Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship for International Students
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is the political foundation affiliated with Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) — one of the country's oldest and largest scholarship foundations. Its International Scholarship Programme supports outstanding Master's and PhD students from abroad pursuing their degrees in Germany. Awards include a €934/month stipend, €100/month study allowance, possible family supplements, and tuition coverage where applicable. Selection emphasises academic excellence alongside engagement in civil society, leadership potential, and an interest in democratic values, free-market economics, the social market economy, or Christian-democratic political thought. Sri Lankan applicants with backgrounds in public policy, law, business, governance, or development studies — and a genuine interest in democratic transition and good governance — are competitive.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)
External Organization-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Monthly Stipend
€934/month + €100 Study Allowance
Tuition
Covered Where Applicable
International Scholars
Around 200 Globally per Year
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Admitted to a German Master's or PhD
You must be enrolled in (or have firm admission to) a Master's or PhD programme at a state-recognised German university. Final-year Bachelor's students applying for a Master's start can also apply.
International Citizen, Demonstrated German Interest
Open to applicants from outside Germany, including Sri Lanka. KAS expects applicants to demonstrate a clear academic and personal interest in Germany — typically evidenced by prior German language study, research focus on German/EU topics, or planned return-and-impact in your home country.
Civic + Political Engagement
Track record of volunteering, leadership, or civic participation is required. Religious affiliation is not a requirement, but applicants should be able to articulate respect for and interest in the Christian-democratic value framework KAS represents.
German Language Proficiency
German at B2 level or above is generally required at start of scholarship. Even English-taught programmes require this — KAS's cohort events, seminars, and networking are largely conducted in German.
account_tree Application Process
Online application + document set
Apply via the KAS scholarship portal (kas.de). Required: detailed CV, motivation letter (your career goals + connection to German/CDU values), study plan, academic transcripts, two references, German language certificate, and proof of admission or application status.
Pre-selection review
KAS staff review applications and shortlist candidates based on academic merit, engagement profile, and demonstrated affinity with the foundation's mission.
Selection seminar
Shortlisted candidates attend a 2-3 day selection seminar in Germany (KAS may sponsor travel) — group discussions, individual interviews, written tasks, and a presentation. International applicants may participate via video.
Award + active scholar role
Awardees join the KAS scholar network. Active participation in seminars, ideational programmes, and the alumni network is expected throughout the scholarship period.
Why KAS?
KAS scholars get more than money — they get integration into a political-foundation network with offices in 80+ countries (including one in Colombo). The Sri Lanka KAS office runs democracy-and-governance programmes and actively engages with alumni. Strong fit for future policy professionals, lawyers, public-sector leaders, and journalists.
1956
Foundation Established
80+
Country Offices Worldwide
Colombo
Active KAS Country Office
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