Overview
Looking to study in Germany with full financial support? The KAAD Germany Scholarships 2025 are now open for applications from international students in the Global South and Eastern Europe. Funded by the Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD), these scholarships support academically strong and socially engaged students who are committed to returning home and contributing to development in their countries.
KAAD offers three scholarship tracks:
- Programme 1: Postgraduate studies or research in Germany, in-country or third-country funding
- Programme 2: Support for students already studying in Germany
- Eastern Europe Programme: Funding for scholars from the Caucasus, Balkans, and Central Asia
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Scholarship Provider: Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD)
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Channels: Partner Committees, Catholic Chaplaincies, Local Representatives
What Is KAAD?
KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst) is a Catholic scholarship institution based in Germany. It funds students and researchers from developing and emerging countries with the goal of promoting global leadership, intercultural dialogue, and long-term academic cooperation.
KAAD Programme 1 – Three Pathways
1. Invitation Programme (Study in Germany)
- Fully funded Master’s or PhD studies and research stays
- Applicants are nominated through KAAD’s partner committees
- For professionals, researchers, and social leaders with development potential
2. In-Country Programme
- Funded Master’s degrees in your home country
- Available in 15 partner universities across 8 countries:
Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Peru, Zimbabwe
3. Third-Country Programme
For students studying in a neighboring region where education access is more feasible
Examples:
- Myanmar students studying in Thailand (e.g., Mahidol or Assumption University)
- Syrian refugees studying in Lebanon or Jordan
KAAD Programme 2 – For Students Already in Germany
- Open to international students from the Global South currently enrolled in German universities
- Applicants must be nominated by a Catholic university chaplaincy
- Supports academically strong students with a commitment to social engagement and community leadership
KAAD Eastern Europe Programme
- Designed for students and researchers from Eastern Partnership countries, the Balkans, Caucasus, and Central Asia
- Funds PhD, Master’s, and short-term research stays in Germany
- Promotes intercultural and interreligious dialogue in the European context
Fields of Study
All academic disciplines are eligible under KAAD scholarships, including:
- Engineering
- Public Health
- Education
- Agriculture
- Social Sciences
- Theology
- Natural Sciences
- Development Studies
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Scholarship Benefits
KAAD offers a full scholarship package including:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Travel and relocation allowance
- Accommodation support
- German language training
- Mentoring and seminars in:
- Academic skills
- Leadership development
- Spiritual and intercultural growth
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizen of a developing/emerging country or Eastern European nation
- Strong academic background (minimum university degree)
- Demonstrated community engagement or leadership potential
- Religious commitment (primarily Christian or Catholic); non-Christians must engage in interfaith dialogue and have a Catholic partner recommendation
- German language skills:
- Minimum B1 for most programs
- A2 accepted for English-taught degrees
Willingness to return home and contribute to national development
How to Apply
Programme 1:
- Contact the KAAD partner committee in your country
- Complete the pre-selection process
- Submit the online application upon nomination
- Participate in interviews for final selection
For Programme 2:
- Must be currently studying in Germany
- Apply through a Catholic university chaplaincy
For Eastern Europe Programme:
Apply via local KAAD partner offices or designated national representatives
Final Thoughts
Apply through your country’s KAAD partner or visit the official website:
