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“Inspiring, personal, empowering” – A look inside the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s scholarship program.

Why apply for a scholarship from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation?

Democracy needs people who get involved. People who want to take on responsibility, shape society, and make a difference. We support our scholarship holders on their journey to becoming active voices in public life.

We believe in values like personal responsibility and solidarity, freedom and justice. Our foundation is guided by a Christian democratic view of humanity, which means standing up for human dignity, protecting freedom of speech, and creating opportunities for everyone to grow and contribute.

Our scholars share these values. They speak up for a tolerant, open, and fair society. They get involved – in politics, in civil society, in churches, or through social projects. And they don’t just talk about problems – they work on real solutions. Together, we ask the tough questions and explore ideas that move our communities forward.

Interested in journalism? Apply for our journalism scholarship program (JONA) – a space for aspiring reporters to learn, grow, and connect. If you’re an artist, check out our scholarships in the EHF 2010 Trustee Program.

Individual Support

We support our scholarship holders – professionally and personally. Our advisors take the time to get to know each student. They talk with you about your goals, help you navigate your studies or PhD, and offer guidance tailored to your situation.

We understand that everyone’s path is different. That’s why we encourage you to try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and keep growing – both academically and personally. We’re proud of the diverse community we’ve built, where students from all backgrounds come together, exchange ideas, and learn from one another – whether you're the first in your family to attend university or not.

A big part of our support also focuses on your volunteer work. Whether you help out at an animal shelter, coach a sports team, tutor younger students, or get involved in politics – we see every kind of community engagement as a meaningful contribution to social cohesion.

Interdisciplinary seminars

An economist discusses the stability of the banking system with a philosopher. A pianist analyses black holes with a physicist. A sociologist joins forces with a computer scientist to explore the societal impact of Big Data. This kind of interdisciplinary exchange defines our seminars. Together, we explore today’s most pressing global issues – and develop ideas that lead to real-world solutions.

These conversations come to life through thought-provoking talks by experts from science, politics, media, the arts, and culture. Participants ask questions, challenge perspectives, and shape their own views in the process.

Student groups at universities

Visit exhibitions, take part in behind-the-scenes tours of parliament, discuss social change – and make new friends along the way.
All of this happens in our local student groups.

Every scholarship holder becomes part of a university group at their place of study. These groups design their own seminar programs – from cultural outings to political discussions – and shape what they want to explore together. Each group is supported by a trusted academic advisor who’s there to offer guidance on all things related to university life.

From day one, you're part of a network of students who learn from each other and grow together. And that sense of connection doesn’t end when the scholarship does – it continues through our vibrant alumni community, the ASeV.

Financial Support

For Students and Doctoral Candidates from Germany

Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarship
The basic scholarship can amount to up to €855 per month, depending on your own financial situation or that of your parents. Regardless of parental income, all scholarship holders receive a monthly study allowance of €300. Study abroad stays can be financially supported for up to two semesters.

 

Doctoral Scholarship
The doctoral scholarship amounts to €1,550 per month. In most cases, an additional monthly research allowance of €100 is granted. Funding may also be available for research stays abroad if they are essential to your PhD or artistic postgraduate studies.

 

For International Students and Doctoral Candidates

Graduate Students (Master’s or Postgraduate Studies)
Students enrolled in a Master's or postgraduate program receive a monthly scholarship of €992. The standard funding period is two years.

 

Doctoral Candidates
The doctoral scholarship amounts to €1,400 per month, provided you meet the admission requirements for a PhD program at a German university without conditions. More information on eligibility and funding can be found on the International Student Funding page.

 

Important Information

Additional allowances may be granted upon request – for example, family allowances, childcare supplements, or contributions toward health insurance. The exact amounts and conditions are outlined in the program guidelines.

All scholarships are funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Foreign Office. They do not need to be repaid. Please note: Double funding from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and BAföG or other public funding is not permitted.

 


 

Our Scholarship Programs

Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Academic Scholarships ICON

A degree is much more than exams and credit points. Our academic scholarships create the freedom you need to study holistically. In our seminars you’ll discover new topics, learn important soft skills, and experience community.

 

Learn more about our Scholarships


 

Doctoral Scholarships

Doctoral Scholarships ICON

Whether you’re researching artificial intelligence or writing about the social market economy in the 21st century—a doctoral thesis demands full commitment. We therefore support academically excellent and socially engaged graduates during their PhD or artistic postgraduate studies.

 

Learn more about Doctoral Scholarships


 

Journalism Scholarship Program

Journalism Fellowships ICON

Hands-on, multimedia, and collaborative. In our journalism scholarship program (JONA) you’ll learn from professionals everything you need for the job—whether in print, radio, TV or online. For school students, the Media Workshop offers journalism courses.

 

Learn more about Journalism Fellowships


 

International Student Scholarships

International Student Scholarships ICON

Are you academically strong, socially engaged, and want to study in Germany? We award scholarships to international students for a master’s degree, a doctorate or a research stay.

 

Learn more about International Student Scholarships


 

Art Scholarship

Arts Grants ICON

Whether painter, dancer or composer—the EHF 2010 Trustee Program supports outstanding artists. We award project grants in the fields of visual arts, literature, composition and dance.

 

Learn more about Arts Grants


 

Vocational Training Scholarship

Vocational Training Support ICON

Have you begun vocational training and enjoy rolling up your sleeves? Do you want to achieve something in life and care about the future of our society? The pilot Vocational Training Support project guides you with advising, coaching and a unique community of scholars.

 

Learn more about Vocational Training Support


 

Scholarships for Refugees

Scholarships for Refugees ICON

Helping refugees is part of our social responsibility. Therefore the Konrad Adenauer Foundation supports highly committed refugees with a scholarship. How to apply is summarized for you in English.

 

Learn more about Scholarships for Refugees


 

Our Seminar Program

Our Seminar Program ICON

In our interdisciplinary seminars we discuss social developments as well as concrete political solutions. Through workshops and trainings we convey essential knowledge and soft skills. Our support helps you actively shape society.

 

Learn more about Our Seminar Program


 

Our Partner Programs

Our Partner Programs ICON

Expand academic horizons, improve cultural understanding, make new friends—a semester abroad offers much. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation encourages its scholars to study abroad. Learn more about our partner programs here.

 

Learn more about Our Partner Programs


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Management

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Dr. Susanna Schmidt

Portrait von Dr. Susanna Schmidt

Head of Department

susanna.schmidt@kas.de +49 30-26996-3244 +49 30-26996-3710

Dr. Frank Müller

Dr. Frank Müller

Stellv. Leiter der Hauptabteilung Begabtenförderung und Kultur / Leiter Studienförderung / Leiter Projekt VIBESA, Referat SF12

frank.mueller@kas.de

Dr. Hans-Jörg Clement

Dr. Hans-Jörg Clement

Deputy Head of Department | Team Leader Culture

Hans-Joerg.Clement@kas.de +49 30 26996-3221

Dr. Stefanie Geiselhardt

Dr. Stefanie Geiselhardt

Leiterin Bewerbung und Auswahl

stefanie.geiselhardt@kas.de +49 30 26996-3694

Dr. Šimon Bačkovský

Portrait von Dr. Simon Backovsky

Head of Division Doctoral and Habilitation Scholarship Programme

simon.backovsky@kas.de +49 30 26996-3659 +49 30 26996-3710

Ann-Carolinn Specht

Ann-Carolinn Specht bild

Head of Young Journalists

anca.specht@kas.de +49 30 26996-3696

Susanna Vogt

Susanna Vogt

Head of Foreigner Promotion

susanna.vogt@kas.de +49 30 26996-3649

Dr. Christoph von Hehl

Dr. Christoph von Hehl

Leiter Berufsorientierung/Berufsförderung

Christoph.Hehl@kas.de +49 30 26996-3692

Gerd Bugge

Gerd Bugge Julia Fleiner

Administrator

Gerd.Bugge@kas.de +49 2241 246-2315 +49 2241 246-2869