KAS Scholarships in Germany 2026 for Master’s, PhD, and International Students

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) offers scholarships for international students who wish to study or conduct research in Germany through its support programme for international students and doctoral candidates.

The scholarship targets academically outstanding students who are socially engaged and interested in the values of democracy, human rights, and civic participation.

• Monthly funding of up to EUR 992 for bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate students.
• Monthly funding of up to EUR 1,400 for doctoral students.
• The standard funding period for master’s and postgraduate students is up to two years.
• The standard funding period for doctoral students is up to three years.
• Possibility of receiving additional allowances, such as health insurance support of up to EUR 120 per month.
• Possibility of receiving a family allowance of EUR 276 if the spouse resides in Germany for more than three months.
• Possibility of receiving a child allowance of EUR 250 per child, according to the required conditions.
• Possibility of covering part of the tuition fees in exceptional cases, up to EUR 750 per semester.
• Non-financial support, including mentoring, seminars, university activities, and building an academic and professional network.

To apply for the KAS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be an international student. The scholarship mainly focuses on students and doctoral candidates from outside the European Union.
2. Have good to excellent academic performance.
3. Demonstrate a clear commitment to social, voluntary, political, or cultural engagement.
4. Show interest in political and social issues, as well as the values of democracy and human rights.
5. Have good knowledge of the German language. The foundation expects applicants to reach level B2 by the start of their studies, even if the study programme is taught in English.
6. Be willing to participate in the foundation’s non-financial support programme and student activities.
7. The application must not be for postdoctoral funding, as the foundation does not offer PostDoc scholarships under this programme.

Eligible Categories

The scholarship is open to the following categories:

1. International students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Germany, provided that they apply after completing the second semester.
2. International students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at a German university.
3. Postgraduate students or students enrolled in academic programmes after completing a bachelor’s degree.
4. Doctoral candidates who have been accepted into a doctoral programme at a German university.
5. Researchers who wish to conduct a research stay in Germany for a minimum of four semesters.

Required Documents

The required documents may vary depending on the application track, country, or application method. However, applicants are usually expected to prepare a strong application file that includes:

1. CV.
2. Motivation letter explaining the reason for applying and the applicant’s academic and social interests.
3. Academic certificates and transcripts.
4. Proof of admission or enrolment at a German university, if available.
5. Proof of German language proficiency.
6. Academic or professional recommendation letters.
7. Proof of social or voluntary engagement.
8. Research proposal for doctoral candidates or researchers, if required.

Why is this scholarship special?

The KAS Scholarship is considered one of the most prominent German scholarships because it does not only provide financial support, but also offers a comprehensive programme that includes personal mentoring, interdisciplinary seminars, student groups at universities, and the opportunity to join a wide network of international students and alumni.

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