Are you a postgraduate or an academic from a developing country who wants to pursue further studies or research in Germany? Do you have professional experience and a strong interest in the social, political, and cultural aspects of your home region? Do you share the values of the Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) and its partner committees? If yes, then you might be eligible for the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1, a prestigious and competitive scholarship that offers financial and academic support for qualified candidates.

What is the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1?

The KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 is addressed to postgraduates and academics living in their home countries who already gained professional experience and who are interested in postgraduate studies (or research stays) in Germany. This programme is administered by regional partner committees, staffed by university professors and church representatives, who select and accompany the scholars before, during, and after their stay in Germany¹.

The KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 aims to foster intercultural dialogue and academic exchange between Germany and the developing world, as well as to contribute to the development of the scholars’ home countries and regions. The programme also seeks to promote the scholars’ personal, professional, and spiritual growth, as well as their integration into the KAAD network of alumni and partners.

What are the benefits of the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1?

The KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 offers the following benefits to the selected scholars:

• A monthly stipend that covers the living expenses in Germany
• A health insurance that covers the medical costs in Germany
• A travel allowance that covers the transportation costs to and from Germany
• A tuition fee waiver or subsidy for the chosen study or research programme in Germany
• A language course that prepares the scholars for the academic and social life in Germany
• A mentoring and counselling service that provides academic and personal guidance to the scholars
• A cultural and religious programme that exposes the scholars to the diversity and richness of Germany and Europe
• An alumni and partner network that connects the scholars with other KAAD scholars, alumni, and partners from different countries and disciplines.

What are the requirements for the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1?

The KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 has the following requirements for the applicants:

• They must be citizens of a developing or transition country (excluding China and India; see the list of countries here)
• They must have a university degree and professional experience from their home country
• They must have been accepted to a German university for a postgraduate or doctoral programme of their choice (applicants for master’s programmes must have completed their studies less than six years ago; applicants for doctoral programmes must have completed their studies less than three years ago)
• They must have a good command of the German language (at least B1 level) or be willing to learn it before the start of their studies or research
• They must be active in the academic, social, political, or cultural life of their home country or region
• They must be motivated to make a positive impact in their home country or region after their return
• They must be open to the values and goals of the KAAD and its partner committees.

How to apply for the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1?

The application process for the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 consists of the following steps:

• Fill out the online questionnaire here and upload your CV and a photo
• Contact the KAAD office or the partner committee in your home region and request an application form
• Submit the completed application form along with the required documents (such as academic transcripts, certificates, letters of recommendation, etc.) to the KAAD office or the partner committee in your home region
• Wait for the invitation to an interview with the partner committee in your home region
• If successful, wait for the final approval from the KAAD selection board in Germany
• If approved, prepare for your departure to Germany and your enrolment at the German university.

FAQs

• Q: When is the deadline for the application?
• A: The deadlines vary depending on the partner committee in your home region. Please contact the KAAD office or the partner committee in your home region for more information.
• Q: How long is the duration of the scholarship?
• A: The duration of the scholarship depends on the type and length of the study or research programme in Germany. Generally, the scholarship covers one to three years of master’s studies or three to four years of doctoral studies.
• Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am already in Germany or in another country?
• A: No, the scholarship is only for applicants who are living in their home countries and who have not yet started their studies or research in Germany or in another country.
• Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am not a Catholic or a Christian?
• A: Yes, the scholarship is open to applicants of all religions and denominations. However, the applicants must respect the values and goals of the KAAD and its partner committees, and be willing to participate in the cultural and religious programme offered by the KAAD.
• Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am not interested in studying or researching in Germany?
• A: No, the scholarship is only for applicants who are interested in studying or researching in Germany. The KAAD also offers other scholarship programmes for applicants who want to study in their home country or in another country in their home region. Please visit the KAAD website here for more information.

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