Are you a student from a developing country looking to fund your postgraduate studies? The Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) offers excellent scholarship opportunities for students who want to study in Germany or in their home regions.
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The KAAD scholarship focuses on developing future leaders who are committed to their communities and willing to engage in interreligious dialogue. In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about KAAD’s Scholarship Programme 1, including who can apply and what is expected of successful candidates.
What is KAAD Scholarship Programme 1?
KAAD’s main scholarship work is divided into three parts under Programme 1. Depending on your situation, you can apply for funding to study in Germany, in your home country, or in a neighboring country.
Here are the three types of study paths you can take:
- The Invitation Programme (Study in Germany): This is for postgraduates and professionals who want to travel to Germany to complete a Master’s degree, a PhD, or a short research stay (usually 2 to 6 months).
- The In-Country Programme (Study at Home): If you prefer to study in your own country, KAAD offers Master’s degree scholarships at 15 specific locations across 8 countries. These countries are: Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Peru, and Zimbabwe.
- The Third-Country Programme (Study in a Neighboring Region): This allows you to study for a Master’s degree in a selected third country. For example, students from Myanmar can study in Bangkok, Thailand. This program is also very helpful for refugees, such as Syrian students who are studying in Lebanon or Jordan.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the KAAD Scholarship Programme 1, you must meet a specific set of requirements. You are eligible if you:
- Location: Come from and currently live in a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America.
- Education and Experience: Already hold a university degree and have professional work experience in your home country.
- Study Goals: Want to pursue a Master’s degree, a PhD, a post-doctoral program, or a 2 to 6-month academic research stay at a German university.
- Religion: Belong to a Catholic or Christian denomination (especially applicants from the Middle East). Note: Students of other religions can still apply! However, you must be recommended by a Catholic partner and show a clear willingness to participate in interreligious dialogue.
- Language Skills: Have basic German language skills before entering the program. KAAD can provide an additional German language course in Germany for up to 6 months to help you improve.
What Does KAAD Expect from You?
KAAD is looking for students who are not only smart but also care about their communities. If you are awarded the scholarship, KAAD expects the following from you:
- Academic Excellence: You must show an above-average ability to perform well in your studies or research.
- Return to Your Home Country: You must plan to return and permanently reintegrate into your home region after you finish studying. Important warning: If you do not return home, KAAD will treat your scholarship money as a loan that you must pay back.
- Community and Faith: You should have a history of religious and social commitment, or a strong willingness to engage in respectful interreligious discussions.
- German Language Level: You must reach at least a B1 level in German to participate in KAAD’s mandatory educational programs. If your degree is taught in English, you only need an A2 level in German. You are expected to take preparatory German classes in your home country, but you can also apply for language courses during your studies.
How to Apply
The application process for KAAD is different from many other scholarships because you cannot just apply directly online.
KAAD works closely with focus countries and partner organizations in your region. To apply, you must submit your application through KAAD’s partner committees located in your home country. These local committees will review your documents and conduct interviews.
Tip for Applicants: If your country is not one of KAAD’s official focus or partner countries, you can still apply, but your application will only be considered in very exceptional cases. It is best to contact a local Catholic church or KAAD committee in your region to ask for their guidance on starting the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I have to be Catholic to apply for the KAAD scholarship?
No, you do not have to be Catholic. While the scholarship is primarily for Catholic or other Christian students (especially those from the Near and Middle East), applicants of other religions can still apply. To do this, you must be recommended by a Catholic partner organization and show that you are willing to participate in respectful interreligious dialogue.
2. Can I apply if my country is not on the list of focus countries?
You can try, but it is very difficult. KAAD works tightly with specific partner committees in focus countries. If you apply from a country that is not on their list, the committee will only look at your application under very rare and exceptional circumstances.
3. What happens if I decide to stay and work in Germany after my studies?
The KAAD scholarship is designed for students who want to bring their skills back home. You are expected to return and work in your home region after graduating. If you choose to stay in Germany permanently instead of returning, KAAD will change your scholarship into a financial loan, and you will have to pay all the money back.
4. What level of German language do I need before I start?
If your university degree is taught in German, you need at least a B1 level of German. If your degree is taught in English, you only need an A2 level to help you participate in KAAD’s required educational events. You are expected to take basic language classes in your home country first, but KAAD can also support you with a full-time language course for up to 6 months in Germany.
5. Can I apply for a Bachelor’s degree under this program?
No. KAAD Scholarship Programme 1 is strictly for postgraduate studies. This means you must already hold an undergraduate university degree. It supports Master’s degrees, PhDs, post-doctoral tracks, and short academic research stays for professionals.
6. How do I submit my application?
You cannot apply directly to the main KAAD office in Germany. Instead, you must contact and submit your application through the local KAAD partner committee in your home country or region. They handle the local selection process.
