The doctoral scholarship of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS, a German political foundation that also funds gifted students) supports doctoral candidates with above-average academic qualifications. This guide sets out the monthly amounts the foundation states, the funding period and the application deadlines that its guidelines set for 2026/27.
Short answer: According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation (BMFTR rates, October 2026), the doctoral scholarship includes a basic amount of up to 1,750 euros per month plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros as a rule. The standard funding period is three years. The guidelines set application deadlines of 15 January and 15 July, each at 12:00 CET. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- A basic amount of up to 1,750 euros per month, plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros as a rule (Heinrich Böll Foundation, BMFTR rates, October 2026).
- Family supplement: 155 euros per month if you have custody of at least one child in your household (guidelines no. 8.4, September 2025).
- Funding period: three years as a rule, four years with a child in the household. An extension of up to six months is possible in justified cases (guidelines no. 5.2).
- Application deadlines: 15 January and 15 July, each at 12:00 CET. The selection meeting takes place about four months later (guidelines no. 3.2 and 4.1).
- Degree: the degree that qualifies you for a doctorate may be at most five years old at the deadline, with exceptions (guidelines no. 1.1).
What does the foundation pay each month?
The BMFTR rates (October 2026) set a basic amount of up to 1,750 euros. The research cost allowance is given as 100 euros as a rule. The family supplement follows the guidelines, which set an amount of 155 euros. According to the website, a spouse’s income is not counted.
The table separates the BMFTR rates from the figures in the guidelines, because they are updated at different times. For the application itself, the guidelines are the binding text, so confirm any doubt with the foundation.
| Funding component | Amount per month | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic amount | up to 1,750 euros | October 2026 | Heinrich Böll Foundation, BMFTR rates |
| Research cost allowance | as a rule 100 euros | October 2026 | Heinrich Böll Foundation, BMFTR rates |
| Family supplement with custody of at least one child in the household | 155 euros | September 2025 | Guidelines no. 8.4 |
| Child allowance (first child 155 euros, each further child 50 euros) | depends on the number of children | September 2025 | Guidelines no. 8.5 |
A simple calculation shows the scale. Assumption: you have custody of one child in the household and receive only the family supplement. With a basic amount of 1,750 euros, that gives 1,750 + 100 + 155 = 2,005 euros per month. Whether a child allowance is paid on top depends on guidelines no. 8.5 and should be checked case by case.
How long is a KAS doctoral scholarship paid?
The guidelines set a standard funding period of three years. With a child in the household it is four years. Because of illness, disability or care, the funding can be extended by up to one further year. A justified extension of up to six months is also possible. The COVID-related extension applied only until 30 June 2024.
| Situation | Standard funding period | Possible extension |
|---|---|---|
| Standard case | 3 years | up to 6 months in justified cases |
| Child in the household | 4 years | up to 6 months in justified cases |
| Illness, disability or care | as above | up to 1 further year |
When do you have to apply?
The guidelines (September 2025) name two fixed deadlines a year. The website describes the timetable in more general terms, so compare both sources before you submit. The selection meeting follows about four months after each deadline.
| Application deadline | Selection meeting (approx.) | Relevance for you |
|---|---|---|
| 15 January 2027, 12:00 CET | May 2027 | Next deadline on the current timetable |
| 15 July 2027, 12:00 CET | November 2027 | Second deadline in 2027 |
According to the website, payment usually starts no later than three months after the selection process ends. Plan your start date so that this gap fits your finances.
How recent must the degree be, and which grades count?
The qualifying degree may be at most five years old on the deadline. Exceptions apply, among others, for pregnancy, child-rearing, a long serious illness or caring for a relative with at least care level 3 (guidelines no. 1.1). The guidelines name no specific grade. They require above-average academic qualifications, documented by study and examination results (no. 2).
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply again after receiving a scholarship?
Yes, if more than twelve months remain until your project is completed after the scholarship starts. Your earlier funding period is then counted. A new application therefore does not replace the months you have already received.
Is my partner’s income taken into account?
According to the website, a spouse’s income is not taken into account. For other living arrangements or support questions, ask the foundation directly.
Is there an age limit?
The guidelines name no fixed age limit. Instead, the time elapsed since your degree counts, as set out in no. 1.1. The date of your degree matters more than your age.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Then the next deadline applies to you, and the selection timetable moves accordingly. Plan from the start for 15 January or 15 July, and leave a few days of margin before 12:00 CET.
What to do now
- Check whether your degree falls within the five-year window, and write down the date.
- Compare the deadlines on the KAS website with the guidelines before you submit.
- Plan your application for 15 January 2027 or 15 July 2027, and submit in good time.
- Note whether you have custody of children, because that determines the family supplement.
- If the funding period or an extension is unclear, ask the foundation directly.
Related reading
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Scholarships for students: types, providers, requirements
- Health Insurance for PhD Students in Germany
- Promotionsstipendium der Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
- Stipendium im Studium finden (in German)
Sources: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Doctoral funding (in German, English page, retrieved October 2026); Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Guidelines for doctoral and artistic scholarships (in German, status: September 2025); Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship amounts of the German scholarship foundations (BMFTR rates, in German, October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
