CrossCulture Programme Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded

Scholarship Details

Applications are open for the 2027 CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships, an international opportunity for civil society professionals and volunteers to gain professional experience through placements with host organisations in Germany and participating partner countries.

Organised by the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), the programme supports people working to promote human rights, democracy, cultural exchange, peacebuilding and sustainable development.

The fellowship lasts between two and three months and provides eligible international participants with a monthly stipend of €650, return airfare, accommodation, health insurance, local transportation and reimbursement of visa fees.

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The programme is particularly focused on Democratic Resilience in 2027.

About the CrossCulture Programme

The CrossCulture Programme is an international exchange initiative that connects civil society professionals and volunteers from different countries. It aims to strengthen civil society organisations through knowledge exchange, professional development and international cooperation.

Each year, approximately 50–60 fellows from more than 40 countries participate in the programme.

Successful applicants spend two to three months working with a host organisation in Germany or a participating CCP partner country. They gain practical experience, learn from other professionals and develop skills that they can apply in their home organisations.

The programme is not an academic scholarship or a conventional student exchange. It is designed for people who already have professional or volunteer experience in civil society.

2027 Focus Areas

The 2027 edition places particular emphasis on Democratic Resilience, including democratic participation, institutional accountability, public engagement, human rights and social cohesion.

The programme also supports professionals working in four major fields:

• Policy and Society: Public policy, civic participation, social development and community engagement.
• Media and Culture: Media, communication, cultural exchange and the role of culture in society.
• Human Rights and Peace: Human rights advocacy, peacebuilding, dialogue and related civil society activities.
• Sustainable Development and Climate Justice: Sustainable development initiatives and climate justice.

Applicants should check their country-specific call to confirm the available opportunities and thematic priorities.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Eligible participants travelling from abroad receive:

• Monthly stipend: €650 throughout the fellowship.
• Return airfare: Round-trip flight to the fellowship destination.
• Accommodation: Accommodation during the fellowship.
• Local transportation: A monthly public transportation ticket in the fellow’s city of residence.
• Health insurance: Insurance coverage during the programme.
• Visa support: Reimbursement of visa fees incurred.

Participants also benefit from:

• A professional placement with a host organisation.
• Mentoring throughout the fellowship.
• Professional development opportunities, online or in person.
• A three- to four-day transcultural workshop.
• Networking with other fellows.
• Membership of the CCP alumni network.

The funding is subject to support from the German Federal Foreign Office.

The programme does not cover additional costs or responsibilities for accompanying family members, including spouses, partners and children. It also does not provide a separate budget for accessibility measures, accommodation-related support or personal assistance services.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the CrossCulture Programme Fellowship 2027, applicants must:

• Be at least 23 years old at the time of application.
• Have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their home country.
• Have a good command of written and spoken English.
• Be able to undertake an extended stay abroad.
• Demonstrate commitment to civil society work and the programme’s objectives.

The following qualities are also desirable:

• Long-term commitment to social or community development.
• Existing or planned cooperation with an organisation in the host country.
• Additional language skills, particularly German.

Who Cannot Apply?

The programme specifically excludes:

• Students.
• Individuals receiving another form of funding in the same year, such as another fellowship.

Applicants should carefully check these restrictions before applying.

Eligible Countries

The programme works with participants from more than 40 countries. However, the participating countries may change from one year to another because they are agreed upon by ifa and the German Federal Foreign Office.

Applicants must select their relevant country-specific call through the official application portal.

Important for Nigerian applicants: The 2027 announcement does not provide a complete list of participating countries. Therefore, Nigerian eligibility should be confirmed through the current country-specific application call before proceeding.

Fellowship Duration and Location

• Programme: CrossCulture Programme Fellowships 2027.
• Organiser: Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa).
• Duration: Two to three months.
• Location: Germany or participating CCP partner countries.
• Format: Primarily in person.
• Digital participation: May be possible depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations.
• Annual participants: Approximately 50–60 fellows from more than 40 countries.

During the placement, fellows collaborate with host organisations, exchange professional knowledge and develop approaches that can be applied to their work at home.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official CCP application portal.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official application portal.
2. Select the country-specific call relevant to your country.
3. Read the application instructions and confirm your eligibility.
4. Prepare the required information and supporting documents.
5. Complete the online application form and upload the requested documents.
6. Review your information and submit the completed application before the deadline.

Important application instructions:

• The application system does not allow applicants to save drafts. Prepare everything before starting.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
• Late applications will not be considered.
• Applicants are required to complete their applications themselves without using AI.

The announcement does not provide a complete universal list of required documents. Applicants should consult the relevant country-specific call for the exact document requirements.

What Happens After Selection?

Successful applicants undertake their professional placements with host organisations for two to three months.

During this period, they receive mentoring, participate in professional development activities, attend the transcultural workshop and connect with other fellows.

After the fellowship, participants are expected to integrate the experience and knowledge gained into their existing work and home organisations.

Information for Host Organisations

The programme also welcomes organisations interested in hosting international fellows.

Host organisations benefit from working with professionals who bring different experiences, expertise, regional knowledge and networks.

ifa supports host organisations by:

• Planning and covering fellows’ travel and accommodation costs, including flights and insurance.
• Providing a monthly scholarship for fellows during the cooperation period.
• Offering organisational support.
• Supporting transcultural training, peer-to-peer learning and networking activities.

Interested organisations can contact the CrossCulture Programme team to learn about becoming a host organisation.

Application Deadline

The application period for the CrossCulture Programme Fellowships 2027 runs from October 20, 2026, to December 8, 2026.

Applicants should submit their complete applications online before the deadline.

Conclusion

The CrossCulture Programme Fellowship 2027 offers experienced civil society professionals and volunteers an opportunity to strengthen their expertise, gain international experience and develop professional relationships across countries.

With a €650 monthly stipend and support for airfare, accommodation, local transportation, health insurance and visa fees, it is a valuable opportunity for eligible applicants working in human rights, policy, media, peacebuilding, culture, sustainable development and climate justice.

If you meet the requirements, check whether your country is participating and submit your application before December 8, 2026.

Application Links

Online application portal: https://applications-ccp.ifa.de/

Official programme information: https://www.ifa.de/en/funding/crossculture-programme/

Official organisation: https://www.ifa.de/