The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a political foundation, inspired by Christian democratic values, committed to fostering democracy and the rule of law, to implementing social and market-economic structures and to promoting human rights in Europe and worldwide. In line with these principles, our Foundation awards scholarships to international master students and graduates in order to enable study and research at universities in Germany. This way, we actively promote intercultural dialogues, the formation of international networks as well as the internationalization of universities and science.
After finishing their studies in Germany, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung expects its former scholars to contribute actively to the development of their home country’s relations with the Federal Republic of Germany.
Our scholarship program consists of financial assistance, personal guidance, a wide seminar program and access to the worldwide KAS-network. After the successful completion of studies, we remain in contact with our alumni and involve them in our national and international activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Our Scholarship Program for International Students is aimed at international students and graduates who have acquired a university degree and who intend to complete postgraduate or master studies, doctoral studies or a research stay of at least three semesters at a university in Germany.
The guidelines
- have a university degree, as we do not provide support for bachelor studies,
- prove above average academic performance,
- be no older that 30 when applying,
- have good knowledge of the German language (B2-level),
- be actively engaged in voluntary work,
- plan to study a minimum of three semesters at a university in Germany,
- possess a broad general education and distinct interest in political issues,
- have a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights,
- be open to develop their personal points of view and practice tolerance,
- be highly motivated and able to convince us of their goals in life.
Further specifications
- Students in Medicine or Pharmacy can only apply after having completed their intermediate exam in Germany or when having achieved a comparable stage of their studies.
- Human or dental medicine specialist training or post graduate research stays in Germany cannot be supported.
- Persons having already achieved a doctorate are not eligible for a scholarship.
Offered Benefits
Financial assistance
The duration and level of funding varies for different types of studies. Graduates (master or postgraduate students) receive a monthly scholarship of € 850 ( € 861 as of August 1, 2020). The standard funding period is two years. After having obtained unconditional admission to doctoral studies at a German university, PhD-students receive a monthly scholarship of € 1.200. The standard funding period for PhD scholars is three years. We also fund research stays in Germany for the minimum of three semesters.
Beside the monthly stipend, we offer multiple subsidies for our scholars. Upon request, we subsidize health care insurance up to the amount of € 120 per month. We also offer a family allowance of € 276 provided that you and your spouse live together in one place in Germany for at least three months and that his/her income does not exceed the amount of € 450 per month. Additionally, we grant children’s allowance of € 194 per month for children living with you in Germany. Prerequisites are the submission of an official German translation of the child’s birth certificate and the official rejection of your demand for public child allowance.
In addition, PhD-scholars can apply for financial assistance for research stays abroad. However, we do not fund participation in congresses or symposia.
Fees resulting from courses at the university in Germany that are directly related to your studies can be refunded up to the amount of € 1.500 per semester. However, we do not refund regular semester fees resulting from enrollment or annual re-registration.
Network and Seminars
Being a scholar of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung means much more than just receiving financial assistance. Our scholars benefit from a broad program of ideational support. They become part of an active and living network. The program is based on three pillars: 1. Personal contact and mentoring. 2. A wide seminar program – with over 180 activities per year - for all of our app. 3.000 scholars in Germany. 3. Regional and local activities of our more than 140 different university groups.
1. Mentoring by our staff and representatives at the universities
Our staff members and representatives at the universities supervise and consult our scholars personally. They monitor the progress of your studies as well as your participation in the seminar program and the activities of your university group. Our foundation attaches great importance to the continued development of your social commitment. The overall objective is to support you in identifying and in improving your individual strengths.
2. A manifold seminar program
The objective of the seminars, which are held exclusively for our scholars, is to expand the general education of our scholars. The seminars provide opportunities for an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and information with other scholars and acknowledged experts. The ranges of topics include historical, political, economic and social issues on a national, European and international scope. Furthermore, training and coaching seminars help our scholars to strengthen their soft skills and to facilitate the transition from studying to professional life.
3. Being part of a local university group
The local university groups, “Hochschulgruppen”, are managed independently by our scholars along with the representatives of our foundation at the universities, the so called “Vertrauensdozenten”. Each semester, they create a program of diverse activities for themselves. These local groups also help you with settling in and getting used to your new surroundings.
Our network of former scholars
It is a matter of particular interest to the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung to encourage networking between our current and former scholars. Over 14.000 alumni form a vibrant and global network of former KAS scholars who play active roles in politics, economics, science and society all over the world and who, at the same time, remain committed to our foundation and its current scholars. More than 50 regional alumni groups worldwide and several specialized sub-networks give great opportunities to our former scholars and allow them to remain connected to our foundation. This alumni network also provides practical assistance: its members finance a Social Fund which provides help to current and former scholars in cases of need. Moreover, the network promotes scientific and social projects.
Application Process
There are two ways to apply for our scholarship program.
Each year new focus countries or regions are determined for our selection procedures. In 2020 the focus regions will be Central Europe, Southeast Asia, Near East and Western Africa. Interviews will be conducted in Budapest, Seoul, Amman and a capital city in a West African country (yet to be determined). If you are living in a country or region close to these cities, you may send your written application directly to the responsible KAS office – please check their web-sites for the exact procedure and addressee. Students living in countries that are not listed cannot apply for the international selection procedure in 2020.
In case you are already living or studying in Germany, you are welcome to apply for a scholarship via the domestic selection program using our online procedure. Please fill out the application form online and upload all required application documents. Please do not send in any documents by mail as these will not be considered. The application period ends on July 15th (12:00/noon) each year for the domestic procedure.
Necessary documents for the application
Please download and fill out the application form and attach the following documents if you are applying for a MA-Scholarship.
- A meaningful CV in tabular form including details about your previous voluntary work or social commitment.
- Motivation letter.
- Copies of your examination certificates in German translation if the originals are not in English.
- Copies of your studies performance records if you have been studying at a University in Germany.
- Proof of German language skills (B 2).
- An informal academic letter of recommendation: This letter should provide information about your academic qualifications and potential; it should not be older than two month. The author has to be a university professor or teacher holding a doctoral degree.
- An informal letter of recommendation concerning the applicant’s personality: This letter should focus on your personality and interests as well as on your understanding of values and your social commitment. The author cannot be the same as the one providing the academic letter of recommendation.
- Certificate of admission or matriculation from your university in Germany.
If you are applying for a PhD-Scholarship, please add the following documents:
- A detailed description of your doctoral thesis: This exposé, written in German or English (4-5 pages), should outline the central research question of your proposed project, its scientific relevance, your theoretical approach and the motives behind your choice of the research subject. It should also contain a work and time schedule and a bibliography.
- A second academic letter of recommendation: This second letter should be written by the supervisor of your doctoral thesis, providing you already have one. It replaces the letter of recommendation concerning the applicant’s personality.
- A confirmation of supervision by your doctor-father or -mother
