The Adveniat-KAAD Scholarship Program

Our scholarship program is aimed at committed Catholics from Latin America and the Caribbean who want to take on responsibility in the Church and society, both now and in the future.

We support people who want to make a difference with their knowledge and commitment:

• Lay people who are involved in church or church-related organizations
• Priests, nuns, and monks who want to deepen their academic or pastoral training
• Women—including those with family responsibilities, applicants from socially marginalized minorities, and first-time university students are particularly encouraged to apply
• (Prospective) professionals, especially in the fields of development management, communication, governance, human rights, international cooperation, sociology, political science, philosophy, or sustainable environmental management

Important requirements for an application:

Applications can only be submitted in conjunction with a church or church-affiliated organization – for example, a diocese, religious order, or NGO where you are ideally employed.

Parishes, church schools, and military dioceses are not eligible to apply.

Please also note:

• Applications from lay people who are applying with a civil society organization affiliated with the church also require a Visto Bueno from a church representative.
• You should not be older than 40 years of age at the start of your studies (exceptions are possible).
• You should preferably have at least three years of professional experience, preferably with the organization submitting the application.
• Master's or doctoral studies that have already begun cannot be funded. The application must be submitted in good time before the start of studies.

We support study projects that combine personal development with church and social engagement—in all academic disciplines.

Our funding covers:

• Postgraduate studies (master's, doctorate, licentiate)
• Research stays (1 to 12 months)
• Full-time and digital-hybrid study formats
• Study locations in South, Central, and North America, the Caribbean, and Europe

Please note:

• Studies in Latin America or Germany take precedence over other countries.
• The funding supplements your own funds – your own contribution should be as high as possible.
• Each organization or diocese can receive a maximum of two scholarships at the same time.

Special conditions for priests in Rome

Additional conditions apply to scholarship applications for priests in Rome:

• A letter from the responsible bishop or superior is required, explaining the strategic importance of the studies for the diocese or congregation and providing information on the future role after completion.
• A contribution from the sending diocese or congregation is mandatory.

We would be happy to provide you with all the details in person.

We welcome applicants who wish to make a lasting contribution to the church and society in their home country through their studies.

 If this appeals to you, please check whether the following applies to you:

• You have a clear vision: your studies build on your previous education in a meaningful way and are in line with your commitment.
• You are highly motivated both professionally and personally and can convincingly present your motivations in your cover letter.
• Your academic performance to date is above average and clearly demonstrates your academic aptitude.
• You are socially active, e.g., in church organizations or NGOs (e.g., in the areas of environment, human rights, education).
• A church or church-related organization supports and accompanies your project—there is a clear fit between your goals and the needs of this organization.

With an Adveniat-KAAD scholarship, you will become part of a strong international community. We will support you—professionally, personally, and spiritually.

You will benefit from:

• Financial support (living expenses, travel, and tuition fees, if applicable)
• Personal support from our program team and your church organization
• Participation in exclusive events, both digital and in person
• Access to an international network of scholarship holders and alumni
• Opportunities for exchange in international KAAD specialist groups such as Justicia y Paz, Ecología Integral, Salud Global

Who can apply?
If you are Catholic, come from Latin America or the Caribbean, and are involved in the Church or society, you can apply. The program is aimed at lay people, priests, nuns, monks, and professionals who want to take on responsibility.
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Can I apply on my own?
No. The application must always be submitted together with a church or church-affiliated organization—for example, a diocese, religious community, or NGO. This organization will accompany you and is the official co-applicant.
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I work for an NGO that is affiliated with the church but not directly part of it. Is that possible?
Yes, that is possible. In this case, you will also need a so-called "Visto Bueno" – approval from a church representative who supports your project.
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How old can I be to apply?
You should not be older than 40 at the start of your studies. In well-justified exceptional cases, this limit may be exceeded.
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What can be funded?
We fund master's programs, doctoral projects, licentiates, and research stays (between 1 and 12 months). Studies can take place in Latin America, the Caribbean, North, Central, and South America, or Europe – including in digital or hybrid formats.
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I have already started my studies. Can I still apply for funding?
Unfortunately, no. Master's or doctoral studies that have already begun cannot be funded. The application must be submitted before the start of studies.
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Which subjects are preferred?
Preference is given to subjects related to the church, society, and sustainable development – e.g., development management, human rights, communication, philosophy, sociology, political science, international cooperation, or environmental management.
In principle, however, all fields of study are possible if they are relevant to the church and society.
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How much financial support is available?
That depends on the respective study project. As a rule, living expenses, travel and study costs are covered in part or in full. However, a personal contribution is required and expected.
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Are there special regulations for priests who wish to study in Rome?
Yes. Studies in Latin America take priority. For Rome, the bishop or superior of the religious order must confirm in writing that the studies are strategically important for the diocese or congregation. In addition, a contribution from the sending diocese is required.
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How does the application process work?
First, you speak with your church or church-affiliated organization. Together, you submit the application. After review, you may be invited for an interview. If everything is in order, you will receive confirmation and can begin preparing for your studies.
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What happens after your studies?
After completing your studies, you will bring your knowledge and new skills back to your church or social work in your home country. In this way, you will strengthen local structures and make a lasting contribution to your community.
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What is special about the Adveniat–KAAD program?
In addition to financial support, you will become part of a vibrant international network. You will benefit from support, exchange, joint events, and lifelong contacts with other committed Christians from Latin America and the Caribbean.
 

Which organizations can submit applications? Church-affiliated organizations, dioceses, religious
orders, or NGOs with ties to the church are eligible to apply. Parish communities, church schools, and military dioceses are not eligible to apply.
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What exactly does "co-applying organization" mean?
The organization submits the application together with the applicant. It is a partner in the selection process and supports the person during their studies – professionally, spiritually, and organizationally.
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What responsibilities do we have as an organization?
You support the applicant in submitting the application, confirm the professional and church relevance of the project, and support the person throughout the entire funding period. After completion, you should help to ensure that the knowledge acquired is fed back into your structures.
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How many applications can we submit at the same time?
Each organization, diocese, or congregation can apply for a maximum of two scholarships for postgraduate studies (master's, doctorate, licentiate) at the same time.
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Can we also support applications for lay people?
Yes, definitely! For lay people who apply through a church-affiliated civil society organization, an additional church "Visto Bueno" is required to ensure the connection to the church.
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Do we have to contribute financially?
Yes, as a rule, a personal contribution is expected. The scholarship is a supplement to the organization's or applicant's own funds. Travel expenses and part of the living costs should be covered or co-financed by the organization if possible.
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What applies specifically to applications for priests in Rome?
In this case, a letter from the bishop or superior is required, describing the significance of the studies for the diocese or congregation. A contribution from the sending organization is a prerequisite. In addition, studies in Latin America are preferred.
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How can we ensure that the studies are relevant to us?
Make sure that the planned studies fit in with the strategic goals of your organization – e.g., a future field of activity or an area in which you need skilled workers. This will allow your organization to benefit from the scholarship holder's new knowledge in the long term.
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How does communication with Adveniat and KAAD work?
After submitting your application, you will remain in contact with the program team. You will receive information on the status of the application process and accompany your applicant throughout the funding period. Even after completion, you can become part of the alumni network.
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What are the long-term benefits for our organization?
You are investing in the training of committed specialists who, after completing their studies, will bring their knowledge and values back to your organization. You will also benefit from the exchange within the international KAAD network, which promotes cooperation, projects, and further training.