Introduction
Applications are now open for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) International Scholarship Program 2026, one of Germany’s most respected and well-supported scholarship programs for international students and doctoral candidates. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this scholarship is designed for people who want to study or research at a German university ; whether at bachelor’s, master’s, postgraduate, or PhD level.
This is a partially funded scholarship that provides a strong monthly stipend along with a wide range of non-financial support. Bachelor’s and master’s students can receive up to €992 per month, while doctoral candidates can receive up to €1,400 per month. Additional allowances for health insurance, family, and research travel are also available on top of these amounts.
The scholarship is open to international students from non-EU countries who plan to study or conduct research at a German university. There is no age limit and no restriction on field of study , with the exception of human medicine, dentistry leading to a state examination, and medical specialization programs.
There is no application fee. The application deadline for the domestic selection procedure (for applicants already living in Germany) is July 15 each year at 12:00 noon CET. Applicants from specific regions outside Germany can apply through their local KAS foreign office , but only selected offices participate each year, so checking the KAS website for your country is essential.
One important thing before anything else: you must have at least B2-level German language proficiency. This program runs its seminars, mentoring, and support activities in German, so language ability is a hard requirement, not a suggestion.
Key Details:
- Scholarship Name: KAS International Scholarship Program (Ausländerförderung)
- Offered By: Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung / KAS)
- Funded By: German Federal Foreign Office
- Host Country: Germany
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s (from 2nd semester), Master’s, Postgraduate, PhD / Doctoral
- Fields of Study: All fields (with limited exceptions ; see eligibility section)
- Open To: International students and doctoral candidates from non-EU countries
- Monthly Stipend (Bachelor’s/Master’s/Postgraduate): Up to €992 per month
- Monthly Stipend (Doctoral): Up to €1,400 per month
- Standard Funding Duration: 2 years for undergraduate/master’s; 3 years for doctoral
- Minimum Funding Period: 4 semesters
- Application Deadline (Domestic/In-Germany): July 15 each year, 12:00 noon CET
- Application Fee: None
- Language Requirement: German at minimum B2 level (Goethe-Institut certificate or equivalent)
- Application Portal: KAS Campus Portal
What the KAS International Scholarship Offers:
This is one of those scholarships where the non-financial support is honestly just as valuable as the money. Most scholarship programs hand you a stipend and wish you good luck. KAS builds an entire ecosystem around its scholars. Here is what you actually gain as a recipient:
Monthly financial support that is genuinely enough to live on in Germany. Up to €992 per month for bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate students covers rent in many German cities outside Munich and Frankfurt. For doctoral candidates, up to €1,400 per month is a serious amount that lets you focus on your research rather than working side jobs.
A health insurance subsidy of up to €120 per month, which is hugely important given that health insurance is mandatory in Germany and can eat significantly into a monthly stipend without this support.
A family allowance of €276 per month if your spouse lives in Germany with you for more than three months. This is documented support that recognises scholars don’t always come alone.
A child allowance of €250 per child with proper documentation. Again, this is practical support that many scholarship programs completely ignore.
Research travel grants for research stays abroad during your doctoral program , excluding conference visits. If your PhD research requires travel to archives, field sites, or partner institutions outside Germany, you can apply for funding to cover that.
Partial reimbursement of university tuition fees ; up to €750 per semester in exceptional cases. This is not guaranteed but is available for situations where tuition creates a genuine financial burden.
Access to an interdisciplinary seminar program where you engage with experts on political, economic, and cultural topics. These are not passive lecture events , you connect with fellow scholars from dozens of countries and build relationships that last well beyond the scholarship period.
Personal mentoring from KAS academic advisors who help you with goal-setting, navigating German university bureaucracy, and making the most of your time in Germany. This is one-on-one support tailored to your situation.
Membership in a local university group with access to cultural events, group discussions, and social activities. Each group has a faculty advisor who provides academic guidance. After your scholarship ends, you can stay connected through the alumni association (ASeV).
Access to the Network of International Scholars (NIS), a peer platform where KAS scholars exchange ideas, ask practical questions, get help settling into German university life, and explore global issues from international perspectives.
For doctoral candidates specifically, the option to join one of KAS’s specialized research colleges, currently focused on Social Market Economy, Security and Development in the 21st Century, and Democracies in Europe , Transformations Since 1990.
A global alumni network of over 3,000 international KAS alumni that you join after your scholarship ends , a community spread across more than 50 countries.
Who Can Apply ; Eligibility Criteria:
KAS is selective and upfront about what they are looking for. Academic excellence is necessary but not enough on its own. Here is the full picture:
Academic requirements:
- Above-average grades in your secondary school and university studies
- Broad general education , curiosity beyond your own field is valued
- For bachelor’s scholarships: you must have already completed at least two semesters of a BA program at a German university
- For master’s scholarships: you must intend to enroll in a four-semester MA program at a German university
- For doctoral scholarships: you must be fully admitted to a doctoral program at a German university
Language requirement:
- Minimum B2 level German demonstrated by a recognised certificate , Goethe-Institut, TestDaF, DSH, or TELC are accepted. The ONSet certificate is not accepted.
- Even if your degree program is taught in English, you still need B2 German for the non-financial support activities
Values and engagement:
- You should identify with the values of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation , democracy, rule of law, human rights
- Active volunteer experience in your home country or community (politics, social work, church, cultural work)
- Willingness to contribute to your local KAS university group during your scholarship
- Commitment to strengthening ties between your home country and Germany after your studies
Duration requirements:
- You must plan to stay in Germany for at least four semesters and be in KAS funding for a minimum of four semesters
Who is NOT eligible:
- Applicants pursuing human medicine or dentistry programs leading to a state examination
- Medical specialization programs
- Applicants who have already completed a PhD (no PostDoc funding)
- Postgraduate research stays (outside of the four-semester minimum rule)
- Three-semester programs like some LL.M. degrees are generally not eligible due to the minimum funding period
Programs Available:
KAS does not restrict by field of study. Any discipline is eligible except the specific medical programs noted above. Some of the broad fields you can study include:
- Law and Legal Studies
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Economics and Business
- Social Sciences
- History
- Philosophy
- Cultural Studies
- Education and Pedagogy
- Computer Science and IT
- Engineering (all branches)
- Natural Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, etc.)
- Environmental Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Linguistics and Literature
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Public Administration and Policy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Development Studies
- Security Studies
Required Application Documents:
Getting your application right matters a lot here. KAS has a clear list of what is needed, and submitting incomplete documents will hurt your chances. Here is what you need to prepare:
For all applicants:
- Completed online application questionnaire via the KAS Campus Portal — covers your academic background, personal development, community engagement, and career goals
- CV (tabular format, with date)
- Motivation letter , a detailed explanation of why you are applying to KAS specifically, not just a generic statement
- Copies of all academic certificates and transcripts (with German translation if not in English)
- Proof of German language proficiency at B2 level or above
- One informal academic reference letter from a university professor or a person with a doctoral degree from the academic field , must not be older than two months
- Admission letter or enrollment certificate from your German university (if already admitted or enrolled)
Additional documents for doctoral applicants only:
- A detailed dissertation proposal of 5 to 10 pages (1.5 line spacing, 12-point font), written in German or English (English accepted if your PhD will be written in English). It should cover your motivation for the topic, the research problem, your proposed approach, methodology, and a work/timeline plan — plus a bibliography
- A second academic reference letter, this one specifically from your doctoral supervisor
- A formal supervision confirmation from your doctoral supervisor
The Selection Interview ; What to Expect:
If your application passes the initial review, you will be invited to a selection conference. Here is how it works:
The interview is approximately 45 minutes long, conducted with a panel of three people. It normally takes place in person. The panel typically includes one KAS staff member from the international scholarship department and two external evaluators chosen for their expertise relevant to your applicant group. For applicants going through KAS foreign offices abroad, a KAS local office representative joins the panel.
The interview is not a test of your academic knowledge. The panel wants to understand you as a person , your academic journey, your professional goals, and your community engagement. Be prepared to talk about why you chose Germany, what your volunteer work has looked like, how you connect to democratic values, and where you see yourself going after your degree.
How to Apply:
The process depends on where you currently live:
If you are already living in Germany (domestic selection procedure):
- Apply through the KAS Campus Portal online
- Upload all required documents as listed above
- Deadline: July 15 each year at 12:00 noon (CET)
If you are living in your home country:
- Apply through your local KAS foreign office (not all offices participate every year , check the KAS website for current participating offices)
- Note: Regional selection interviews for 2026 are being held in cooperation with KAS Buenos Aires (for Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay) and KAS Nairobi (for Kenya, Uganda/South Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia)
Before you apply, make sure you:
- Have your German language certificate ready (B2 minimum)
- Have contacted or confirmed a supervisor if applying for a doctoral scholarship
- Have your motivation letter written specifically for KAS , generic letters are easy to spot and do not work
- Have arranged your academic reference letter well in advance (it must not be older than two months at time of submission)
- Confirm your degree program lasts at least four semesters , shorter programs like some LL.M. degrees are not eligible
For technical issues with the KAS Campus Portal, contact: campus.fachadmin@kas.de
For scholarship questions: stipendium-if@kas.de (allow time for a response , the team handles a large volume of inquiries)
What Makes KAS Different From Other German Scholarships:
Germany has several major scholarship foundations ; DAAD, Heinrich Böll, Friedrich Ebert, and others. KAS sits in a specific position among them. It is connected to the Christian Democratic political tradition and cares deeply about democratic values, rule of law, and civil society engagement. This is not a scholarship for people who just want funding. It is for people who see themselves as future contributors to democratic institutions and cross-cultural dialogue.
If your background includes genuine community work , not just listed on a CV for show, but real sustained engagement with your community , and you genuinely believe in democratic values, KAS is a program where that counts as much as your grades. Many scholars from politically sensitive countries or regions find that KAS’s focus on human rights and democratic development resonates strongly with their own experiences and goals.
The combination of financial support, mentoring, seminars, university group life, and a serious alumni network makes this one of the most comprehensive scholarship ecosystems in Germany. If you meet the requirements, it is worth putting serious effort into the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?:
Can I apply for the KAS scholarship if I haven’t finished my degree in my home country yet?
Yes. You can apply before completing your undergraduate degree. Submit your current academic transcripts with your application and provide your degree certificate as soon as it becomes available.
Is there an age limit for the KAS International Scholarship?
No. There is no age limit. Eligibility is based on your academic status and program requirements, not on age.
Do I need to speak German even if my degree program is taught in English?
Yes. All non-financial support activities ; seminars, mentoring, university group events ; are conducted in German. KAS requires at least B2-level German regardless of the language of your degree program.
Does KAS fund Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH), or only traditional universities?
KAS funds students at both traditional universities and Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) in Germany.
Can I receive non-financial support only, without the monthly stipend?
No. The International Scholarship Program does not offer non-monetary support as a standalone option. The financial and non-financial components come together as a package.
I currently hold another scholarship that is ending soon. Can I apply to KAS as a follow-up?
Not if your previous scholarship was at the same degree level. KAS does not provide bridge funding to replace an expiring scholarship at the same stage. However, if your previous scholarship covered your bachelor’s degree and you are now applying for master’s or doctoral support, you are eligible to apply.
Can my doctoral research include time spent outside Germany?
Yes, but with conditions. Research stays abroad are permitted during the funding period, but they must be well-justified, cannot exceed 25% of your total funding duration, and must be supported by a specific recommendation from your doctoral supervisor.
How long does the scholarship last?
The standard duration is two years for bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate programs, and three years for doctoral candidates. The minimum funding period is four semesters for all program types.
Are there fields of study that KAS does not fund?
Yes. KAS does not fund human medicine or dentistry programs leading to a state examination, medical specialization programs, or PostDoc research. Programs shorter than four semesters (like some LL.M. degrees) are also generally not eligible.
What is the difference between applying through KAS in Germany versus applying through a KAS foreign office?
If you already live in Germany, you apply through the domestic selection procedure with a July 15 deadline. If you are in your home country, you apply through your regional KAS office , but only selected offices participate each year, and deadlines vary by office. Check the KAS website to confirm whether your country’s office is participating this cycle.
