KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 (Catholic Academic Exchange Service)
by Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD)
Stipend
Monthly stipend
Duration
12–36 months depending on study programme
Level
Master, PhD, Postdoc
Deadline
30 June each year (Programme 1). Other programmes may have different deadlines.
Overview
The KAAD is the scholarship organisation of the German Catholic Church, supporting postgraduate students and researchers from developing countries in Africa, Asia (including India), Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Open primarily to Christian applicants, though other religions are considered for candidates willing to engage in interreligious dialogue.
Provider
Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD)
Type
foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply
Developing/emerging countries: Africa, Asia (including India), Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/Southeastern Europe
Degree Levels
Master, PhD, Postdoc
Benefits & Financial Support
Funding Amount
Monthly stipend + tuition + health insurance + travel + language course (amounts vary by programme and year)
About
The KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst) is the scholarship institution of the Catholic Church in Germany. Its Programme 1 covers individual scholarships for qualified graduates and academics from developing and emerging countries who wish to pursue Master's, PhD, or postdoctoral studies at German universities.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend covering living expenses in Germany
- Tuition fee contribution (where applicable)
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel allowance to and from Germany
- German language course funding
Eligibility
- From developing or emerging countries in Africa, Asia (including India), Latin America, the Middle East, or Eastern/Southeastern Europe
- University degree and professional experience in home country
- Catholic denomination preferred; other Christian denominations accepted; other religions considered if willing to engage in interreligious dialogue
- Plan to return to home country after studies and contribute to its development
How to Apply
Applicants are generally nominated by KAAD partner committees in their home countries. In India, contact the local KAAD partner or diocesan contact for application procedures.
Eligibility Requirements
- University degree + professional experience
- primarily Catholic/Christian
- nominated by KAAD partner committee in home country
- plan to return home and contribute to development.
What This Scholarship Covers
Tuition Fees
Full or partial tuition waiver at German universities
Living Allowance
Monthly stipend for rent, food, and daily expenses
Health Insurance
Mandatory health, accident, and liability insurance
Travel Allowance
Contribution toward flights to and from Germany
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Verify you meet the nationality, degree level, academic, and language requirements listed above.
Prepare Documents
Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, language certificates, and motivation letter.
Find a Programme
Identify the German university and programme you want to study. Some scholarships require university admission before applying.
Submit Application
Apply through the official application portal before the deadline. Upload all required documents as PDFs.
Interview & Selection
If shortlisted, attend an interview (may be online). Selection committees assess academic merit, motivation, and fit.
Receive Decision
Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3–6 months after the deadline. If awarded, complete visa and enrolment procedures.
Application Document Checklist
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV / resume)
- Motivation letter / statement of purpose
- Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate
- Academic transcripts with grades
- Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
- Letter(s) of recommendation from university professors
- Valid passport copy
- Passport-sized photograph
- University admission letter (if already accepted)
Note: Exact document requirements vary. Always check the official scholarship page for the definitive list.
Need Help With Your Application?
Scholarship applications are competitive — a strong profile evaluation, polished SOP, and the right university selection make the difference. GradGermany's experts can help at every step.
Quick Facts
- Amount
- Monthly stipend + tuition + health insurance + travel + language course (amounts vary by programme and year)
- Duration
- 12–36 months depending on study programme
- Degree Levels
- Master PhD Postdoc
- Deadline
- 30 June each year (Programme 1). Other programmes may have different deadlines.
- Who Can Apply
- Developing/emerging countries: Africa, Asia (including India), Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/Southeastern Europe
Frequently Asked Questions About the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 (Catholic Academic Exchange Service)
Other Foundation Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship (Studienwerk)
Heinrich Böll Stiftung (affiliated with Alliance 90/The Greens)
The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards approximately 1,450 scholarships to students and 200 to doctoral candidates annually. It supports those who share the founda...
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Students (Grundförderung)
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES, affiliated with SPD)
Germany's oldest political foundation (affiliated with the SPD) supports approximately 40 talented international students per year from the Global South, post-S...
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship for International Students
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS, affiliated with CDU)
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation awards scholarships to international Master's and PhD students under 30 who demonstrate strong academic performance, political in...