Deadline: 10 December 2025
Description
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship 2026, organized by ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, offers professionals and committed volunteers from around the world a unique opportunity to strengthen their engagement in civil society. The program aims to enhance intercultural dialogue and promote cross-border cooperation by facilitating a professional exchange between Germany and countries of the Global South and Eastern Europe.
Fellows will spend two to three months working in host organizations in Germany or abroad, gaining hands-on experience in their field and developing new perspectives through cultural immersion. In 2026, the program also emphasizes two key focus areas: Culture of Remembrance and Democratic Resilience, reflecting current global needs for collective memory and democratic renewal.
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 23 years old and demonstrate a minimum of two years of professional or volunteer experience in civil society. They should possess strong English communication skills and be in good health to undertake an extended stay abroad. Candidates must also be nationals or long-term residents of one of the eligible countries, which include nations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.
Applications from registered students are not eligible. However, applicants with long-term social engagement, existing collaborations with host organizations, or proficiency in the German language will have an advantage.
Benefits
Selected fellows receive comprehensive support, including:
- A monthly stipend of €650 for international fellows or €1,200 for German participants.
- Round-trip airfare, accommodation, public transport ticket, and health insurance.
- Visa fee reimbursement and mentorship throughout the fellowship.
- Access to professional development workshops, the Transcultural Workshop, and ifa’s CCP Alumni Network.
The fellowship can be completed on-site in Germany or digitally for those unable to travel due to personal or global circumstances.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online form available on ifa’s application portal and upload all required documents. The submission package must include a detailed CV in English, a completed recommendation letter from the applicant’s current organization (using the official template), and other relevant materials.
The application period runs from 15 October to 10 December 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the German Embassy or consulate in their respective countries. Final results will be announced by March or April 2026, and the program will run from May to November 2026.
Contact Information
For inquiries, applicants may contact the CCP project team at crossculture@ifa.de
