FellowshipFully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance) Verified active Closed 21 days ago

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

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates is open to African students applying to study in Germany at the Fellowship level, with fully-funded (700 euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance) funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Fellowship · applicants for Germany
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.

What the fully-funded (700 euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance) award covers

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

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.

What the Fully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance) German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Return airfare

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

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.

Documents required for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

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

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046 and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "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 …". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many German Bundestag awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Aim to have the full draft complete by 30 Mar 2026. Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by 29 May 2026 (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours before the 29 May 2026 deadline. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, German Bundestag will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

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). Dates assume a smooth, single-attempt timeline — start earlier where you can.

12 months out
3 Jun 2025
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
30 Nov 2025
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
28 Feb 2026
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
29 Apr 2026
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
29 May 2026
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

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

Visit official site

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?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Fellowship level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by German Bundestag, and be able to relocate to Germany for the duration of the programme.

Is the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2027 for young African Graduates fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully-funded (700 Euros/month, accommodation, travel, insurance). Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is 29 May 2026. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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