2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Whether you're an engineer from Ukraine, a German studies student from Brazil, or a mathematician from Iran – we support talented individuals who aspire to study or conduct research in Germany. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, we offer scholarships to international students and PhD candidates who plan to begin or continue their studies at a German university. We also support research stays of at least four semesters. Our scholars benefit not just from financial support, but also from: A strong international network, a diverse and engaging seminar program, and personalized mentoring and academic guidance. Doctoral students may also join one of our specialized research colleges, currently focusing on:

• Social Market Economy
• Security and Development in the 21st Century
• Democracies in Europe – Transformations Since 1990

Through this program, we aim to strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and human rights worldwide. That’s why we’re looking for individuals who are not only academically accomplished, but also socially engaged and passionate about making a difference. Today, over 3,000 international alumni of the KAS scholarship program are part of our global network.

The regional selection interviews for 2026 will take place in cooperation with the KAS foreign offices in Buenos Aires (for applicants from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay; further information available at KAS Buenos Aires) as well as the KAS in Nairobi (for applicants from Kenya, Uganda/South Sudan, Tanzania, and Ethiopia in May 2026; further information to follow).

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJuly 15, 2026
• ValueFully Funded
• Study LevelMasters , PhD
• SponsorKonrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

As scholarship holders of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, you benefit from our individual support, an interdisciplinary seminar program, and an active university group life. In addition, our financial support enables you to focus on your educational goals.

Non-financial support

• Diverse Seminar Program
  • Our seminars explore key political, economic, and cultural developments. You’ll engage with experts, ask meaningful questions, and connect with fellow scholars from around the world.
• Personal Mentoring
  • We support your academic and personal journey. Our advisors are here to help you clarify your goals, explore new opportunities, and navigate student life in Germany – always with your unique circumstances in mind.
• University Groups
  • Enjoy theater visits, group discussions, and new friendships – all part of our local university groups. Each group is guided by a trusted faculty advisor who offers academic support. After your scholarship ends, you can stay connected through our alumni association (ASeV).
• Network of International Scholars (NIS)
  • The NIS is your platform for exchanging ideas, asking practical questions, and receiving support from peers. It covers topics such as settling into life at a German university, navigating administrative processes, finding volunteer opportunities, and building social connections. In addition to practical support, the NIS also provides a space to explore global issues from international and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Financial Support

• For Bachelor's, Master's, or Postgraduate programs, recipients can receive up to €992 per month in scholarship funding. The standard duration of support is two years.
• For doctoral candidates, the scholarship provides up to €1,400 per month. Applicants must be fully admitted to a doctoral program at a German university. The standard funding duration for doctoral studies is three years.

Additional allowances are available upon request. These include a health insurance subsidy of up to €120 per month, a family allowance of €276 if your spouse resides in Germany for more than three months, and a child allowance of €250 per child with proper documentation. Scholars may also apply for research travel grants abroad (excluding conference visits), as well as a partial reimbursement of university tuition fees—up to €750 per semester in exceptional cases.

Please note: We do not cover fees related to enrollment, re-registration, or exmatriculation (e.g., semester ticket, student union fees).

Requirements

We are looking for young, driven individuals who demonstrate both academic excellence and social responsibility. You should be actively engaged in your community and committed to democratic values. We especially welcome applicants who:

• Have strong academic performance
  You’ve completed your secondary school and university studies with good to excellent grades and show curiosity beyond your own field.
• Identify with our values
  You are inspired by the values and ideas of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. You can reflect critically on social and political topics, and you respect differing perspectives.
• Volunteer regularly
  You’re actively involved in your community – whether in politics, social work, church, or culture – and believe in the importance of democracy and human rights.
• Take initiative
  You want to contribute to our non-financial support program and play an active role in your local university group. After your studies, you aim to promote lasting ties between your home country and Germany.
• Show potential and motivation
  You’re open-minded, goal-oriented, and committed to your academic and personal development.

For full application details and eligibility criteria, check the “Apply Now” section on our website.

Mandatory Requirements:

• German language proficiency: Minimum B2 level, demonstrated for example by a Goethe-Institut certificate.
• Master’s applicants: Must intend to enroll in a four-semester MA program at a German university.
• Bachelor’s applicants: Must have successfully completed at least two semesters of a BA program at a German university.

Please do not submit inquiries or applications unless you meet all of the above requirements.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• If you are applying through our domestic selection procedure – and not via our international offices – please submit your application via the Campus KAS Portal and upload all required documents there. Further details about the necessary documents are provided in German on the linked page.
• Click here to apply! The application process will continue in German.

For more information, kindly visit KAS scholarship webpage.