The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) International Scholarship Program 2026 supports talented international students and researchers who want to build their academic future at a German university. It is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and is aimed primarily at students and doctoral candidates from non-EU countries which makes it a strong fit for many African applicants.
What sets this award apart is that it is more than money. Alongside a monthly stipend, scholars join an interdisciplinary seminar program, get personal mentoring, and become part of active university groups and a wider international scholar network. KAS supports study toward a Bachelor’s (from the second semester onward), a Master’s, a postgraduate program, or a doctorate, as well as research stays of at least four semesters.
For an African student aiming to study in Germany, this is a chance not only to fund your education but to plug into a community and an alumni network (ASeV) that lasts well beyond graduation while strengthening lasting ties between your home country and Germany.
Education from Germany will open doors of opportunities you can never imagine.
Scholarship benefits
- Up to €992 per month for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or postgraduate students, with a standard funding duration of two years.
- Up to €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates (who must be fully admitted to a doctoral program at a German university), with a standard duration of three years.
- Health insurance subsidy of up to €120 per month, available on request.
- Family allowance of €276 if your spouse lives in Germany for more than three months.
- Child allowance of €250 per child, with proper documentation.
- Research travel grants abroad (excluding conference visits), on request.
- Partial reimbursement of university tuition fees up to €750 per semester in exceptional cases.
- Diverse seminar program on political, economic, and cultural topics with experts and fellow scholars.
- Personal mentoring and academic advising tailored to your circumstances.
- Membership in local university groups and the Network of International Scholars (NIS) for practical and social support.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You are an international student or doctoral candidate. The program is primarily aimed at applicants from non-EU countries.
✔ You plan to pursue a Bachelor’s (from the second semester onward), Master’s, postgraduate program, or doctorate at a German university, or a research stay of at least four semesters.
✔ Doctoral applicants must be fully admitted to a doctoral program at a German university.
✔ You have completed secondary school and university studies with good to excellent grades and show curiosity beyond your own field.
✔ You identify with KAS values, can reflect critically on social and political topics, and respect differing perspectives.
✔ You volunteer regularly, in politics, social work, church, or culture, and believe in democracy and human rights.
✔ You take initiative and want to contribute actively to the non-financial program and your local university group.
- ✔ You are open-minded, goal-oriented, and committed to your academic and personal development.
Application tips for African students
- Confirm your German university admission early. Doctoral candidates in particular must be fully admitted before applying, so secure your offer or supervisor confirmation in good time.
- Plan any required language tests. Whether your program is taught in German or English, book IELTS/TOEFL or German-language exams months in advance so results are ready before the July deadline.
- Get your transcripts and certificates certified and, where needed, officially translated into German or English. This often takes longer than expected from African institutions.
- Make your community involvement concrete. KAS weighs social responsibility heavily, so document your volunteering and leadership with specifics, dates, and references rather than vague claims.
- Write a focused statement that connects your goals, your engagement with democratic values, and how you intend to strengthen ties between your home country and Germany after your studies.
- Line up strong recommenders early: academic and community referees who can speak to both your performance and your character.
- Prepare for visa and proof-of-funds requirements in parallel, and submit your KAS Campus Portal application well before July 15, 2026 to avoid last-minute upload problems.
How to apply
The program supports committed international students and doctoral candidates aiming for a Bachelor’s (from the second semester), Master’s, or doctorate at a German university. If you are applying through the domestic selection procedure and not via one of the international offices. Submit your application through the KAS Campus Portal and upload all required documents there. Check the details and start your application on the official page: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung International Talent Development.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the KAS International Scholarship?
It is primarily aimed at international students and doctoral candidates from non-EU countries who want to study or conduct research at a German university, and who show academic excellence and social responsibility.
What levels of study does it cover?
It supports Bachelor’s (from the second semester onward), Master’s, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, as well as research stays of at least four semesters.
How much funding will I receive?
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and postgraduate students can receive up to €992 per month for a standard two years, while doctoral candidates can receive up to €1,400 per month for a standard three years. Additional allowances for health insurance, family, children, research travel, and partial tuition reimbursement are available on request.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Tuition is not generally covered. KAS may partially reimburse university tuition fees up to €750 per semester only in exceptional cases.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is July 15, 2026.
How do I submit my application?
If you apply through the domestic selection procedure rather than via an international office, you submit your application and upload all required documents through the KAS Campus Portal. See the official page for full instructions.