Under the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) programme, the German Bundestag offers approximately 120 politically and socially active young university graduates from up to 50 countries worldwide the chance to learn about Germany’s parliamentary system in-depth each year.
Application Deadline:
- 31 July 2026 (country‑specific deadlines apply; check with your local German Embassy).
Tell Me About the Scholarship Programme:
The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) is a five‑month programme hosted by the German Bundestag in cooperation with Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‑Universität zu Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin. It offers around 120 young graduates from up to 50 countries the opportunity to gain deep insight into Germany’s parliamentary system, democratic processes, and political culture.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Open to graduates in any field of study, provided they demonstrate:
- Strong interest in politics and social issues.
- Evidence of social or political engagement.
Type:
- International Exchange Scholarship | German Bundestag | Berlin, Germany
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of a participating country (e.g., Nigeria, South Africa, USA, Canada, Egypt, Morocco, etc.).
- Be under 30 years of age at the start of the scholarship.
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree (proof of graduation can be submitted by 31 December 2026 in justified cases).
- Have very good German language skills (minimum B2 level).
- Show evidence of social/political commitment.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection process:
- Pre‑selection by the German Embassy in the applicant’s home country.
- Personal interview (July–December 2026).
- Final selection by the German Bundestag committee based on linguistic, professional, social, and intercultural skills.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- 50 participating countries worldwide, including Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Morocco, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, New Zealand, North Macedonia, the Palestinian Territories, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine, the USA and Uzbekistan.
Where is the scholarship taken?
- Berlin, Germany – placements in Bundestag members’ offices, plus enrolment at Humboldt‑Universität zu Berlin.
How Many Scholarships?
- Around 120 scholarships awarded annually.
What is the benefit of the scholarship programme?
- €700 monthly allowance.
- Free accommodation.
- Travel costs to and from Berlin.
- Health, accident, and liability insurance.
- Enrolment at Humboldt‑Universität zu Berlin (up to two courses).
- Three‑month placement in a Bundestag member’s office (drafting speeches, preparing meetings, attending committees, and constituency visits).
How Long Will the Scholarship Last?
- Five months (March – July 2027).
Required Documents:
- Completed application form (in German).
- Proof of German language proficiency (B2 minimum).
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages, in German).
- University degree certificate (original or certified copy in German/English).
- Two recent letters of recommendation (German/English).
- Copy of passport or national ID card.
- Application photo (JPEG or similar format).
How to Apply:
- Prepare all required documents in PDF format (max. 10 MB).
- Email your application to the German Embassy in your home country (contact addresses available online).
- Deadline: 31 July 2026.
- Preselection and interviews held July–December 2026.
- Final selection by Bundestag committee.
