Driven, well-connected, and globally minded, our students and doctoral candidates serve as bridges between Germany and their home countries. At the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a political foundation rooted in Christian democratic values, we are dedicated to nurturing democracy, upholding the rule of law, implementing social and market-economic structures, and advocating for human rights across Europe and around the world. Not only that but with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarships in Germany for international students, you are just a step closer to your dream. And, of course, the scholarship opportunities do exactly what scholarships are known for – help you study for free.
Guided by these fundamental principles, Konrad Adenauer grants scholarships to international master’s students and graduates, empowering them to pursue their studies and research at German universities. Through these initiatives, we actively foster intercultural dialogues, facilitate the formation of international networks, and contribute to the internationalization of universities and scientific communities.
Upon completing your studies in Germany, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung even encourages its past scholarship recipients to actively engage in strengthening their home country’s relations with the Federal Republic of Germany.
Which Foreign Student Qualifies for Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarships in Germany?
Konrad Scholarship Program for International Students is for international students or graduates with a university degree. The program is designed for those who aspire to pursue postgraduate or master’s studies, doctoral studies, or engage in a research stay of at least four semesters at a German university.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have a university degree, as our support does not extend to bachelor studies.
- Proof of above-average academic performance.
- Exhibit a good command of the German language at a B2 level.
- Actively participate in voluntary work.
- Plan to study for a minimum of four semesters at a university in Germany.
- Display a well-rounded education and a keen interest in political matters.
- Embrace a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights.
- Show openness towards personal growth, the development of individual perspectives, and practice tolerance.
- Exhibit high motivation and the ability to convincingly articulate their life goals.
Additional eligibility requirements:
- For students in Medicine or Pharmacy, applications can only be submitted after completing the intermediate exam in Germany or reaching an equivalent stage in their studies.
- Specialist training in Human or Dental Medicine, as well as postgraduate research, stays in Germany, are not eligible for support through our scholarship program.
International students who have already obtained a doctorate are not eligible to apply for Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarship in Germany.
Benefits Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarships in Germany
This scholarship program offers a range of valuable benefits to support students in their academic pursuits. These benefits include financial assistance, personalized guidance, an extensive seminar program, and access to the global KAS-network.
1. Financial support for various studies
This scholarship provides financial support for different types of studies. Master’s or postgraduate students who successfully apply for our scholarship receive a monthly stipend of €861 for a standard funding period of two years.
2. monthly stipend
For PhD students who have gained unconditional admission to a German university, there is a monthly stipend of €1,200 for a standard funding period of 3 years. This scholarship also sponsors research stays in Germany for a minimum of 3 semesters.
3. Healthcare subsidy
There are several subsidies to support you. When you request, you get a subsidy for health care insurance of up to €120 per month. There is also a family allowance of €276 for international students who live with their spouse in Germany for a minimum of 3 months, provided that their spouse’s income does not exceed €450 per month.
4. Children’s allowance
There is also children allowance of €194 per month for scholars who have children living with them in Germany. To be eligible for the children’s allowance, scholars must submit an official German translation of their child’s birth certificate and provide official documentation of the rejection of their request for public child allowance.
This scholarship program offers PhD international students the opportunity to apply for financial assistance for research stays abroad. However, there is no funding for participation in congresses or symposia.
How to Apply for Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarships in Germany for international students
There are two methods of applications available:
1. Focus on Countries or Regions
Specific focus countries or regions are selected every year for the selection procedures. For example, in 2021, the focus countries were Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and Latin America.
Interviews are conducted online. If you reside in the country specified on the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarship website, you can submit your written application directly to the relevant KAS office. Applicants from countries not listed in the focus regions for 2021 are ineligible for the international selection procedure.
2. Domestic Selection Program
If you are currently living or studying in Germany, you are eligible to apply for a scholarship through the domestic selection program. The application process is online, complete the application form on the website and upload all the required application documents. The application period for the domestic procedure closes on July 15th at noon each year.
Required Documents for the Application
If you are applying for an MA Scholarship, please ensure that you download and complete the application application form. Kindly attach the following documents:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular format, including details about your previous voluntary work or social commitments.
- Motivation letter.
- Copies of your examination certificates, translated into German if the originals are not in English.
- Copies of your academic transcripts if you have been studying at a university in Germany.
- Proof of German language proficiency at the B2 level.
- Informal academic letter of recommendation. This letter should provide information about your academic qualifications and potential. It should not be more than two months old. The author must be a university professor or a teacher with a doctoral degree.
- Informal letter of recommendation regarding your personality. This letter should focus on your character, interests, values, and social commitment. The author of this letter cannot be the same person providing the academic recommendation.
- Detailed description of your doctoral thesis. This exposé should be written in either German or English and be 5-10 pages long. Use a font size of 12 and 1.5 line spacing. The description should outline the central research question of your proposed project, highlight its scientific relevance, explain your theoretical approach, and provide the motives behind your choice of the research subject. Include a work and schedule as well as a bibliography.
- Second academic letter of recommendation. This letter should be written by the supervisor of your doctoral thesis, assuming you already have one. It replaces the letter of recommendation regarding your personality.
- Confirmation of supervision. Please include a confirmation stating that you have a doctor-father or doctor-mother who will supervise your doctoral studies.
Network and Seminars
The recipients of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarships in Germany for international students also gain significant advantages from a comprehensive ideational support program. They are integrated into a vibrant and engaged network. This program rests on 3 core foundations:
- Personal connections and mentoring.
- Extensive seminar offerings – with a remarkable annual count of over 180 activities – catering to approximately 3,000 international students in Germany.
- Regional and local initiatives are organized by diverse network of over 140 university groups.
1. Mentoring by Konrad Adenauer staff and university representatives
Our dedicated staff members and university representatives provide personalized supervision and guidance to our scholars. They closely monitor your academic progress, engagement in seminar programs, and involvement in university group activities. We place significant emphasis on nurturing your social commitment and aim to assist you in identifying and enhancing your strengths.
2. Diverse seminar program
Exclusively designed for our scholars, our seminars serve the purpose of broadening their general knowledge. These seminars foster an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and insights among scholars and renowned experts. The topics covered span historical, political, economic, and social issues at national, European, and international levels. We offer training and coaching seminars to enhance our scholars’ soft skills and facilitate their transition from academic life to the professional realm.
3. Participation in a local university group
Our local university groups, known as “Hochschulgruppen,” are independently managed by our scholars and representatives from our foundation, referred to as “Vertrauensdozenten.” Each semester, these groups curate a diverse program of activities for their members.
That’s all on the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarships in Germany for international students. Go ahead and complete the application procedure early before the closure. If the application is not yet open, set a reminder on your mobile device to stay alert.
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