The KAAD (Catholic Academic Exchange Service ) is the scholarship institution of the German Catholic Church. It sponsors postgraduates and academics from the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Near and Middle East, as well as Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Its aim is that scholarship holders return to their home countries after completing their study visits in Germany and use and pass on the knowledge they have acquired there. Scholarship Programme 1 is aimed at postgraduates and persons with professional experience who are invited to Germany for postgraduate studies or research visits.
Approximately 250 academics are sponsored in this way every year. Financial support is given in the form of a monthly grant for covering the studying and living costs of the applicant. In addition, a German language course may be granted before beginning academic studies or research.
Eligibility Criteria
For the scholarship programme 1 of KAAD you can apply if you:
- come from a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or Latin America
- have a university degree and professional experience from your home country
- want to acquire a master's degree or a PhD at a German university or do a post-doctoral research project (2-6 months for established university lecturers) at a German university
- are a Catholic Christian (or general belong to a Christian denomination). Candidates from other religions can apply if they are proposed by Catholic partners and can prove their commitment to interreligious dialogue
- possess German language skills before starting the studies (KAAD can provide a language course of max. 6 months in Germany).
What does KAAD expect from you?
- Above-average performance in studies and research
- The orientation of your studies or research towards permanent reintegration in your home region (otherwise the scholarship is turned into a loan),
- Religious and social commitment (activities) and willingness to inter-religious dialogue.
Offered Benefits
Financial support consists of a monthly grant, the amount of which is determined according to economic aspects and which is intended to cover the applicants study and living expenses.
In addition, a German language course may be granted before beginning academic studies or research. Support is provided for courses of study, which after completion of a degree in the home country, lead to a German Diplom or Magister degree or to a doctorate, as well as for in-depth studies conducted by academics from abroad.
Short visits (2-6 months) by academics from abroad are also financed. If a scholarship holder does not return to his/her home country or to another developing country after completion of studies, the scholarship and any other support granted will be considered a loan, which has to be paid back.
