The KAS Scholarship Program is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. (KAS) for international students and doctoral candidates to pursue Master’s or Doctorate degrees at universities in Germany. This opportunity seeks academically strong and socially engaged individuals who are passionate about creating positive impact and have German language proficiency.
Program Overview & Host
- Host Organisation: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. (KAS)
- Study Location: Universities in Germany
- Degree Levels: Master’s (2 years) and Doctorate (3 years) programs
- Program Type: Fully funded scholarship funded by the German Federal authorities and KAS
The scholarship supports students from various countries, with recent calls specifically inviting applicants from regions like Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Applicants should be committed to academic excellence, social responsibility, and community engagement, and must demonstrate a minimum of B2 German language proficiency.
Funding & Benefits
Scholarship recipients receive comprehensive financial support, which typically includes:
• A monthly stipend for living costs — up to about €992 for Master’s students (for up to two years) and up to €1,400 for doctoral candidates (for up to three years).
• Additional allowances upon request, such as a health insurance subsidy, family allowance, and child allowance for eligible scholars.
• Possibility to apply for research travel grants abroad and partial reimbursement of course-related fees.
Beyond financial support, the program offers:
• Access to an international network of current and former KAS scholars across the world.
• Seminars, workshops, and professional development activities to enhance academic, personal, and leadership skills.
• Personal guidance and mentoring throughout one’s academic journey in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the KAS Scholarship Program:
• Applicants should be international students or doctoral candidates planning to study in Germany.
• For Master’s scholarships, candidates must plan to enroll in a four-semester Master’s program at a German university.
• Doctoral applicants must submit a doctoral project description and have a confirmation of admission to a PhD program.
• Applicants from specific regions may be prioritised depending on the call year.
• Demonstrated German language skills at the B2 level (Common European Framework) are required since many programme components are in German.
Required Application Materials
Typical documents include:
• A letter of motivation explaining academic goals and engagement.
• A tabular CV with information on academic history and volunteering.
• Academic certificates and transcripts (with German translations if needed).
• Proof of German language proficiency at B2.
• References or academic recommendation letters.
• For doctoral applicants: a dissertation project outline and supervisor reference if available.
Application Deadline & Submission
For the 2026 intake, applications for this programme were typically due by March 1, 2026, with projects and documents submitted to the relevant KAS regional office.
Why This Scholarship Is Important
The KAS Scholarship Program not only provides strong financial support for graduate and doctoral studies in Germany but also connects scholars with extensive professional networks, growth opportunities, and mentoring that can support them in both academic success and future leadership roles in their communities after graduation.
