Hello friends! KAAD has a special scholarship programme for students from Central and Eastern Europe. It is different from the main KAAD scholarship for Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
In this post, we explain everything about the KAAD Eastern Europe Programme in very simple words.
What is KAAD Eastern Europe Programme?
KAAD Eastern Europe Programme is a scholarship offered by the Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) for students and young professionals from Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and sometimes Central Asia.
The main goal is to support Catholic or Christian students from these regions to study in Germany and then return home to help their countries.
Key Information About KAAD Eastern Europe Programme
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Regions | Central & Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia |
| Degree Level | Master’s, PhD, and short research stays |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Main Focus | Catholic/Christian students from the region |
| Programme Type | Separate from Programme 1 and Programme 2 |
| Duration | 1 to 4 years (depending on degree) |
Which Countries Are Eligible?
The Eastern Europe Programme mainly covers these countries:
- Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia
- Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, Bulgaria
- Russia (limited)
- Countries in the Caucasus: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan (limited)
Note: Students from Africa, Asia (like Pakistan, India), Middle East, or Latin America cannot apply under this programme. They should apply under the regular Programme 1.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you:
- Are a citizen of one of the eligible Eastern Europe / Caucasus / Central Asia countries
- Are Catholic or Christian (or recommended by Catholic partner)
- Have completed Bachelor’s (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD)
- Have good academic records
- Have some work or volunteer experience
- Plan to return to your home country after studies
- Are ready to learn German
Benefits of KAAD Eastern Europe Programme
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend (around 850–1200 euros)
- Health insurance
- Travel costs to Germany and back
- German language course
- Participation in seminars and leadership training
- Networking with other students from the region
How to Apply for KAAD Eastern Europe Programme?
The application process is a little different from the main programme:
- Go to the official website kaad.de
- Look for Eastern Europe Programme section
- Fill the online application form
- Contact the Catholic partner or diocese in your country
- Submit all required documents (CV, Motivation Letter, Certificates, Recommendation from Church, etc.)
- Attend the selection interview (can be in your country or online)
Deadlines: Usually two selection rounds — March and September.
Difference Between Eastern Europe Programme and Regular KAAD Programme 1
| Feature | Eastern Europe Programme | Regular Programme 1 (Africa/Asia etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Target Countries | Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia | Africa, Asia, Middle East, Latin America |
| Application Route | Special Eastern Europe team | Local partner committees |
| Competition | Different pool of applicants | Different pool of applicants |
| Focus | Post-communist countries & Church support | Developing countries in Global South |
What to Do Next?
- Visit kaad.de and go to the Eastern Europe section.
- Check if your country is eligible.
- Prepare your documents, especially the Motivation Letter.
- Contact your local Catholic Church or partner organization for help.
- Fill the online application as soon as possible.
Have questions? Write in the comments below. Tell us:
- Which country are you from?
- Are you interested in Master’s or PhD?
We will try to help you.
Good luck, friends! The KAAD Eastern Europe Programme is a wonderful opportunity for students from this region. If you are from an eligible country, prepare well and apply on time.