We are looking for young, driven individuals who demonstrate both academic excellence and social responsibility. You should be actively engaged in your community and committed to democratic values. We especially welcome applicants who:

• Have strong academic performance
  You’ve completed your secondary school and university studies with good to excellent grades and show curiosity beyond your own field.
• Identify with our values
  You are inspired by the values and ideas of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. You can reflect critically on social and political topics, and you respect differing perspectives.
• Volunteer regularly
  You’re actively involved in your community – whether in politics, social work, church, or culture – and believe in the importance of democracy and human rights.
• Take initiative
  You want to contribute to our non-financial support program and play an active role in your local university group. After your studies, you aim to promote lasting ties between your home country and Germany.
• Show potential and motivation
  You’re open-minded, goal-oriented, and committed to your academic and personal development.

For full application details and eligibility criteria, check the “Apply Now” section on our website.

As scholarship holders of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, you benefit from our individual support, an interdisciplinary seminar program, and an active university group life. In addition, our financial support enables you to focus on your educational goals.

Non-financial support

Diverse Seminar Program
Our seminars explore key political, economic, and cultural developments. You’ll engage with experts, ask meaningful questions, and connect with fellow scholars from around the world.

Personal Mentoring
We support your academic and personal journey. Our advisors are here to help you clarify your goals, explore new opportunities, and navigate student life in Germany – always with your unique circumstances in mind.

University Groups
Enjoy theater visits, group discussions, and new friendships – all part of our local university groups. Each group is guided by a trusted faculty advisor who offers academic support. After your scholarship ends, you can stay connected through our alumni association (ASeV).

Network of International Scholars (NIS)

The NIS is your platform for exchanging ideas, asking practical questions, and receiving support from peers. It covers topics such as settling into life at a German university, navigating administrative processes, finding volunteer opportunities, and building social connections. In addition to practical support, the NIS also provides a space to explore global issues from international and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Financial Support

For Bachelor's, Master's, or Postgraduate programs, recipients can receive up to €992 per month in scholarship funding. The standard duration of support is two years.

For doctoral candidates, the scholarship provides up to €1,400 per month. Applicants must be fully admitted to a doctoral program at a German university. The standard funding duration for doctoral studies is three years.

Additional allowances are available upon request. These include a health insurance subsidy of up to €120 per month, a family allowance of €276 if your spouse resides in Germany for more than three months, and a child allowance of €250 per child with proper documentation. Scholars may also apply for research travel grants abroad (excluding conference visits), as well as a partial reimbursement of university tuition fees—up to €750 per semester in exceptional cases.

Please note: We do not cover fees related to enrollment, re-registration, or exmatriculation (e.g., semester ticket, student union fees).

How do I know whether I should apply to the International Scholarship Program or the General Student Support Program?

The International Scholarship Program is primarily aimed at international students and doctoral candidates from non-EU countries who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s, Master’s, postgraduate, or PhD program at a German university. We also support research stays in Germany that last at least four semesters. You may apply for the General Student Support Program if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are enrolled as a full-time student at a state-recognized university in Germany or another EU country (including Switzerland).
• You have already started your studies or will begin in the upcoming semester after the application deadline.
• You fulfill the citizenship requirements according to § 8 BAföG.
• At the time of application, you have at least four semesters of standard study duration remaining.

What are the requirements for applying to the International Scholarship Program?

Applicants should demonstrate above-average academic performance and possess good German language skills. We also look for individuals who show a strong commitment to democracy and human rights, a genuine interest in political and societal issues, and a well-rounded general education. Volunteer experience in the applicant’s home country is highly encouraged.

I haven’t completed my degree in my home country yet. Can I still apply for a Master’s or postgraduate scholarship?

Yes, you can apply before completing your undergraduate degree. Please include your academic transcripts in the application and submit your degree certificate as soon as it becomes available.

Do you fund degree programs at Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH)?

Yes. We support students enrolled at both universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany.

Which nationalities are eligible to apply?

We currently support around 300 international scholars from over 50 countries across all continents. There are two application routes:

• In-country application (within Germany): If you already live in Germany, you may apply via the domestic selection process. Deadline: July 15 each year at 12:00 noon (CET).
• Application via KAS offices abroad: If you are living in your home country or region, you may apply through your local KAS office.

Please note: Only selected KAS offices participate each year. Visit our website for an up-to-date list.

Do you fund study abroad programs or internships for German students?

No. Our scholarships are exclusively for international students and doctoral candidates. German applicants should refer to our Student or Doctoral Support Departments.

Do you also fund Bachelor’s programs?

Yes. You may apply for a KAS International Scholarship after completing your second semester of a Bachelor’s program.

Is there a minimum duration for the scholarship?

Yes. The minimum funding period is four semesters.

Are only specific fields of study or research eligible?

No, there are no general restrictions regarding subjects. Exceptions: We do not fund programs in human medicine, dentistry (leading to a state examination), or medical specialization programs. Programs that last only three semesters (e.g., some LL.M. degrees) are generally not eligible due to our minimum funding period.

Is there an age limit for applicants?

No. There is no age limit to apply.

Do I need to speak German, or are English skills enough?

Since our non-monetary support (seminars, mentoring, etc.) is conducted in German, we expect applicants to have strong German language skills. Even if your degree program is in English, you should reach B2 level (Common European Framework) by the start of your studies. Most of our scholars pass the DSH exam before enrollment or present a high-level TestDaF score.

Can I receive non-monetary support only, without the financial scholarship?

No. The International Scholarship Program does not offer non-monetary support only.

Can I submit my dissertation proposal in English?

Preferably, you should submit your dissertation proposal in German. However, if your PhD will be written in English, you may submit the proposal in English as an exception.

What languages are accepted for letters of recommendation?

Recommendations may be submitted in the original language accompanied by a German translation, or directly in German or English.

I currently receive a scholarship that is about to end. Can I apply to KAS now?

No. We do not provide follow-up (bridge) funding for existing scholarships. However, if your previous scholarship was for your undergraduate degree, and you're now applying for support for a Master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral program, you are eligible to apply.

My doctoral research includes extended time outside Germany. Is that allowed?

Research stays abroad are permitted during the funding period. However, they must be well-justified, may not exceed 25% of the total funding duration, and must be supported by a separate recommendation from your academic supervisor.

I’ve already completed a PhD. Can I apply for another research project?

No. We do not offer PostDoc scholarships.

Before reaching out, please review the full eligibility and application details on our website. 

For further questions, contact: stipendium-if@kas.de (Please be patient as responses may take time.)

Technical issues with the online portal? Contact: campus.fachadmin@kas.de

If you are applying through our domestic selection procedure – and not via our international offices – please submit your application via the Campus KAS Portal and upload all required documents there. Further details about the necessary documents are provided in German on the linked page.

Click here to apply! The application process will continue in German.