KAAD Scholarships Apply Online 2026
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- 1
**Review Eligibility:** Thoroughly check the eligibility criteria on the official KAAD website to ensure you meet all requirements, including nationality, age, academic background, and religious/social commitment.
- 2
**Secure University Admission:** Apply to a German university for your intended Master's, PhD, or research program. An admission letter or proof of application to a German university is typically required for the KAAD application.
- 3
**Complete Initial Online Questionnaire:** Go to the official KAAD application portal (`kaad-application.de`) and fill out the first online questionnaire. This form asks about your personal information, education, work experience, study plans, religion, and social activities.
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**Await KAAD Reply:** KAAD will review your initial questionnaire. If your profile is deemed suitable, you will receive an email inviting you to proceed to the second application step.
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**Contact Local Partner Committee:** Most applicants are required to apply through a local Catholic partner or church committee in their home country. Contact the relevant KAAD Partner Committee in your region, as they facilitate the application process.
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**Prepare and Submit Full Application Documents:** Gather all required documents, including your CV, motivation letter, academic certificates and transcripts, recommendation letters (academic, professional, and ideally from a priest/church leader), passport copy, German language certificate (if applicable), study plan/research proposal, and proof of professional/social involvement. Submit these complete documents to your local KAAD Partner Committee as instructed.
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**Attend Interview (if invited):** If you are shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview, which could be conducted online or in person by the local partner committee or KAAD representatives.
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**Receive Final Decision:** Scholarship decisions are typically communicated within three to six months after the application deadline, following evaluations by KAAD's selection committees, which meet in March and September.
FAQs for KAAD Scholarships
Q.Can non-Christian students apply for the KAAD Scholarship?
Yes, while the KAAD scholarship primarily supports Catholic or Christian candidates, applicants from other religions can be considered. This is possible if they are proposed by Catholic partners in their home country and demonstrate a willingness to engage in interreligious dialogue.
Q.What level of German language proficiency is required?
Applicants are generally expected to have German language skills of at least A2 or B1 level, even for programs taught in English, to participate in KAAD's compulsory educational program and integrate into German society. Preparatory German courses in the home country are anticipated, and KAAD may offer language courses prior to the commencement of studies.
Q.Does the KAAD Scholarship provide support for family members?
KAAD scholarships generally do not fund family members living in Germany. This can pose financial constraints for married scholars. However, for PhD scholars, KAAD sometimes suggests research topics that require time in their home country to ease familial separation, and family visits during the final months of a PhD might be possible.
Q.What happens if a scholar does not return to their home country after completing their studies?
A core principle of the KAAD scholarship is the commitment of scholars to return to their home countries upon completion of their studies in Germany and contribute to national development. If a scholar does not return to their home country as committed, the scholarship may be converted into a loan.