International students who want more than “just a degree” in Germany now have a serious opportunity to watch. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) International Scholarship Program—funded by the German Federal Foreign Office—is inviting committed, high-potential candidates to begin or continue their Bachelor’s (from the second semester onward), Master’s, or doctoral studies at a German university.
What makes this program stand out is its purpose: KAS supports students and PhD candidates who combine academic excellence with social engagement, and who want to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and human rights through their long-term work and leadership. Alongside funding, scholars become part of a strong international community, with over 3,000 international alumni already in the global network.
What You Can Receive on KAS Scholarship?
KAS supports you financially so you can focus on your studies, and it also invests in your development through seminars, mentoring, and community networks.
You can receive up to €992 per month for Bachelor’s/Master’s/postgraduate studies, with a standard support duration of two years. Doctoral candidates can receive up to €1,400 per month, with a standard funding duration of three years, and you must be fully admitted to a doctoral program at a German university.
Additional support may be available upon request (with documentation), including a health insurance subsidy up to €120/month, a family allowance of €276 (if your spouse lives in Germany for more than three months), and a child allowance of €250 per child. Scholars may also apply for research travel grants abroad (excluding conference visits) and, in exceptional cases, partial reimbursement of university tuition fees up to €750 per semester. Note that KAS does not cover enrollment, re-registration, or exmatriculation-related fees (such as semester ticket/student union fees).
On the non-financial side, scholars join an interdisciplinary seminar program, receive personal mentoring and academic guidance, and participate in local university groups. International scholars also benefit from the Network of International Scholars (NIS) for practical support (settling in, admin processes, volunteering, social integration). Doctoral students may join KAS research colleges focusing on: Social Market Economy, Security and Development in the 21st Century, and Democracies in Europe – Transformations Since 1990.
Eligibility You Must Meet (Mandatory)
KAS is strict here—do not apply unless you meet all of the following:
You must show German language proficiency at minimum B2 level (for example, a Goethe-Institut certificate). If you’re applying for a Master’s, you must intend to enroll in a four-semester MA program at a German university. If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, you must have already completed at least two semesters of a BA program at a German university.
KAS also looks for candidates with strong academic performance, regular volunteering/community engagement, alignment with KAS values (democracy, rule of law, human rights), initiative to participate in program life, and a long-term goal of strengthening ties between Germany and your home country.
How to Apply?
If you are applying through the domestic selection procedure (not via an international KAS office), you must submit your application through the KAS Campus Portal and upload all required documents there. Use the official KAS application notes, guidelines, and checklist (available in German) to ensure your submission is complete.
Regional selection interviews for 2026 include cooperation with KAS Buenos Aires (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay) and KAS Nairobi (Kenya, Uganda/South Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia) with interviews expected in May 2026 (details to follow).
Deadline
The application deadline for the domestic selection procedure is July 15 at 12:00 noon (CET) each year.