Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship: Your Path to Funding in Germany

You will get a clear, practical view of a fully funded program that supports master’s and Ph.D. students who plan to study and research in Germany.

The funding covers monthly stipends (€850 for master’s; €1,200 for Ph.D.), a health subsidy, family support, and course fee refunds linked to your study progress.

These figures help you plan living costs and focus on research rather than money. The program runs up to two years for master’s and up to three for Ph.D. candidates.

Eligibility hinges on strong grades, B2-level German, and civic engagement tied to democracy and human rights.

Mark your calendar: the domestic online application deadline is July 15 at noon. For step-by-step funding information, see this funding overview to prepare your application and align your profile with program values.

Table of Contents

Start here: What this scholarship is and who it’s for

This program targets international graduates who want to pursue master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral study or a research stay of at least three semesters at a German university.

You should consider this if your degree is recognized and you have above-average results. The program does not support bachelor-level studies. It supports study at universities across disciplines while promoting intercultural dialogue and international networks.

Applicants must show B2-level german language skills and a clear record of voluntary work or civic engagement. Your leadership and values in democracy and human rights strengthen your profile.

Check if your timeline fits: at least three semesters in Germany and active participation in program activities.
Confirm your academic competitiveness and program alignment across universities and fields.
If applying from abroad, verify country-specific procedures via the nearest office and timelines.

«This opportunity elevates promising graduates into impactful scholars connected to Germany’s academic and civic spheres.«

For broader context and examples of similar fully funded opportunities, see this fully funded scholarships in Germany.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship: funding, benefits, and coverage at a glance

Read on for a clear summary of stipend levels, insurance help, family allowances, and refundable course fees.

Monthly stipends support your living costs: you receive €850 per month for master’s/postgraduate students and €1,200 per month for Ph.D. students. These amounts help you plan housing, food, and study materials.

Health, family, and course coverage

A health insurance subsidy is available up to €120 per month to reduce your out-of-pocket costs while studying in Germany.

You may qualify for a family allowance of €276 per month when you and your spouse cohabit for at least three months and the spouse’s income is under €450/month. A children’s allowance of €194 per month can apply with proper documentation.

Refunds and duration

Course refunds: Fees for university courses directly related to your studies may be refunded up to €1,500 per semester (standard enrollment fees are excluded).
Program length: Typical support lasts up to two years for master’s and up to three years for Ph.D.; doctoral candidates can request assistance for research stays abroad.
Practical tip: Prepare translations and proof documents early to secure family allowance and children’s payments on time.

«Plan your month-to-month budget around the stipend, insurance subsidy, and any family benefits to focus on your research and studies.«

These benefits make the stiftung scholarship a strong option for students aiming to study at universities in Germany while keeping financial uncertainty low.

Check your eligibility before you apply

Before you start an application, confirm you meet every core eligibility rule for this funding program.

Academic background and study level

You must hold a completed university degree this program does not support bachelor-level study. Plan to enroll in a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral program that lasts at least three semesters at universities germany.

Language, age, and civic engagement

Confirm B2-level german language proficiency; this is essential for coursework and integration. Be no older than thirty at the time of application. Show sustained volunteer work and a clear attitude towards democracy and human rights.

Important exclusions and notes

Applicants who already hold a doctorate are ineligible. Most specialist training in medicine and dental fields, and many postgraduate research stays in Germany, are excluded.

Medicine or pharmacy: you may apply only after passing the German intermediate exam or an equivalent stage.
Verify your program meets residency and duration rules to remain compliant during funding.
Track updates and prepare a motivation that links your education and civic record to the konrad adenauer stiftung program values.

«Confirming each eligibility point early avoids technical disqualification and strengthens your chance as an applicant.«

For more context on similar fully funded opportunities, see this fully funded opportunities in Germany.

How to apply: choose the right route and follow the steps

Begin by deciding whether you will apply from abroad via a country office or inside Germany through the domestic portal. This choice defines the application process and the documents you must prepare.

Route A apply via a KAS country office from abroad. Focus countries change each year (for example, past cycles included Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and parts of Latin America). Check your kas office website for exact details, deadlines, and interview logistics. Interviews may be online.

Route B apply inside Germany via the domestic online procedure

If you already live or study in Germany, register on the domestic portal and complete the application form online. Do not send paper documents. The domestic deadline is July 15 at 12:00 (noon).

Tips to align your application with program values

Create a timeline and follow a clear step-by-step plan: compile documents, draft tailored statements, and request recommendations early.
Frame examples of civic engagement tied to democracy and human rights to match konrad adenauer stiftung values.
Prepare concise answers for interviews and confirm any special instructions from your kas office to avoid delays.

Practical note: keep a checklist and document every submission step so you remain organized from first inquiry to final application.

Documents required: build a complete, compliant file

Start by compiling core paperwork so your application is technically flawless and easy to review. A clear file helps reviewers focus on your merits, not on missing items.

Core documents for master’s and postgraduate applicants

You will assemble: a tabular CV listing voluntary work, a concise motivation letter, degree certificates with german translation if originals are not in English, and study performance records if you studied in Germany.

Include proof of B2 German and a certificate of admission or matriculation from your university. Upload files in the order the platform requests and keep versions current.

Two informal letters of recommendation: one academic letter from a university professor (not older than two months) and a separate personality-focused letter.
Label files clearly and avoid mixed language documents; provide certified translations where needed.

Additional materials for Ph.D. applicants

Doctoral applicants must add a doctoral thesis exposé (5–10 pages, 12-pt, 1.5 spacing) that states the research question, relevance, theory, methodology, schedule, and bibliography.

You will also obtain a second academic recommendation by your doctoral supervisor and a formal confirmation of supervision, which replaces the personality letter for Ph.D. submissions.

«Prepare and order your documents exactly as requested to avoid disqualification for technical non-compliance.»

For step-by-step application guidance and to apply now, confirm document lists with your local program office before submission.

Deadlines, dates, and your application timeline

Plan backward from the domestic closing date so you meet every requirement with time to spare.

The domestic online procedure closes every year on July 15 at 12:00 (noon). No paper submissions are accepted for this route. For Route A, dates vary by country office; verify exact details on your local kas page.

Key annual deadline and where to verify current dates

Anchor your timeline on the July 15 deadline and register early on the portal. Check the country office site for Route A changes and focus-region notices.

Month-by-month planning for proof, letters, and admission

Month-by-month: schedule tests so german language certificates arrive before submission.
Request recommendation letters early and time them so they are under two months old at submission.
Align university admission or matriculation dates with your application form and allow weeks for translations and verifications.

Step checklist: finalize program, confirm eligibility, gather docs, complete the application form, and run a final compliance audit.

What to expect after submission: selection, interviews, and next steps

After you submit, reviewers focus on academic merit and the clarity of your recommendation letters. The committee shortlists applicants who show strong grades, relevant research plans, and recent recommender feedback.

Academic merit, recommendations, and interview preparation

You will be judged first on academic performance and the persuasiveness of each recommendation. Make sure referees address concrete achievements in a clear letter.

Prepare concise answers about goals, societal impact, and research interests. Expect interviews that test fit with the konrad adenauer stiftung network and program values.

Enrollment, insurance setup, and coordinating with the KAS network

When selected, complete matriculation at your university and arrange German health insurance quickly to unlock the €120 subsidy. Compile documents for any family allowance or children’s allowance at this step.

Keep documents ready; committees may request updates within a short month.
Coordinate with the local office and university to confirm start dates and funding activation.
Map a step-by-step arrival plan for housing, banking, and integration into KAS events.

Practical note: track every step from award notice to campus arrival to reduce friction and focus on your study research and early research milestones.

Your next steps to study and research in Germany with KAS

Set a firm two-month schedule to complete documents, secure letter recommendations, and finish your research plan before submission. ,

Actionable steps: shortlist universities germany that match your study and research goals, confirm B2 german proof, prepare a tabular CV and motivation letter, and obtain admission or matriculation. Manage every letter recommendation precisely: ask a university professor for the academic letter (ensure it is not older two months) and a different author for the personality-focused recommendation.

For Ph.D. applicants, draft a 5–10 page doctoral thesis exposé in german english, get your supervisor’s recommendation, and secure written confirmation of supervision. Choose the right route to apply scholarship contact your kas office abroad or submit the domestic online application by July 15 at noon. Keep a checklist for interviews, enrollment, insurance, and relocation so you start your master or ph.d. on schedule and make the most of the program benefits.

(FAQ) – Everything You Need to Know

What is this scholarship and who is eligible?

This program funds international students and researchers pursuing master’s or doctoral studies in Germany. You should have a strong academic record, clear research or study plans, and demonstrated civic engagement. Applicants may apply from abroad via a country office or from within Germany through the domestic online route. Check specific age and field restrictions before applying.

What funding and benefits are offered at a glance?

Funding typically includes a monthly stipend for master’s and PhD candidates, subsidies for health insurance, and allowances for families or children when eligible. You can also receive refunds for tuition-related course costs directly tied to your studies and support for research stays. Exact amounts and coverage vary by program year and applicant status.

How much is the monthly stipend for master’s and PhD students?

Stipend amounts depend on your study level and whether you receive additional family allowances. Masters and doctoral rates differ; doctoral candidates often receive higher support. Confirm current figures with the national office or on the official website before budgeting.

Is there help with health insurance and family support?

Yes. The program offers a health insurance subsidy and, where applicable, a family allowance and children’s allowance. These benefits aim to reduce your living and care-related expenses while studying in Germany. Eligibility and amounts follow program guidelines.

Are course fees or university costs refundable?

The fund may reimburse certain university course fees or direct study-related costs if they are essential to your program. Keep receipts and approvals; reimbursement typically requires prior authorization and clear relevance to your study or research plan.

How long does the funding last and can I get support for research stays?

Duration depends on your degree: master’s funding usually covers the expected program length, and PhD support is extended to match research timelines. Short-term research stays, conference travel, and project-related visits can be supported if they fit your approved plan.

What academic background and study level qualify you to apply?

You must have completed the requisite prior degree (bachelor for master’s applicants, master’s for doctoral candidates) from a recognized institution. Admission to a German university or a clear plan to enroll is required. Records, transcripts, and diplomas must be submitted in accordance with the application checklist.

Do I need German language skills or an age limit to apply?

Language requirements vary by program and university. Basic German may be required for some courses; many master’s and PhD programs accept English. The fund also considers age limits in some cases, so verify eligibility rules for your cohort before applying.

Are there exclusions for certain professional fields like medicine or pharmacy?

Some professional programs have special rules or exclusions. Medical and pharmacy applicants should check whether their clinical training or professional qualification status affects eligibility. Doctorate holders in specific fields may face different assessment criteria.

What are the two main application routes and how do they differ?

Route A is applying abroad through a national or country office, which usually involves local interviews and country-specific procedures. Route B is the domestic online application used by applicants already in Germany; it relies on the centralized portal and internal committees. Choose the route that matches your current residence and application timeline.

How can you align your application with the foundation’s values and selection criteria?

Emphasize academic excellence, clear civic engagement, leadership potential, and a coherent study or research plan. Tailor personal statements and recommendation letters to reflect your social commitment, political awareness, and long-term goals that resonate with the program’s mission.

What core documents do you need for master’s and postgraduate applications?

Prepare a completed application form, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and diplomas, a motivation letter, study or research plan, two to three recommendation letters, proof of language proficiency, and passport copy. All documents should follow formatting and translation rules set by the office.

What extra materials do PhD applicants need?

Doctoral candidates must submit a doctoral thesis exposé, a preliminary bibliography, and evidence of supervision or a prospective faculty supervisor at a German university. Include any publication list, research methodology, and timelines for completion.

When is the annual deadline and how do you verify current dates?

Deadlines can change yearly. Confirm the key annual cutoff on the official website or with the nearest country office. Some regional offices set earlier local deadlines, so always verify dates specific to your application route.

How should you plan month-by-month for documents and admission?

Start 6–12 months ahead. Reserve time for language tests, securing recommendation letters, university admission procedures, and certified translations. Allow extra weeks for visa processing and insurance arrangements if you’ll travel to Germany.

What happens after you submit your application?

Applications undergo academic review, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates. If selected, you’ll receive an offer outlining funding, conditions, and next steps such as enrollment and insurance setup. Stay in contact with the funding office for coordination and orientation details.

How do recommendations and interviews influence selection?

Strong recommendations that attest to your academic performance, social engagement, and suitability for research work carry weight. Interviews evaluate your motivation, clarity of purpose, and alignment with the program’s values. Prepare examples of leadership, civic activity, and research competence.

What administrative steps follow acceptance enrollment, insurance, and coordination?

After acceptance, you must enroll at the host university, secure health insurance that meets German requirements, and register with the funding office. The office will help coordinate arrival, integration into the network, and any compliance matters.

Where can you get help during application and study in Germany?

Use the country office or domestic contact point for application support. University international offices, the DAAD, and student services provide guidance on visas, housing, and language courses. Prepare to use these resources early in your planning.