Apply for the ifa CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027 - a funded 2 - 3 month civil-society placement in Germany or partner countries.
Applications are officially open for the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, CCP awards around 50 to 60 fellowships each year to professionals and volunteers from more than 40 countries. Selected fellows spend two to three months working with a host organisation in Germany or a CCP partner country, then carry the experience back into their home organisations.
The 2027 cycle is offered as an on-site fellowship, with digital participation possible in exceptional cases subject to travel rules and Federal Foreign Office funding. The thematic focus fields are Policy and Society, Media and Culture, Human Rights and Peace, and Sustainable Development and Climate Justice. The dedicated 2027 key topic is Democratic Resilience.
International fellows receive a €650 monthly stipend plus airfare, accommodation, local public transport, health insurance, and visa-fee reimbursement. Fellows applying from Germany receive a €1,200 monthly stipend plus travel, visa fees, and health insurance. Applications close on 8 December 2026.
Quick Facts - ifa CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Convening Organisation | Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), funded by the German Federal Foreign Office |
| Programme | CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027 |
| Host Location & Landmark | Germany & 40+ CCP partner countries · Brandenburg Gate, Berlin 🇩🇪 |
| Places Available | Approximately 50 - 60 professionals and volunteers |
| Duration | 2 - 3 months on-site placement (May - November 2027 window) |
| International Fellow Funding | €650/month + airfare, accommodation, local transport, health insurance, visa fees |
| German Fellow Funding | €1,200/month + travel, visa fees, and health insurance |
| 2027 Key Topic | Democratic Resilience |
| Minimum Age | 23 years at the time of application |
| Experience Required | At least 2 years of professional or volunteer work in a civil-society organisation |
| Language | Solid written and spoken English (German is an advantage) |
| Students | Not eligible |
| Application Window | 20 October 2026 - 8 December 2026 |
| Official Gateway | Official ifa CCP Application Portal |
About the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) & CCP
The Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) is Germany’s oldest organisation for international cultural relations. Through the CrossCulture Programme, ifa strengthens civil-society organisations by placing committed professionals and volunteers in short, intensive host-organisation residencies. Hosts gain regional knowledge, networks, and specialist skills from visiting fellows; fellows return home with new methods, contacts, and intercultural competence that they apply in their own organisations.
CCP is supported by the German Federal Foreign Office. The exact stipend amounts and covered costs remain subject to that annual funding confirmation.
What Fellows Receive
Every selected fellow is matched with a host organisation from the CCP network and supported throughout the stay:
- Host-organisation collaboration: A 2 - 3 month professional placement aligned with your civil-society field.
- Dedicated mentoring for the full duration of the fellowship.
- 3 - 4 day Transcultural Workshop with other CCP fellows.
- Professional development (online or on-site) in your field of work.
- International peer network during the programme and lifelong access to the CCP alumni network.
- Additional specialist event for fellows focusing on the 2027 key topic Democratic Resilience.
Funding for International Fellows (coming to Germany or a partner country)
- Monthly stipend of €650
- Round-trip airfare
- Accommodation
- Monthly public-transport pass in the city of residence
- Health insurance
- Reimbursement of incurred visa fees
Funding for Fellows from Germany
- Monthly stipend of €1,200 (used to cover accommodation and local costs such as transport)
- Reimbursement of return travel expenses
- Visa-fee reimbursement where applicable
- Health insurance
The programme does not cover family members (spouses, partners, or children). ifa does not assume extra costs or responsibilities for accompanying persons. No separate budget is currently available for individual accessibility accommodations or personal support services.
Thematic Fields & 2027 Key Topic
Fellowships are principally awarded to people working in these professional fields:
- Policy and Society
- Media and Culture
- Human Rights and Peace
- Sustainable Development and Climate Justice
- 2027 Key Topic - Democratic Resilience: fellows in this track take part in an additional specialist event.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Age: At least 23 years old at the time of application.
- Experience: At least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil-society organisation in the home country.
- Language: Solid command of written and spoken English (the Transcultural Workshop is held in English). German is preferred but not required.
- Health: Ability to undertake a prolonged stay abroad. Questions can be sent to crossculture@ifa.de.
- Not a student: Enrolled students are excluded. Individuals who will receive another fellowship or comparable funding in the same year are also excluded.
Preferred qualifications
- Long-term social or community commitment
- An existing or planned collaboration with an organisation in the intended host country
- Additional language skills, particularly German
Eligible Countries (2027 Call)
Applications are currently accepted from: Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories (West Bank only), Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia (exile applications only), Serbia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Required Application Documents
- Curriculum vitae in English covering education, work experience, volunteering, and relevant skills
- Letter of recommendation from a supervisor at the applicant’s home organisation, using the official ifa template
- Optional recent photo
ifa asks applicants to complete the form in person and without the use of AI. The portal cannot save drafts, so all files should be ready before you start.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Open the official portal: Visit the ifa CCP application website.
- Select your country call: In the “Call for Applications” section, open the listing that matches your country of application.
- Prepare documents first: Finalise your English CV and the recommendation letter on the official template before you begin the form.
- Complete and submit online: Fill the form in one sitting and upload all files. Incomplete applications, email submissions, and late applications are not considered.
- Wait for confirmation: You will receive an email acknowledging receipt. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview after the deadline. Final selections are expected in March/April 2027. The programme runs from May to November 2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - CCP Fellowships 2027
What is the application deadline?
The 2027 application window runs from 20 October 2026 to 8 December 2026. Late applications are not accepted.
Can university students apply?
No. Students are not eligible. Applicants need at least two years of professional or volunteer experience in a civil-society organisation.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
International fellows receive a €650 monthly stipend plus airfare, housing, local transport, health insurance, and visa-fee reimbursement. German fellows receive a €1,200 monthly stipend plus travel, visa fees, and health insurance. Family members are not covered. Amounts remain subject to Federal Foreign Office funding.
Where do fellows work?
Fellows are placed with a host organisation in Germany or a CCP partner country for two to three months. The 2027 cycle is designed as an on-site fellowship.
What is the 2027 key topic?
Democratic Resilience. Fellows who focus on this theme take part in an additional specialist event organised by CCP.
