The KAAD Scholarships 2026–2027 offer multiple fully funded pathways for postgraduate students, doctoral candidates, and researchers from the Global South and Eastern Europe to pursue advanced academic study in Germany and selected partner countries.
Administered by Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD), Germany’s Catholic academic exchange service, these scholarship programmes are structured to support academically strong and socially committed individuals who demonstrate leadership potential and a clear commitment to contributing to development in their home regions.
Through Scholarship Programme 1, Scholarship Programme 2, and the Eastern Europe Programme, KAAD provides funding, mentoring, and long-term academic support within a well-established international academic network.
Scholarship Details
KAAD structures its funding through three primary scholarship pathways, each targeting a distinct group of applicants and academic circumstances.
Scholarship Programme 1
This programme supports postgraduate students and professionals through three streams:
Invitation Programme
This stream targets qualified postgraduates and professionals from KAAD focus countries who possess proven academic excellence and relevant professional experience. Selected candidates are invited to pursue Master’s, PhD, or research stays in Germany in cooperation with KAAD’s partner institutions.
In-Country Programme (Master’s in Home Country)
This stream supports students pursuing Master’s degrees within selected partner countries. It operates in designated locations across countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Peru, and Zimbabwe. The goal is to strengthen local institutions while enabling academic advancement within the home context.
Third-Country Programme (Master’s in Selected Country)
This option enables students from specific regions, including refugees and candidates from countries where domestic study is not feasible, to pursue Master’s degrees in designated third countries. Examples include opportunities for Myanmar students in Thailand or Syrian refugees studying in Lebanon or Jordan.
Scholarship Programme 2
This programme is designed for students from the Global South who are already enrolled in Master’s or PhD programmes at German universities. Candidates are typically nominated through Catholic University Chaplaincies in Germany. The funding provides structured financial and mentoring support to help scholars successfully complete their studies.
Eastern Europe Programme
This programme supports students and researchers from Eastern Europe seeking Master’s, PhD, or short-term research opportunities in Germany. Selection and support are coordinated through regional partner committees, with an emphasis on academic excellence and societal engagement.
Funding Benefits
Depending on the specific programme and study level, the KAAD Scholarship may include:
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Germany or the designated host country
Contribution toward tuition fees where applicable
Health insurance coverage
Travel allowance to and from the host country
Funding for language courses, particularly German language preparation when required
Academic, professional, and values-based mentoring through KAAD networks
Beyond financial assistance, scholars become part of a structured support system that includes mentoring, networking, and long-term academic and professional engagement within Germany’s higher education landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements vary by programme and region; however, general criteria include:
Citizenship of a country in the Global South or Eastern Europe (depending on the scholarship stream)
Strong academic performance in previous studies
Clear admission status or academic plan for Master’s or PhD study
Demonstrated professional experience, particularly for the Invitation Programme
Commitment to contributing to development in the applicant’s home country
For Scholarship Programme 2: Current enrolment in a Master’s or PhD programme in Germany and nomination through a Catholic University Chaplaincy
Willingness to participate in KAAD’s academic and values-oriented network
Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership potential, social responsibility, and a long-term vision linking academic study to societal impact.
Required Documents
While documentation requirements may vary by programme and region, applicants typically need to submit:
Completed scholarship application form
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Proof of admission or detailed study plan
Curriculum Vitae
Letters of recommendation
Motivation letter outlining academic goals and development commitment
Proof of citizenship
Additional programme-specific documentation as required
Applicants must consult the relevant regional guidelines to ensure compliance with all submission requirements.
Number of Awards
KAAD operates multiple scholarship streams across various regions. Although a fixed global number of awards is not always publicly announced, scholarships are allocated annually across Scholarship Programme 1, Scholarship Programme 2, and the Eastern Europe Programme through partner committees and institutional nominations.
The number of funded candidates depends on available funding, programme capacity, and regional allocations within each academic cycle.
Application Deadline
Application deadlines vary depending on the specific programme, region, and partner committee. Prospective applicants are advised to consult the official KAAD scholarship portal for detailed timelines and country-specific submission schedules for the 2026–2027 academic year.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply through the official KAAD scholarship portal and follow the specific instructions provided for their region and scholarship stream.
Apply: https://www.kaad.de/en/stipendien
Candidates should carefully review eligibility criteria, confirm nomination procedures where required, and prepare all necessary documents in advance of the applicable deadline. Early preparation is strongly recommended due to the structured selection process and regional coordination involved.
