The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarships provide financial and academic support for international students and doctoral candidates pursuing studies or research in Germany. The programme supports eligible bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate, and PhD candidates while also offering mentoring, seminars, and access to an international scholar network.
Quick Overview
Scholarship Programme: International Scholarship Program
Provider: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Funding Source: German Federal Foreign Office
Country: Germany
Supported Levels: Bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate, and doctorate
Minimum Funding Period: 4 semesters
Deadline for Domestic Applications: 15 July annually at 12:00 noon CET
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
The International Scholarship Program is primarily aimed at international students and doctoral candidates from non-EU countries. It supports applicants who wish to study at a German university or complete a research stay in Germany lasting at least four semesters.
KAS seeks candidates with strong academic records, social engagement, and an interest in democratic values. Applicants should also be willing to take part in the foundation’s non-financial support programme.
Scholarship Amounts and Allowances
Recipients may receive financial support based on their academic programme:
✓ Up to €992 per month for bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate studies
✓ Up to €1,400 per month for doctoral studies
✓ Two years of standard support for bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate recipients
✓ Three years of standard support for doctoral scholarship holders
Eligible recipients may request additional support:
✓ Up to €120 per month as a health insurance subsidy
✓ A €276 family allowance if the recipient’s spouse stays in Germany for more than three months
✓ A €250 allowance for each child with proper documentation
✓ Grants for research travel abroad, excluding conference visits
✓ Up to €750 per semester as partial tuition fee reimbursement in exceptional cases
Fees for enrollment, re-registration, exmatriculation, semester tickets, and student unions are not covered.
Academic and Community Support
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarships include more than monthly payments. Scholarship holders can participate in:
✓ Seminars on political, economic, and cultural topics
✓ Individual mentoring and academic guidance
✓ University group activities
✓ An international network for peer exchange and practical support
✓ Alumni connections after completing the scholarship period
The network helps scholars navigate university life in Germany and build connections with other programme participants.
Who Can Apply?
Candidates should demonstrate above-average academic achievement, German language proficiency, and social responsibility. Applicants are expected to engage with democratic values and show interest in social and political topics.
The key requirements include:
• A minimum B2 level of German language proficiency
• Strong academic performance
• Regular volunteer or community involvement
• Commitment to democracy and human rights
• Motivation to contribute to university group activities
• Willingness to maintain connections between Germany and the applicant’s home country
There is no general age limit.
Requirements by Study Level
Candidates must also meet the conditions for their selected programme:
• Bachelor’s applicants must have completed at least two semesters at a German university.
• Master’s candidates must plan to enroll in a four-semester master’s programme at a German university.
• Doctoral applicants must hold full admission to a PhD programme at a German university.
• Research stays must last at least four semesters.
Applicants may apply for a master’s or postgraduate scholarship before completing their undergraduate degree. In this case, they should submit their academic transcripts and provide the degree certificate when it becomes available.
Fields of Study
The programme generally accepts applicants from different academic fields. However, it excludes:
• Human medicine
• Dentistry programmes leading to a state examination
• Medical specialization programmes
• Programmes with a duration of only three semesters, which are generally not eligible
Eligible programmes may be offered by universities or Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany.
How to Apply
The application route depends on the applicant’s place of residence.
• Applicants already living in Germany can apply through the domestic selection procedure. They must upload the required documents to the KAS Campus Portal by 15 July each year at 12:00 noon CET.
• Applicants living in their home country or region can apply through a participating local KAS office. The participating international offices may change each year.
