The IFA CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027 are open, offering professionals and volunteers from 40+ countries fully funded placements in Germany or partner countries. Apply Below:
Application Deadline:
- 8 December 2026 at 23:59 CET (Application portal opened on 20 October 2026).
Tell Me About The Program:
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship 2027 is an international professional exchange initiative organized by Germany’s Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. Operating as a professional mobility program rather than an academic university degree, the fellowship connects 50 to 60 civil society professionals and committed volunteers from over 40 countries with host organizations in Germany (and vice versa) for 2 to 3 months. Fellows gain hands-on expertise, build cross-border professional networks, participate in transcultural workshops, and strengthen civil society cooperation.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Fellowships are awarded across five primary thematic areas:
- Policy & Society (Public policy, social participation, community work, civil society initiatives).
- Media & Culture (Journalism, independent media, arts, cultural work).
- Human Rights & Peace (Human rights protection, peacebuilding, conflict resolution).
- Sustainable Development & Climate Justice (Environmental action, sustainability).
- Special Focus 2027 – Democratic Resilience (Countering disinformation, strengthening the rule of law, political participation, inclusive societal engagement).
Type:
Fully Funded Professional Exchange Fellowship & Civil Society Leadership Internship
Who can Apply:
- Age Requirement: Minimum age of 23 years at the time of application.
- Work Experience: Minimum of 2 years of proven professional experience or voluntary work in a civil society organization in your country of origin.
- Language Proficiency: Good command of written and spoken English (English is the primary language of the program; German is optional).
- Availability & Health: Physically and professionally capable of undertaking a prolonged stay abroad (2–3 months) between May and November 2027.
- Exclusions: Enrolled university students are NOT eligible to participate at the time of application or during the fellowship year. Recipients of other similar fellowships during the same funding year are also excluded.
How are Applicants Selected:
- Initial Screening: Completeness review of online application form, CV, and official recommendation letter.
- AI Restriction: Applications must be completed personally without the use of artificial intelligence.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview with the Selection Board between January and April 2027.
- Final Selection: Candidates notified by email in March or April 2027.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories (West Bank only), Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation (living in exile abroad), Serbia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The Philippines, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Where will the Program be Taken:
Host civil society organizations in Germany (or selected CCP partner countries for German participants).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
50 to 60 Fellows selected globally per year.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Monthly Stipend: €650 per month for international fellows (or €1,200/month for German fellows placed abroad).
- Travel: Covered round-trip international airfare to and from the host location.
- Accommodation: Fully covered housing/accommodation costs for the duration of the fellowship.
- Local Transport: Monthly public transportation ticket in the host city.
- Insurance & Visa: Comprehensive health insurance and full reimbursement of visa application fees.
- Professional Development: Participation in a 3-to-4-day transcultural workshop, peer-to-peer networking, mentoring, and lifelong inclusion in the CCP Alumni Network.
How Long Will it Last:
2 to 3 Months (Implemented flexibly between May and November 2027).
How to Apply:
- Visit the official ifa CrossCulture Application Portal and select your specific Country Call.
- Prepare mandatory application materials:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date CV in English detailing education, work experience, volunteering, and skills.
- Letter of Recommendation: Formally issued by a supervisor at your home/current organization using the official [ifa Recommendation Letter Template].
- Passport Photo: Optional.
- Complete the online form manually (do not use AI tools).
- Important: The online system does not allow draft savings; ensure all documents are ready before beginning the application form.
- Submit your form online before the deadline on 8 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.
