Hello friends! Many students cannot go to Germany for studies because of visa problems, family reasons, or other issues. For them, KAAD offers In-Country and Third Country Scholarships.
In this post, we explain these two options in very simple words.
What is In-Country and Third Country Scholarship?
These are special parts of KAAD Programme 1. You don’t have to study in Germany. You can study either:
- In-Country: In your own home country
- Third Country: In another developing country (not Germany and not your home country)
These scholarships are mainly for Master’s degree. They are not available for all countries — only selected countries and universities.
Easy Comparison Table
| Feature | In-Country Scholarship | Third Country Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Where you study | In your own country | In another developing country |
| Best For | Students who cannot travel to Germany | Students who want to study in a better nearby country |
| Main Level | Mostly Master’s | Mostly Master’s |
| Available Countries | Limited (Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Lebanon, Peru, etc.) | Very Limited (e.g. Thailand for Myanmar students, Lebanon/Jordan for some refugees) |
| Funding | Full or partial support | Full or partial support |
| Competition | Usually less than Germany programme | Very limited seats |
Detailed Explanation
1. KAAD In-Country Scholarship
- You study Master’s inside your own country.
- KAAD supports selected universities in specific countries only.
- Currently available in: Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Jordan, Lebanon, Peru, and a few more.
- Good option if you don’t want to leave your family or face visa problems.
Example: A student from Kenya can study Master’s at a university in Nairobi with KAAD support.
2. KAAD Third Country Scholarship
- You study Master’s in another developing country.
- This is for students who cannot study in their own country or in Germany.
- Most common example: Students from Myanmar can study in Thailand (Bangkok).
- Also possible for refugees (e.g., Syrian students studying in Lebanon or Jordan).
This option is not available for most countries like Pakistan, India, Nigeria, etc.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you:
- Are from a developing country (Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America)
- Meet normal KAAD eligibility (Bachelor’s degree + work experience)
- Want to study Master’s
- Cannot or do not want to study in Germany
- Are Catholic/Christian or recommended by a Catholic partner
Benefits of In-Country & Third Country Scholarship
- Tuition fees support
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance (in some cases)
- Books and research support
- Networking and seminars (sometimes online or regional)
Note: The benefits are usually smaller than the full Germany scholarship.
How to Apply?
- Go to kaad.de website.
- Fill the first online questionnaire.
- Mention clearly that you want In-Country or Third Country scholarship.
- Contact your local Catholic partner or diocese.
- Submit all documents before the deadline.
Important: These scholarships have very limited seats. Not all countries can apply.
Who Should Choose These Programmes?
Choose In-Country or Third Country if:
- You have family responsibilities
- You face visa problems for Germany
- You want to stay closer to home
- You prefer studying in your own region
- The quality of your desired course is good in your country or nearby country
Choose Germany Programme (Programme 1) if:
- You want to study in Germany
- You want higher monthly stipend and better facilities
- You are ready to live in Germany for 2+ years
What to Do Next?
- Visit the official website kaad.de
- Check if your country offers In-Country or Third Country option
- Contact your local Catholic diocese or KAAD partner
- Fill the online questionnaire and mention your choice clearly