KAS International Scholarship Program in Germany
The KAS International Scholarship Program supports committed international students and doctoral candidates who want to study or conduct research in Germany. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the programme combines monthly financial support with seminars, mentoring, university groups, and an international network.
Quick Overview
Programme: KAS International Scholarship Program
Organization: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Study Destination: Germany
Eligible Study Levels: Bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes
Research Stays: At least four semesters
Domestic Application Deadline: 15 July each year at 12:00 noon CET
German Language Requirement: Minimum B2 level
About the KAS International Scholarship Program
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung supports international students and PhD candidates who plan to begin or continue their studies at a German university. The programme also supports research stays in Germany lasting at least four semesters.
The scholarship programme aims to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Therefore, KAS seeks candidates who combine academic achievement with social engagement and an interest in political and societal issues.
Financial Support
The available monthly scholarship amount depends on the study level.
✓ Up to €992 per month for bachelor’s, master’s, or postgraduate programmes
✓ Up to €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates
✓ Standard support period of two years for bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate programmes
✓ Standard funding duration of three years for doctoral studies
Additional allowances may be available upon request:
✓ Health insurance subsidy of up to €120 per month
✓ Family allowance of €276 if the recipient’s spouse lives in Germany for more than three months
✓ Child allowance of €250 per child with the required documentation
✓ Research travel grants abroad, excluding conference visits
✓ Partial reimbursement of university tuition fees of up to €750 per semester in exceptional cases
The scholarship does not cover fees related to enrollment, re-registration, or exmatriculation. These may include semester tickets and student union fees.
Non-Financial Support
KAS scholarship holders also receive access to:
✓ An interdisciplinary seminar programme
✓ Personal mentoring and academic guidance
✓ Local university groups
✓ A network of international scholars
✓ Opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow scholarship holders
The seminars address political, economic, and cultural developments. The university groups also offer academic support, discussions, and social activities.
Mandatory Requirements
Applicants must meet the relevant requirements for their study level.
• German language proficiency must be at least B2 level.
• Master’s applicants must intend to enroll in a four-semester master’s programme at a German university.
• Bachelor’s applicants must have successfully completed at least two semesters of a bachelor’s programme at a German university.
• Doctoral applicants must be fully admitted to a doctoral programme at a German university.
• The minimum funding period is four semesters.
Applicants may apply for a KAS International Scholarship after completing the second semester of a bachelor’s programme.
Candidate Profile
KAS is looking for applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and social responsibility. Candidates should:
• Have good to excellent academic performance
• Identify with the values and ideas of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
• Show an interest in political and societal issues
• Be committed to democracy and human rights
• Volunteer regularly in their community
• Demonstrate initiative, motivation, and openness to personal development
• Be prepared to contribute actively to the programme and their local university group
There is no age limit for applicants.
Eligible Academic Fields
There are no general restrictions on fields of study or research. However, the programme does not fund:
• Human medicine programmes
• Dentistry programmes leading to a state examination
• Medical specialization programmes
• Programmes lasting only three semesters, which are generally not eligible due to the minimum funding period
KAS supports eligible students enrolled at universities and Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany.
Application Routes
Applicants can use one of two routes:
• Domestic selection procedure: International applicants who already live in Germany may apply through the KAS Campus Portal. The deadline is 15 July each year at 12:00 noon CET.
• Application through KAS offices abroad: Applicants living in their home country or region may apply through their local KAS office. Only selected KAS offices participate each year.
Applicants using the domestic selection procedure must upload the required documents through the KAS Campus Portal.
