Catholic Students Exchange Association - Catholic Students Exchange Association Scholarship

What the KAAD Eastern Europe Programme gives you

You will receive a monthly living allowance to support your studies or research in Germany. You will also take part in the KAAD educational programme, which offers seminars, conferences and a network of scholarship holders. The exact amount is determined on a case-by-case basis by the KAAD and is not published in advance. In special cases, tuition fees for a fee-paying Master’s programme may also be covered, and you can apply for a German language course as well. The funding lasts for up to 36 months, depending on what you are doing:

• up to 24 months for a Master’s degree programme;
• up to 36 months for a PhD in Germany;
• up to 12 months for a research placement as part of a PhD programme in the home country;
• up to 6 months for short-term study or research stays.

KAAD is the scholarship organisation of the Catholic Church in Germany.

Who can apply

• Where you come from: You come from a country in Central, Eastern or South-Eastern Europe, the Caucasus or Central Asia (for example, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Georgia, Armenia or Kazakhstan). Please refer to the KAAD list of countries.
• Not yet in Germany: You are not yet studying in Germany. The scholarship will cover the cost of your move there.
• Level: You hold at least a bachelor’s degree and would like to undertake a master’s programme, a PhD, a research placement or further training in Germany.
• Field of study: All disciplines except Theology. For Theology, please apply to Renovabis instead.
• Religion: You belong to the Catholic Church or another Christian denomination. Members of other religions may be eligible for support if they are nominated by a Catholic partner and are willing to take part in interfaith dialogue.
• Grades: Your results are above average.
• Plan to return: You intend to return to your home region after completing your studies and work there. Should you not return, the grant will become a loan that you will be required to repay.
• Engagement: You are involved in the Church and wider society, or are open to interfaith dialogue.
• German: You must have a command of German at Level B1 or, for English-taught degree programmes, at least at Level A2. You are expected to take preparatory German courses whilst at home.

How to apply

First, complete the online questionnaire on the KAAD website. You can do this at any time of the year. If you progress to the second stage, KAAD will send you the full application pack. The deadlines for this phase are 15 January (decisions in March) and 30 June (decisions in September).

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very restrictive. You must come from a specific group of countries, belong to the Catholic Church or another Christian denomination, be proficient in German, and undertake to return to your home country afterwards. As a result, the pool of applicants is smaller than for open scholarships. If you clearly meet these requirements, can demonstrate good academic performance and show evidence of involvement in church or social work, your chances are good. It is advantageous to apply early via a KAAD partner committee in your country.