FellowshipFully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance) Verified active

German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 invites young graduates from selected African countries to Berlin for a fully-funded parliamentary program. Participants will gain firsthand experience of the German parliamentary system, with a focus on democratic processes and civil society engagement. The program includes a one-week placement with a Member of the German Bundestag, workshops, and a monthly stipend, accommodation, and travel costs covered.

Provider: German Bundestag
Host country: Germany
Deadline: 29 May 2026
Region: Africa, Europe

Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Citizenship of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. Under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship (January 1st). University degree required. Good knowledge of German (at least B2 level). Interest in politics and social/political engagement.
Funding: Fully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance)
Study level: Fellowship
Deadline: 29 May 2026

Key eligibility criteria

Citizenship of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. Under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship (January 1st). University degree required. Good knowledge of German (at least B2 level). Interest in politics and social/political engagement.

Recorded funding information

Fully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance)

About the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates (2026)

## German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for Young African Graduates ### Overview The German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) program offers a unique opportunity for politically and socially engaged young graduates from specific African countries to experience the German parliamentary system firsthand. Under the patronage of the President of the Bundestag, this fully-funded program aims to educate up to 24 fellows on parliamentary democracy and political decision-making processes in Germany. The program also focuses on encouraging participants to actively contribute to shaping the democratic future of their home countries. The initiative, established in 2020, underscores Germany's commitment to fostering democratic values and civil society engagement globally. The next program is scheduled to run for a compact four-week period, providing an intensive and immersive learning experience. ### Benefits Participants in the IPS Africa program receive comprehensive financial support, making it a fully-funded scholarship opportunity. Accepted scholars will be granted a monthly stipend of 700 Euros to cover living expenses during their stay in Berlin. In addition to the stipend, the German Bundestag will provide accommodation free of charge for the entire duration of the program. All travel costs associated with round-trip transportation to and from Berlin are also covered, ensuring accessibility for international participants. Furthermore, the scholarship includes essential insurance coverage, specifically health, accident, and personal liability insurance, offering peace of mind to the fellows throughout their participation in the program. ### Eligibility To be considered for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027, applicants must meet specific criteria. Candidates must hold citizenship from one of the participating countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. A crucial age requirement stipulates that applicants must be under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship program, which is January 1st. Furthermore, all applicants are required to possess a university degree. A strong command of the German language is essential, demonstrated by at least a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Finally, prospective fellows must exhibit a genuine interest in politics and demonstrate active social or political engagement. ### Required Documents A complete application for the German Bundestag IPS program requires the submission of several key documents. Applicants must provide a recent language certificate as proof of their German language proficiency (at least B2 level). A letter of motivation, written in German and personally signed by the applicant, is mandatory and should not exceed two pages. A copy of a passport or identity card is required to confirm citizenship of one of the eligible participating countries. Furthermore, a university degree certificate is necessary, either in its original form or as a certified copy in English or German. Lastly, a letter of recommendation, which can be in German or English, from a professor, teacher, or employer, is crucial. This letter should assess the applicant's suitability and potential for the IPS program. ### How to Apply All applications for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 must be submitted exclusively through the digital application platform, IPS digital. It is critical to note that applications submitted via email will no longer be accepted. A significant requirement is that the entire application, including all submitted documents where specified, must be in German. The online application form must be completed within the designated application period. Applicants should ensure all required documents, such as the language certificate, motivation letter, copy of identification, university degree certificate, and letter of recommendation, are prepared in advance to facilitate a smooth submission process on the digital platform. ### Key Dates The application window for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 opens on April 1st, 2026. Prospective applicants will have just under two months to prepare and submit their applications, as the deadline for submission is May 29th, 2026. It is imperative that all applications are completed and submitted through the online form by this closing date. The scholarship program itself is scheduled to take place from January 4th, 2027, until February 2nd, 2027. Applicants should mark these dates carefully to ensure timely submission and awareness of the program's duration. ### Selection Criteria The selection process for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships involves several stages to ensure the most suitable candidates are chosen. Following the initial application submission, qualified applicants will be invited to an interview. These interviews will be conducted at a German diplomatic mission in the applicant's home country. An independent selection committee, appointed by the German Bundestag, will be responsible for evaluating the candidates. The committee will assess applicants based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including their professional qualifications, social engagement, linguistic abilities (particularly German proficiency), and intercultural skills. This thorough evaluation aims to identify individuals who are not only academically strong but also possess the dedication and potential to contribute to democratic development. ### Tips To enhance your application for the German Bundestag IPS program, consider these essential tips. Firstly, given the strict requirement for applications to be in German, ensure your German language skills are at least B2 level and that all documents submitted in German are grammatically correct and fluent. Pay particular attention to your letter of motivation; it should clearly articulate your political interests, social engagement, and how you envision contributing to democracy in your home country. Start preparing your application well in advance of the April 1st, 2026 opening date, especially gathering your university degree certificate and securing a strong letter of recommendation. For citizens of Namibia and South Africa, explore the global five-month IPS program as an alternative or additional option, but be aware you can only participate in one of the programs. Finally, remember to submit your application exclusively via the IPS digital platform before the May 29th, 2026 deadline. ### Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027, please refer to the official webpage: [https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046](https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046). This official source provides comprehensive details on the program, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and contact information for further inquiries. Please note that for citizens of Namibia and South Africa interested in the global IPS program, additional information can be found at [https://www.bundestag.de/ips_global](https://www.bundestag.de/ips_global). For any direct queries, you can reach out via email to ips-afrika@bundestag.de. Always consult the official website to ensure you have the latest information before applying.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance)

German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Citizenship of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. Under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship (January 1st). University degree required. Good knowledge of German (at least B2 level). Interest in politics and social/political engagement.

German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046 to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Citizenship of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. Under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship (January 1st). University degree required. Good knowledge of German (at least B2 level). Interest in politics and social/political engagement.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: 29 May 2026. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (29 May 2026). Earlier dates are approximate planning suggestions, not provider milestones or requirements. No cutoff time or time zone is added.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
3 Jun 2025
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
30 Nov 2025
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
28 Feb 2026
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
29 Apr 2026
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
29 May 2026
Provider deadline information: 29 May 2026. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

The scholarship is for the 2027 program run, but the application deadline is in 2026.

Last checked 5/18/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates?+

Citizenship of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. Under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship (January 1st). University degree required. Good knowledge of German (at least B2 level). Interest in politics and social/political engagement.

What funding does the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates offer?+

Listed funding: Fully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance). Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: 29 May 2026. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046 to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Citizenship of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. Under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship (January 1st). University degree required. Good knowledge of German (at least B2 level). Interest in politics and social/political engagement.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: 29 May 2026. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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