Purpose/Activities

The KAAD aims to contribute to the cooperation of the German Catholic Church with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and East Europe and to continue the dialogue between the great world religions. It does so by supporting scientists active in the Church, but also other non-Christian academics.

In its member assembly the heads of the large Catholic relief organisations cooperate with representatives from the various dioceses and the university chaplains. A president heads the service and the Academic Committee on which internationally prominent university teachers serve. On behalf of the German Bish-ops' Conference, the KAAD helps foreign students in Germany with any ques-tions and problems they may have.

The KAAD organises a care and educational programme for the students on KAAD scholarships, both during their stay in Germany and after their return to their countries (as a follow-up). In this it collaborates with approx. 52 partner committees and 25 alumni associations.

The KAAD runs three scholarship programmes:

Programme 1

(trans-national programme) works with partners, i.e. representatives of the re-spective scholar's home church and university, in those countries which invite post-graduate students and young scientists, who have already worked in their professions, to do post-graduate studies or research in Germany.

Programme 2

subsidises students from developing countries who are far advanced in their studies in Germany. The Catholic Student Parishes are entitled to suggest candi-dates.

Programme 3

(East-European programme) organises mostly shorter stays in Germany for studies or research, again in co-operation with local partner commissions.