Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships for International Students in Germany

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship Program supports foreign students and doctoral candidates who have already completed a degree in their home country. It funds a postgraduate program or Master's, a doctorate, or a research stay of at least two semesters at a German university. The award is aimed at international applicants who want to continue their studies in Germany.

• Host: German universities and higher education institutions
• Level: Master's or PhD
• Study destination: Germany
• Deadline: 15 July (12:00) for online applications from within Germany; local KAS office deadlines vary
• Awards: Number not specified
• What is covered: Monthly stipend of € 861 for graduates or € 1,200 for PhD students, plus possible refund of course fees up to € 1,500 per semester and subsidies for health insurance, family allowance, and children's allowance

German Universities and Higher Education Institutions

Masters or PhD Degree in any subject.

Not specified

Each year new focus countries or regions are determined in the selection procedures. In 2020 the focus regions will be Central Europe, Southeast Asia, Near East and Western Africa. Students living in countries that are not listed cannot apply for the international selection procedure in 2020.

The duration and level of funding varies for different types of studies. Graduates (master or postgraduate students) receive a monthly scholarship of € 861. The standard funding period is two years. After having obtained unconditional admission to doctoral studies at a German university, PhD-students receive a monthly scholarship of € 1,200. The standard funding period for PhD scholars is three years. Research stays in Germany are also funded for a minimum of three semesters. In addition, PhD-scholars can apply for financial assistance for research stays abroad.

Fees resulting from courses at the university in Germany that are directly related to your studies can be refunded up to the amount of € 1,500 per semester (except regular semester fees and annual registration fees). Upon request, health care insurance, family allowance, and children’s allowance can also subsidized.

They should:

• have a university degree, the university does not provide support for bachelor studies,
• prove above average academic performance,
• have good knowledge of the German language (B2-level),
• be actively engaged in voluntary work,
• plan to study a minimum of four semesters at a university in Germany,
• possess a broad general education and distinct interest in political issues,
• have a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights,
• be open to develop their personal points of view and practice tolerance,
• be highly motivated and able to convince us of their goals in life.

There are two ways of applying: On the one hand, you have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung abroad at the respective foreign office where there are planned selection conferences. If you are living in a country or region close to these cities, you may send your written application directly to the responsible KAS office – please check their web-sites for the exact procedure and addressee. The deadlines can be found on the local websites of the KAS offices and are independently set.

On the other hand, if you are already in Germany, you can apply online directly to the Foundation before 15 July (12:00) of the respective year.

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

This scholarship suits international graduates who already hold a university degree and want to pursue a Master's, PhD, or research stay in Germany. You should have strong academic results, German language skills at B2 level, and a record of voluntary work. If you are outside Germany, check whether your country is among the current focus regions before applying through a local KAS office.

• Who can apply for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarship? Foreign students and doctoral candidates who have completed a degree in their home country and plan a postgraduate program, doctorate, or research stay at a German university. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, including German language skills at B2 level and voluntary work.
• What does the scholarship cover? Graduates receive € 861 per month for up to two years; PhD students receive € 1,200 per month for up to three years. Course fees directly related to studies can be refunded up to € 1,500 per semester, and health insurance, family allowance, and children's allowance may be subsidized on request.
• What is the application deadline? If you are already in Germany, apply online by 15 July (12:00) of the respective year. If you are abroad, deadlines are set independently by local KAS offices; check their websites.
• How do I apply? Apply online directly to the Foundation if you are in Germany, or send a written application to the responsible KAS office abroad. Visit the official website for detailed instructions.

• Read the official guidelines on the KAS website carefully before starting your application.
• Prepare your documents early, including proof of academic performance and language certificates.
• Check the specific requirements and deadlines of your local KAS office if applying from abroad.
• Highlight your voluntary work and interest in political issues in your motivation letter.
• Ensure you meet the language requirement (B2 level in German) before applying.