Unlock your academic potential in one of Europe’s most innovative study destinations while enjoying full financial support.
Why Choose the KAS Scholarship?
Germany has long been a magnet for ambitious international students looking for world-class universities, research-driven programs, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship 2026 elevates that appeal even further by removing the financial barriers to postgraduate study. Funded by a prestigious German political foundation, the award covers tuition, living expenses, and more—so you can focus on research, networking, and personal growth.
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Quick Snapshot
| Feature | Details (2026 Intake) |
|---|---|
| Level | Master’s & PhD |
| Coverage | Monthly stipend (€ 850 for Master’s / € 1,200 for PhD) • Tuition reimbursement • Health-insurance subsidy • Family allowance • Course-fee refunds |
| Duration | Up to 2 years (Master’s) • Up to 3 years (PhD) |
| Host Country | Germany |
| Eligible Fields | All programs offered at accredited German universities |
| Application Deadline | 15 July 2025, 12:00 CET |
| Teaching Language | Primarily German; many programs also offer English-taught tracks |
(All amounts and dates are based on the foundation’s latest call and are subject to official confirmation.)
Scholarship Benefits in Detail
- Generous Monthly Stipend
- € 850 for Master’s candidates
- € 1,200 for doctoral researchers
These payments are designed to cover rent, food, transport, and study materials in most German cities.
- Tuition & Academic Fees
Public universities in Germany often have no tuition, but special course fees and semester contributions can add up. KAS reimburses fees up to € 1,500 per semester when they are directly tied to your studies. - Health-Insurance Subsidy
Medical coverage is mandatory in Germany. The scholarship offsets your premium up to € 120 per month, ensuring full compliance with German regulations. - Family Support
Bringing a spouse to Germany? If you live together for at least three months and your partner earns under € 450 per month, you can claim a € 276 family allowance—a rare perk among German scholarships. - Professional & Cultural Enrichment
Beyond finances, KAS offers leadership workshops, intercultural dialogue events, networking retreats, and mentoring by German decision-makers, strengthening your résumé for global careers.
Eligibility Checklist (Do You Qualify?)
- Nationality: Open to applicants from all countries outside Germany.
- Previous Degree: You already hold, or will soon complete, a strong Bachelor’s or equivalent degree (support for Bachelor’s study is not provided).
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrated B2-level German (CEFR) is essential. Some English-taught programs may accept lower German skills initially, but the scholarship panel still expects serious commitment to learning German.
- Age Limit: You must be under 30 on the application deadline.
- Academic Merit: Grades above average and a convincing research/project plan.
- Civic Engagement: Verifiable voluntary service or leadership in community, social, or political activities—KAS prioritizes applicants who share its values of democracy and human rights.
- Study Plan: A clear intention to study at a German university for at least three semesters (≈ 1.5 years)
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Application Routes
KAS offers two parallel application pathways—choose the one that matches your situation:
- International Selection (Apply From Home Country)
- Every year KAS spotlights specific regions. For the 2026 cycle, priority will be given to Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye, and Latin America (via the Lima regional office).
- Applicants residing in these areas send their documents directly to the local KAS bureau. Initial interviews are conducted virtually.
- Domestic Selection (Apply Within Germany)
- Already studying or researching in Germany? Use the online portal for the domestic round.
- Upload digital copies only—postal submissions are not accepted.
- Deadline: 15 July 2025, noon CET.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Winning Application
- Research German Programs
Pin down the Master’s or PhD course that fits your career goals. University websites, DAAD’s database, and faculty pages list modules, language requirements, and supervision profiles. - Gather Mandatory Documents
- Tabular CV highlighting leadership, internships, and volunteer work.
- Motivation Letter (≈ 1 page) linking your goals to KAS values.
- Certified Transcripts & Degree Certificates (with German translation if original isn’t in English).
- Proof of German (B2)—Goethe, TestDaF, or Telc accepted.
- Academic Reference by a professor (not older than 2 months).
- Character Reference by a mentor or employer focusing on your ethics and social engagement.
- Admission Letter or current Enrollment Certificate from your German university.
- Additional PhD Documents
- Research Proposal (5-10 pages): problem statement, relevance, methodology, timeline.
- Second Academic Reference from your doctoral supervisor.
- Supervision Confirmation signed by your “doctor-father” or “doctor-mother.”
- Complete the Online Form
Log in, enter your data, and upload PDFs in the specified order. Pay attention to file size limits. - Ace the Interview
Short-listed candidates face a virtual or on-site panel. Expect questions on your research plan, German political culture, and how you’ll contribute to KAS’s global alumni network. - Wait for Results & Prepare for Arrival
Successful candidates will receive a formal award letter. Next steps include visa processing, accommodation search, and health-insurance enrollment.
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Life After the Scholarship
Graduates join a 70,000-strong KAS alumni network spanning politics, academia, and industry. Many become policymakers, diplomats, or innovators who trace their career breakthroughs to this scholarship’s mentorship and networking benefits.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship 2026 is more than financial aid—it’s an invitation to shape global discourse, deepen intercultural understanding, and earn a respected German degree without the burden of tuition and living costs. If you meet the criteria and have a passion for civic engagement, start compiling your documents today.
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