Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) International Scholarship (2026)

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) – Germany Bachelor / Master / PhD Germany
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung International Scholarship

Scholarship Description

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) International Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program for committed international students and doctoral candidates who wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree (from the second semester onward), a Master's degree, or a doctorate at a German university. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the program aims to empower future leaders who are passionate about democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and social responsibility.

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation is a German political foundation named after the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. Through this scholarship program, the foundation supports talented individuals from around the world who demonstrate both academic excellence and active civic engagement. Today, over 3,000 international alumni of the KAS scholarship program are part of a global network working to strengthen democracy and development worldwide.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at German universities, including both traditional universities (Universitäten) and Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH). The program supports students and researchers who plan to begin or continue their studies or research stays in Germany.

Scholarship Deadline

The application deadline for the domestic selection procedure (for applicants already living in Germany) is July 15 each year at 12:00 noon (CET). For 2026, the deadline is July 15, 2026.

Domestic Selection Deadline: July 15, 2026 (12:00 CET)

Regional Selection Interviews (2026): Conducted via KAS foreign offices in Buenos Aires (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay) and Nairobi (Kenya, Uganda/South Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia) in May 2026.

Recommendation: Apply well in advance of the deadline. The minimum funding period is four semesters.

Host Institution

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) – a German political foundation funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. The scholarship is administered by KAS's International Talent Development Department, which supports international students and doctoral candidates at state-recognized universities across Germany.

Level and Fields of Study

Levels: Bachelor's (from second semester onward), Master's (four-semester programs), Postgraduate, and Doctoral (PhD).

Fields: Most fields of study are eligible. Exclusions: Human medicine, dentistry (leading to state examination), medical specialization programs, and programs lasting only three semesters (e.g., some LL.M. degrees) are not funded due to the minimum four-semester funding requirement.

Doctoral students may join one of KAS's specialized research colleges. Research stays abroad (max 25% of funding duration) are permitted with justification and supervisor recommendation.

Target Group

International students and doctoral candidates from non-EU countries who aspire to study or conduct research in Germany. The program supports talented individuals from all continents who demonstrate academic excellence, social responsibility, and a commitment to democratic values. Over 300 international scholars from more than 50 countries are currently supported.

Scholarship Duration & Financial Support

Financial Support:

  • Bachelor's, Master's, and Postgraduate students: Up to €992 per month. Standard duration: two years.
  • Doctoral candidates (PhD): Up to €1,400 per month. Standard duration: three years.

Additional Allowances (available upon request):

  • Health insurance subsidy: up to €120 per month
  • Family allowance: €276 (if spouse resides in Germany for more than three months)
  • Child allowance: €250 per child (with proper documentation)
  • Research travel grants abroad (excluding conference visits)
  • Partial reimbursement of university tuition fees: up to €750 per semester (in exceptional cases)

Important note: The scholarship does NOT cover enrollment, re-registration, or exmatriculation fees (e.g., semester ticket, student union fees).

Non-financial support includes:

  • Diverse seminar program (political, economic, and cultural topics)
  • Personal mentoring and academic guidance
  • Local university groups (theater visits, discussions, networking)
  • Network of International Scholars (NIS) for peer support
  • Alumni association (ASeV) after scholarship completion

📊 Summary of Financial Support:
Bachelor/Master: Up to €992/month + allowances | PhD: Up to €1,400/month + allowances
Minimum funding period: 4 semesters | Doctoral research abroad: Max 25% of total duration

Scholarship Eligibility

Mandatory Requirements:

  • German language proficiency: Minimum B2 level (Common European Framework), demonstrated by a Goethe-Institut certificate or equivalent (e.g., DSH or TestDaF). Most scholars pass the DSH exam or present a high-level TestDaF score before enrollment.
  • Bachelor's applicants: Must have successfully completed at least two semesters of a BA program at a German university.
  • Master's applicants: Must intend to enroll in a four-semester MA program at a German university. You may apply before completing your undergraduate degree (provide transcripts and submit degree certificate when available).
  • Doctoral applicants: Must be fully admitted to a doctoral program at a German university. Dissertation proposal may be submitted in German or English (if PhD will be written in English).
  • Academic performance: Above-average grades (good to excellent).
  • Volunteer engagement: Active involvement in community, politics, social work, church, or culture.
  • Value alignment: Commitment to democracy, human rights, rule of law, and KAS values.
  • Minimum funding period: At least four semesters remaining at the time of application.

✅ Eligible Candidates

  • International students from non-EU countries (two application routes: within Germany via domestic selection, or via KAS offices abroad).
  • Bachelor's students after completing 2+ semesters at a German university.
  • Master's applicants for four-semester programs at German universities.
  • Doctoral candidates admitted to German PhD programs.
  • German language B2 or higher.
  • Strong academic record and volunteer experience.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

  • German students (refer to KAS Student or Doctoral Support Departments).
  • Bachelor's applicants who have not yet completed two semesters in Germany.
  • Master's applicants for programs shorter than four semesters.
  • Human medicine, dentistry, and medical specialization programs.
  • Applicants without German B2 proficiency.
  • PostDoc researchers (no PostDoc scholarships offered).
  • Students seeking follow-up funding for an existing scholarship (bridge funding not provided).

Application Procedure

There are two application routes:

  1. Domestic selection (within Germany): If you already live in Germany, apply via the KAS Campus Portal by July 15, 2026 (12:00 CET).
  2. Application via KAS offices abroad: If you live in your home country or region, apply through your local KAS office. Only selected KAS offices participate each year.

Required Documents (domestic selection):

  • Online application form (via KAS Campus Portal)
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • German language certificate (minimum B2, e.g., Goethe-Institut)
  • Letters of recommendation (in original language with German translation, or directly in German/English)
  • Motivation letter/personal statement
  • CV demonstrating academic and volunteer activities
  • For doctoral applicants: dissertation proposal (preferably in German, or English if PhD will be written in English)
  • Proof of enrollment or admission to a German university

Application Steps:

  1. Review the full eligibility criteria and application guidelines (available in German on the KAS website).
  2. Prepare all required documents.
  3. Access the KAS Campus Portal and complete the online application.
  4. Upload all documents before the July 15, 2026 deadline.
  5. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews (regional selection interviews take place in May/June).
  6. Successful applicants receive scholarship notification and begin their funding.

Important notes:

  • Do not submit inquiries or applications unless you meet all mandatory requirements.
  • You cannot apply for non-monetary support only; financial and non-financial support are combined.
  • After your studies, you are expected to promote lasting ties between your home country and Germany.

Official Website & Application Link

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung – International Talent Development (Official Page)

Application Portal (Domestic Selection): KAS Campus Portal (link available on the official website)

Contact for applicants: [email protected] (please review all eligibility details before contacting)

Technical issues with the online portal: [email protected]

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💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung International Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international students who are academically excellent, socially engaged, and committed to democratic values. With a monthly stipend of up to €992-€1,400 plus additional allowances, it allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies in Germany.

Key strategies for a successful application:

  • Ensure you have German language proficiency at B2 level or higher (Goethe-Institut certificate strongly recommended).
  • Demonstrate active volunteer engagement in your home community (politics, social work, church, culture, etc.).
  • Apply only if you meet the mandatory requirements: for Bachelor's, you must have completed at least two semesters at a German university; for Master's, you must apply for a four-semester program.
  • Submit a strong motivation letter that reflects KAS values: democracy, rule of law, human rights, and social responsibility.
  • Doctoral applicants: prepare a detailed dissertation proposal (preferably in German).
  • Apply through the correct route: domestic selection (if already in Germany) or via local KAS office abroad.

Important reminders:

  • The minimum funding period is four semesters — programs shorter than this are generally not eligible.
  • Human medicine and dentistry are excluded.
  • Research stays abroad are permitted but may not exceed 25% of the total funding duration.
  • KAS does not provide follow-up funding for existing scholarships (no bridge funding).
  • The scholarship does not cover enrollment or semester fees (e.g., semester ticket, student union fees).

Supported with funds from the German Federal Foreign Office.

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung International Scholarship 2026 – FAQ

What does the KAS International Scholarship cover?

Bachelor and Master students receive up to €992/month; doctoral candidates receive up to €1,400/month. Additional allowances include health insurance (up to €120/month), family allowance (€276), child allowance (€250/child), research travel grants, and partial tuition reimbursement (up to €750/semester).

What is the application deadline?

The domestic selection deadline is July 15, 2026, at 12:00 noon (CET). For applications via KAS offices abroad, check with your local KAS office.

Do I need to speak German?

Yes, mandatory. Minimum B2 level (CEFR), demonstrated by a Goethe-Institut certificate, DSH, or TestDaF. Even if your degree program is in English, you must have strong German skills because non-financial support (seminars, mentoring) is conducted in German.

Can I apply for a Bachelor's scholarship?

Yes, but you must have successfully completed at least two semesters of a Bachelor's program at a German university before applying.

What fields of study are NOT eligible?

Human medicine, dentistry (leading to state examination), medical specialization programs, and programs shorter than four semesters (e.g., some LL.M. degrees).

Is there an age limit?

No, there is no age limit to apply.

Can I apply if I already have another scholarship?

KAS does not provide follow-up (bridge) funding for existing scholarships. However, if your previous scholarship was for undergraduate studies and you are now applying for Master's or PhD support, you are eligible.

How do I apply?

If you already live in Germany, apply via the KAS Campus Portal by July 15. If you live abroad, apply through your local KAS office (participating offices vary each year).

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