Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) scholarship program: Comprehensive Guide for Postgraduate Students in Ethiopia

November 30, 2025

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The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) scholarship program remains one of the most respected local funding opportunities for outstanding Ethiopian students pursuing postgraduate studies. Designed to nurture academic excellence, leadership potential, and civic responsibility, this sur-place scholarship provides financial support and professional development opportunities for students studying within Ethiopia. Through its commitment to empowering emerging leaders, the program strengthens democratic values, promotes responsible governance, and contributes to Ethiopia’s broader socio-economic development.

Before proceeding to the full details, the following summary provides a quick overview of what this comprehensive guide covers.

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Summary of the Post

Overview of the KAS sur-place scholarship and its core objectives
Eligibility requirements for Ethiopian postgraduate students
Background on the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and its global mission
Annual application timeline and selection procedures
Types of scholarships available under the KAS Ethiopia/AU office
Scholarship duration and renewal conditions
Expectations and opportunities for KAS scholarship holders
Selection criteria, including GPA, civic engagement, and values alignment
Required application documents for both scholarship categories
Guidance on writing a compelling motivation letter
Step-by-step application instructions

What the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Scholarship Program Offers

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) scholarship program in Ethiopia is a sur-place funding initiative established to support outstanding Ethiopian students who are enrolled in postgraduate programs at Ethiopian universities. The term “sur-place” originates from French, meaning “on site,” and reflects the scholarship’s purpose: to provide financial assistance to students pursuing their studies within their home country.

The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic records and who actively contribute to their communities through meaningful civic engagement. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting KAS’s commitment to inclusive participation in leadership and development.

This merit-based scholarship is awarded once a year, and the application window typically opens in September.

Eligibility Requirements for the KAS Sur-Place Scholarship Program

The KAS scholarship maintains a broad eligibility framework while prioritizing merit, civic commitment, and leadership potential.

General Eligibility Criteria

No age restrictions apply to applicants.
All academic disciplines are welcome.
Applicants must be Ethiopian citizens pursuing studies within Ethiopia.
Applicants must be entering or enrolled in a Master’s program at an Ethiopian university.
Young professionals seeking short-term skill specialization within Ethiopia may also apply through the training grant category.

Who Cannot Apply

The following categories are not supported:

Students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees
Applicants seeking support for PhD studies
Students intending to study abroad
Applicants not aligned with KAS values such as democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, and the social market economy.

The scholarship is exclusively designed to empower postgraduate learners within Ethiopia, promoting local capacity development and community service.

Background of Konrad Adenauer and the Foundation’s Mission

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation was established in 1955 as a publicly funded German political foundation affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Named after the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Konrad Adenauer, the foundation advances democracy, civic education, and international cooperation.

Adenauer himself stood firmly against totalitarianism and played a crucial role in rebuilding Germany after the Second World War. His leadership was rooted in democratic principles, European unity, and a strong transatlantic partnership. Today, the foundation continues to champion these values globally.

KAS Around the World

Present in over 120 countries
Among Germany’s largest political foundations
Operates a vast global alumni network
Conducts international programs, seminars, and policy dialogues
Supports civic education, democratic governance, and socio-political development

KAS Ethiopia officially registered as a Civil Society Organization (CSO) in 2019 and has since been actively involved in promoting democratic values and supporting local leadership.

Annual Application Timeline for the KAS Sur-Place Scholarship

The application cycle follows a consistent yearly schedule:

Application opens: September 1
Application deadline: September 30
Shortlisting, written test, and interviews: November
Final notification: December

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare early and ensure that all documents are compiled accurately before submission.

Types of Scholarships Under the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Scholarship Program

The KAS Ethiopia/AU office offers two main funding categories designed to meet different academic and professional needs.

1. Monthly Academic Scholarship

This scholarship supports students enrolled in Master’s programs at Ethiopian universities. It provides a monthly stipend of 70 Euros, serving as recognition of academic excellence and social involvement rather than a full sponsorship.

2. Training Grant

The training grant is a one-time financial support opportunity for early-career professionals who have completed postgraduate studies. Its primary purpose is to help recipients acquire specialized skills through short-term training programs within Ethiopia.

Applicants must:

Identify the training program in advance
Provide a detailed proposal (2–3 pages) explaining the course, duration, cost, offering institution, and its relevance to their professional development

The training grant does not cover full Master’s or PhD programs, and funding is determined individually for each applicant.

Duration of the Scholarship Program

The monthly academic scholarship is awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on academic performance and program duration.

The training grant funds a training course lasting up to a maximum of one year and is not renewable.

Opportunities and Expectations During the Scholarship Year

Being part of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) scholarship program extends far beyond financial assistance. Scholarship holders benefit from:

Access to KAS workshops, seminars, and conferences
Exposure to international relations, democratic governance, and development issues
Opportunities to participate in dialogues on peace and security in Ethiopia and Africa
Networking with one of the world’s largest alumni communities

Scholars become active members of the KAS community and are encouraged to demonstrate leadership, civic engagement, and academic excellence.

Does the KAS Sur-Place Scholarship Support Overseas Studies?

No. The KAS Ethiopia/AU office supports only those studying or training within Ethiopia. The program does not fund Master’s, PhD, or training programs abroad.

Selection Criteria for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Scholarship Program

The program seeks well-rounded applicants who excel academically and contribute to society.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA of 3.5 in all years of the Bachelor’s program for the monthly academic scholarship
Minimum GPA of 3.5 in Master’s studies or summa cum laude for PhD graduates applying for the training grant

Civic Engagement

KAS places significant emphasis on civic responsibility. Accepted forms of civic engagement include:

Participation in youth associations or community initiatives
Involvement in religious organizations, sports clubs, or university associations
Engagement in professional bodies or local advocacy groups
Contributions to political awareness, multiparty democracy, and human rights initiatives

The foundation prioritizes young leaders who are committed to contributing to their communities.

Additional Notes

Applicants with a GPA of 3.4 may still apply, although competition is strong and civic engagement plays a key role in the final decision.

Students who already receive another scholarship may still join the KAS network, but they will not receive the financial stipend.

How the KAS Selection Process Works

The selection procedure is conducted in two main stages:

Stage 1: Pre-Selection

KAS reviews application documents to assess academic merit, civic involvement, and overall suitability. Only the top applicants are invited to the next stage.

Stage 2: Selection Weekend in Addis Ababa

Shortlisted candidates participate in:

A written examination assessing knowledge of national and global affairs, history, politics, economics, and general awareness
A comprehensive interview lasting approximately 45 minutes before a selection panel

The number of scholarship recipients varies annually. In previous cycles, 20 scholars were selected in 2022 and 15 in 2023.

Focus Areas of the Written Examination

The written test evaluates the candidate’s understanding of:

Ethiopian history and global events
Political systems and democratic governance
Economic concepts and development issues
Literature, science, and general knowledge
The history and political structure of Germany and Europe

Required Application Documents

Only applicants who submit complete and accurate documentation will be considered.

For the Monthly Academic Scholarship

Letter of motivation
Updated CV
Two recommendation letters (academic advisor or employer)
Bachelor’s degree certificate
Bachelor’s transcripts for all years, showing GPA
Master’s transcripts (if already enrolled)

Applicants without their Bachelor’s certificate at the time of application may still apply, but they must submit it before final admission.

For the Training Grant

Letter of motivation
A detailed 2–3-page proposal describing the training program
Updated CV
Two recommendation letters
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and (if applicable) PhD certificates
All academic transcripts with GPA clearly indicated

Incomplete or inaccurate submissions will not be reviewed.

How to Write a Strong Motivation Letter

A compelling motivation letter should:

Clearly convey your academic interests and career goals
Demonstrate your civic engagement and leadership potential
Explain how the scholarship aligns with your long-term ambitions
For training grant applicants, specify the training course and its relevance

Your motivation letter is your primary opportunity to communicate your values, personality, and commitment to public service.

How to Apply for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Scholarship Program

All applications must be submitted via email in one combined PDF document not exceeding 5MB.

Submission method: Email only
Format: One merged PDF file
Language: English
Deadline: September 30, 2023
Email address: scholarships.ethiopia@kas.de

Due to high application volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the selection weekend.

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