply for a KAAD Scholarship?

For most programmes, KAAD’s requirement is a demonstrated social or religious commitment and willingness to engage in intercultural and interreligious dialogue — not strict Catholic faith. The exception is the Central and Eastern Europe Programme, where applicants typically must belong to the Catholic faith or another Christian denomination. Check the specific requirements for your programme on the official KAAD page.

What German language level do I need for KAAD?

Most KAAD programmes require a minimum of B1 German. If your intended programme in Germany is taught in English, a minimum of A2 German is accepted. These are entry-level requirements — a higher level of German will strengthen your application and improve your ability to integrate academically and socially once you arrive.

Can I apply for KAAD if I am already studying in Germany?

Yes, but only through Scholarship Programme 2, and only through a Catholic University Chaplaincy (KHG or KSG) at your university. You must have at least 10 months of study remaining. You cannot apply to Programme 2 directly through KAAD — contact your campus chaplaincy first.

What does KAAD mean by social or religious commitment?

KAAD looks for applicants who are actively involved in their communities — through development work, faith-based organisations, civic engagement, volunteering, or professional work that serves a broader social purpose. This is assessed through your application documents and, in later stages, through direct engagement with KAAD. If you have this kind of record, document it specifically in your CV and research proposal.

What happens after I submit my KAAD application?

Applications are reviewed in two stages. If you pass the first stage, KAAD will contact you with additional application documents to complete. Monitor the email address you used in your application from July 2026 onward. Applicants who are not progressed to the second stage may not receive individual notification. Check the official KAAD page for timeline updates.

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Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official KAAD Scholarship website as of June 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.

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