FellowshipFully Funded

German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans

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

The German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 invites young, politically and socially committed graduates from several African countries for a four-week intensive program in Berlin. This fully funded scholarship, running from January 4 to February 2, 2027, offers insights into the German parliamentary system and democratic processes, including a one-week placement in a Member of Parliament's office. Participants will receive a stipend, accommodation, covered travel costs, and insurance. Applicants must be under 30, hold a university degree, possess good knowledge of German (B2 level), and be citizens of an eligible African country. Required documents include a current language certificate, a letter of motivation in German, a copy of ID, a university degree certificate, and a letter of recommendation. The application deadline is May 15, 2026. This program is aimed at fostering democratic leadership and engagement among young African leaders.

Provider: German Parliament
Host country: Germany
Deadline: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

Official source Track this application

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 a participating country (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda). Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship/January 1st. Have a university degree. Good knowledge of German (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Interest in politics, social/political engagement.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Fellowship
Deadline: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

Key eligibility criteria

Citizenship of a participating country (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda). Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship/January 1st. Have a university degree. Good knowledge of German (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Interest in politics, social/political engagement.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans (2026)

# German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans ## Overview The German Parliament Scholarship Programme offers a unique opportunity for politically and socially committed young graduates from select African countries to immerse themselves in the German parliamentary system. Hosted in Berlin, Germany, this compact four-week program, operating under the patronage of the President of the Bundestag, aims to educate participants on democratic processes and encourage their active involvement in shaping the democratic future of their home nations. Since its inception in 2020, the program has welcomed young professionals keen on understanding German parliamentary democracy, with the upcoming iteration scheduled from January 4 to February 2, 2027. It serves as a vital platform for fostering international understanding and democratic engagement. ## Benefits Participants in the German Parliament Scholarship Programme are provided with comprehensive financial support, ensuring a focus on their learning and development without financial burden. This fully funded scholarship covers several key aspects: * **Stipend:** Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of 700 Euros to cover personal expenses during their stay. * **Accommodation:** Housing in Berlin is provided free of charge for the entire duration of the program. * **Travel Costs:** The scholarship includes coverage for travel expenses to and from Berlin, making the opportunity accessible to participants from diverse locations. * **Insurance:** The German Bundestag takes care of health, accident, and personal liability insurance for all fellows, ensuring their well-being throughout the program. ## Eligibility The German Parliament Scholarship Programme is designed for a specific cohort of young African graduates who meet stringent criteria. To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must fulfill the following requirements: * **Citizenship:** Applicants must hold citizenship from one of the participating countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. * **Age Limit:** Candidates must be under the age of 30 at the commencement of the scholarship program (as of January 1). * **Educational Background:** A university degree is a mandatory prerequisite for all applicants. * **German Language Proficiency:** A strong command of the German language is essential, requiring at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. * **Political and Social Engagement:** Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in politics and possess a history of social or political engagement, highlighting their commitment to democratic values. ## Required Documents A complete application for the German Parliament Scholarship Programme requires several key documents to be submitted. Ensuring all documents are correctly prepared and certified where necessary is crucial for a successful application: * **Language Certificate:** A recent official language certificate proving German language proficiency at least at level B2. * **Letter of Motivation:** A personal letter of motivation, written in German, with a maximum length of two pages. This letter should be signed by the applicant. * **Copy of Identification:** A clear copy of the applicant's passport or identity card, which serves as proof of citizenship from one of the eligible countries. * **University Degree Certificate:** The original or a certified copy of the university degree certificate. This document must be in English or German. * **Letter of Recommendation:** A letter of recommendation from a professor, teacher, or employer. This letter, which can be in German or English, should assess the applicant's suitability for the IPS program, highlighting their academic capabilities, personal qualities, and political/social engagement. ## How to Apply The application process for the German Parliament Scholarship Programme is conducted online. Prospective candidates must carefully follow the instructions and submit all required documents through the official application portal. It is essential to start the application process well in advance of the deadline to ensure all materials, especially certified copies and letters of recommendation, can be secured and uploaded in time. Applicants should visit the provided official link for the application portal to begin their submission. The process is designed to be streamlined, but attention to detail is paramount to avoid disqualification due to incomplete or incorrectly submitted information. ## Key Dates The German Parliament Scholarship Programme operates within specific timelines, and applicants must adhere strictly to these dates. The application period culminates in a firm deadline, and the program itself has a defined start and end date. * **Application Deadline:** May 15, 2026. All application materials must be submitted by this date. * **Programme Dates:** The scholarship programme is scheduled to run from January 4, 2027, to February 2, 2027. This four-week period in Berlin will encompass all the core activities and learning experiences. Applicants are strongly advised to mark these dates and plan their application strategy accordingly to ensure they do not miss the opportunity. ## Selection Criteria The selection for the German Parliament Scholarship Programme is highly competitive, emphasizing academic excellence, political conviction, and leadership potential. While explicit selection criteria beyond eligibility are not detailed, the requirement for a letter of motivation and a letter of recommendation strongly suggests that the selection committee evaluates candidates based on their demonstrated commitment to democratic values, their understanding of political processes, and their potential to contribute meaningfully to their home countries' democratic development. Proficiency in German is also a critical factor. The program targets individuals who are not only academically capable but also possess the drive and vision to become active agents of change in their respective societies, fostering a network of young, democratically-minded leaders from Africa. ## Tips To maximize your chances of success when applying for the German Parliament Scholarship Programme, consider the following tips: * **Start Early:** Begin gathering all required documents, especially your language certificate and letter of recommendation, well in advance of the May 15 deadline. * **Polish Your Motivation Letter:** Craft a compelling and authentic letter of motivation in German. This is your opportunity to showcase your interest in politics, your social/political engagement, and how this program aligns with your future aspirations. Ensure it adheres to the two-page limit. * **Verify German Proficiency:** Ensure your German language skills meet at least the B2 level and provide a recent, valid certificate to prove it. * **Choose Recommenders Wisely:** Select a professor, teacher, or employer who knows you well and can speak to your suitability for the program, highlighting your political interest and commitment. * **Accuracy and Completeness:** Double-check all submitted documents for accuracy and ensure that your application is complete before submission. Incomplete applications may be disregarded. * **Review Official Sources:** Always refer to the official German Parliament Scholarship website for any updates or additional requirements. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans, please refer to the official sources: * **Opportunity Desk Listing:** [https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/04/14/german-parliament-scholarship-programme-2026/](https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/04/14/german-parliament-scholarship-programme-2026/) * **German Bundestag (Official Programme Page):** [https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046](https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046) * **Application Portal:** [https://bewerbung.ipsdigital.bundestag.de/](https://bewerbung.ipsdigital.bundestag.de/) Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the information on these pages to ensure full compliance with all application requirements and to gain a deeper understanding of the program's objectives and expected outcomes.

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

German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans eligibility

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

Citizenship of a participating country (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda). Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship/January 1st. Have a university degree. Good knowledge of German (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Interest in politics, social/political engagement.

German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans 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 Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans 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-246376 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 a participating country (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda). Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship/January 1st. Have a university degree. Good knowledge of German (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Interest in politics, 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: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake
Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Editorial verification note

AI returned past date "May 15, 2026". The deadline is clearly stated as May 15, 2026.

Last checked 5/18/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans?+

Citizenship of a participating country (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda). Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship/January 1st. Have a university degree. Good knowledge of German (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Interest in politics, social/political engagement.

What funding does the German Parliament Scholarship Programme 2026 for Young Africans offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. 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: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. 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-246376 to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Citizenship of a participating country (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda). Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship/January 1st. Have a university degree. Good knowledge of German (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Interest in politics, social/political engagement.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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