More than just education: How to study and conduct research in Germany with KAAD's support

Representatives of Germany's Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) outlined opportunities for master's and PhD studies, research and academic visits in Germany during a meeting at Yerevan State University. Students and young researchers learned about the scholarship programs, eligibility requirements and application procedures.

The partnership between YSU and KAAD is creating new opportunities to strengthen international academic ties, exchange expertise and carry out joint education and research projects.

KAAD is about more than education

During the meeting, Markus Leimbach, Head of KAAD's Central, Southeastern and Eastern Europe Department, presented the organization's mission, main areas of activity and selection criteria. He explained that KAAD was founded in 1955 at the initiative of the Catholic Church in Germany and formally established as an organization in 1958.

"Since 1958, KAAD has had around 11,000 scholarship recipients, and each year we welcome approximately 450 new students and researchers studying at more than 60 universities across Germany," Leimbach said.

Emphasizing that KAAD's mission extends beyond providing specialized academic education, Leimbach added: "We expect applicants to look at education beyond the boundaries of their own professional fields. We support areas such as peacebuilding, human rights, climate change, healthcare and the preservation of cultural identity."

Who can apply?

Armenian citizens are also eligible to apply for KAAD scholarships. The programs are primarily intended for Catholic applicants and members of other Christian denominations who are not yet studying in Germany.

Applicants of other religions may also apply if they are nominated by Catholic partners with a documented commitment to interreligious dialogue.

Applicants already studying in Germany must follow a separate application procedure through their local Catholic university community.

Types of scholarship support

KAAD provides support for the following types of study and research:

Master's programs: Graduates with a bachelor's degree who wish to pursue a master's degree in Germany (up to 24 months).
PhD programs: Young researchers seeking to defend their PhD dissertations in Germany (up to 36 months).

Research stays for PhD candidates: Young researchers working toward a PhD or habilitation in their home country who wish to undertake a period of research in Germany (up to 12 months).
Postgraduate research: Graduates planning a research stay or further studies in Germany, including advanced professional training for medical doctors.
Research stays for university lecturers: University lecturers wishing to conduct research in Germany (up to 6 months).
Study visits for master's students: Students enrolled in master's programs who wish to collect materials at German universities (up to 6 months).

At the end of the meeting, participants posed questions to Leimbach, who provided detailed explanations of the application procedures.

Further information about the scholarship programs, eligibility requirements and application procedures is available on the official KAAD website.