KAAD Scholarships in Germany for Developing Countries: Masters and PhD

KAAD scholarships support postgraduate study and research stays in Germany. They are open to post-graduates and academics who already have professional experience. The award is for those who want to pursue a master's degree, a PhD, or a post-doctoral research project at a German university.

• Host: KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst)
• Level: Masters and PhD
• Study in: Germany
• Who can apply: Citizens of selected developing or emerging countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America
• Deadlines: 15 January (March selection) and 30 June (September selection)
• Number of awards: Not specified
• Value: Not specified

This scholarship suits graduates from developing or emerging countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America who come from and currently reside in one of these countries and already have work experience in their home country. It is aimed at those who want to take a master's, PhD or other postgraduate studies at a German university, or established academics planning a post-doc or research stay of 2 to 6 months in Germany.

Catholic applicants are given preference. Candidates of other religions may also apply if a Catholic partner proposes them and they can show a documentable willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue. You will need German language skills before your studies begin, though KAAD can arrange a language course of up to 6 months in Germany.

German Universities and Higher Education Institutions

There is no specific subject-preference. However, the selection board has often given preference to courses and subjects that they felt to be of significance for the home country of the applicant.

Not specified

Citizens of selected developing or emerging countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America. There is a preference for Catholic applicants.

Not specified

For the scholarship programme 1 of KAAD you can apply if you:

• come from and currently reside in a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America
• have a university degree and professional experience from your home country
• want to acquire a master's degree, a PhD or other postgraduate studies at a German university, or are planning a post-doc or a research stay (2-6 months for academics) at a German university
• are of Catholic denomination (or generally belong to a Christian denomination, especially for applicants from the Near and Middle East). Applicants of another religion can be funded if they are proposed by Catholic partners in view of a documentable willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue.
• have German language skills prior to entry (KAAD can provide a German language course of max. 6 months in Germany).
• show an above-average performance potential for studies or research
• orient your studies or research towards a permanent reintegration into your home region (otherwise the scholarship is considered a loan)
• show religious and social commitment or willingness to engage in inter-religious dialogue
• have German language skills of at least level B1 (or at least A2 in the case of English-language degree programmes) for participation in the compulsory educational programme. Preparatory German courses in the home country are expected. In addition, there is the possibility to apply for a language course (full-time or during studies).

KAAD is working with focus- and partner countries in your region. There are so-called Partner Committees in these countries and applications are channelled through them. Visit the web page relevant to you for region-specific eligibility requirements and application procedures. Applications from other countries can only be considered in exceptional cases.

Applications for the September selection need to be complete by 30th of June. Applications for the March selection need to be complete by 15th of January.

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.

• Who can apply for the KAAD scholarship? Citizens of selected developing or emerging countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America who come from and currently reside in one of these countries and have a university degree and professional experience from their home country.
• What does the scholarship cover? The value and inclusions are not specified in the source.
• When is the deadline? Applications for the September selection must be complete by 30 June, and for the March selection by 15 January.
• How do I apply? Applications are channelled through Partner Committees in KAAD's focus- and partner countries. Visit the web page for your region for specific requirements and procedures.
• Do I need to speak German? Yes, you must possess German language skills before starting your studies, at least level B1 (or at least A2 in the case of English-language degree programmes) for participation in the compulsory educational programme. KAAD can provide a language course of max. 6 months in Germany.
• What level of study does it support? Master's degree, PhD or other postgraduate studies, or a post-doc or research stay (2-6 months for academics) at a German university.

• Read the official guidelines for your region carefully before you start your application.
• Prepare your documents early, including proof of your degree and professional experience.
• Check the language requirements and plan how you will meet them before your studies begin.
• Contact the relevant Partner Committee in your country to understand the local application process.
• Submit your complete application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute problems.