FellowshipFully Funded

KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students

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

The German Bundestag invites young graduates from West, East, and Southern African countries for a four-week parliamentary scholarship program in Berlin, offering first-hand experience of the German parliamentary system.

Provider: German Bundestag
Host country: Germany
Deadline: Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle)

Official source Track this application

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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: Applicants must be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. They must be under 30 years old at the start of the fellowship (January 2027), hold a university degree, and have good knowledge of German (minimum B2 level). They should also demonstrate political interest and social/political engagement.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Fellowship
Deadline: Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle)

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. They must be under 30 years old at the start of the fellowship (January 2027), hold a university degree, and have good knowledge of German (minimum B2 level). They should also demonstrate political interest and social/political engagement.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students (2026)

## KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students ### Overview The KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) is a prestigious four-week fellowship program hosted by the German Bundestag in Berlin. This program annually invites young graduates from selected West, East, and Southern African countries to gain firsthand experience of the German parliamentary system. Participants will have the unique opportunity to shadow Members of Parliament, engage in various workshops focusing on democracy, civil society, and intercultural exchange, and immerse themselves in the German political landscape. The fellowship aims to foster a deeper understanding of democratic processes and parliamentary work while promoting international and intercultural dialogue. ### Benefits The KAS Germany IPS program is fully funded and offers comprehensive support to its fellows. The benefits include: * **Monthly Stipend:** Fellows receive a monthly stipend of €700 to cover personal expenses during their stay in Berlin. * **Accommodation:** Free accommodation is provided for the entire duration of the fellowship. * **Travel Costs:** All travel expenses to and from Berlin are covered by the program. * **Insurance:** Health, accident, and personal liability insurance are provided to ensure the well-being and safety of the fellows. * **Program Activities:** Participants will benefit from a placement in a Member of Parliament's office, providing practical insights into parliamentary work. Additionally, they will attend workshops focused on crucial topics such as democracy, anti-corruption strategies, and project management, enhancing their skills and knowledge in these areas. ### Eligibility To be considered for the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships, applicants must meet specific criteria: * **Citizenship:** Applicants must be citizens of one of the following countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. * **Age:** Candidates must be under 30 years old at the commencement of the fellowship program (January 2027). * **Education:** A university degree is a mandatory requirement for all applicants. * **Language Proficiency:** Applicants must demonstrate good knowledge of German, with a minimum B2 level proficiency, evidenced by a certificate not older than two years. * **Political Interest and Engagement:** Prospective fellows should exhibit a strong interest in politics and demonstrate active social or political engagement. ### Required Documents Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents, all in German, to the German diplomatic mission in their home country. The application package should include: * **Application Form:** A fully completed application form. * **Passport Photo:** A passport-sized photo, to be inserted on the first page of the application form. * **German Language Proficiency Proof:** Certification of good German language skills (minimum B2 level), issued within the last two years. * **Letter of Motivation:** A compelling letter of motivation in German, with a handwritten signature, not exceeding two pages, outlining the applicant's interest in the program and their relevant experiences. * **Copy of Passport/ID:** A clear copy of the applicant's passport or national identification document. * **Degree Certificate:** The university degree certificate, either in original or as an officially certified copy, in English or German. The original or certified copy must be presented if selected for an interview. * **Letter of Recommendation:** A current letter of recommendation in German or English from a university lecturer or employer, assessing the applicant's professional qualifications for the program. ### How to Apply Applying for the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships involves several steps, primarily through the German diplomatic mission in the applicant's home country: 1. **Prepare Documents:** Gather all the required documents as listed above, ensuring they are in German and properly scanned. 2. **Complete Application Form:** Fill out the application form and attach your passport photo. 3. **Submit Application:** Send the complete application package to the German diplomatic mission in your country of citizenship by the application deadline. 4. **IPS Digital Platform:** While the initial submission goes to the diplomatic mission, applications are also submitted via the IPS Digital platform (in German), indicating that there might be a dual submission process or a stage where the diplomatic mission forwards applications to this platform after initial screening. ### Key Dates * **Application Deadline:** The deadline for submitting applications is **May 15, 2026**. Please note that the existing metadata indicates May 6, 2026, but the page content explicitly states May 15, 2026. Applicants should adhere to the later date as stated in the body content. * **Fellowship Period:** The fellowship itself will run for four weeks, from **January 4 to February 2, 2027**. * **Age Calculation:** Applicants must be under 30 years old at the start of the fellowship in January 2027. ### Selection Criteria The selection process for the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships is rigorous and multifactorial, aiming to identify highly motivated and qualified candidates. Key criteria include: * **Academic Background:** The applicant's university degree and overall academic achievements are assessed. * **Motivation:** The letter of motivation plays a crucial role in demonstrating the applicant's genuine interest in the program, their understanding of its objectives, and their aspirations. * **Language Proficiency:** A strong command of the German language (minimum B2 level) is essential for effective participation and integration. * **Engagement:** Evidence of political interest and social/political engagement within their home country or community is highly valued. This demonstrates a commitment to democratic values and civic participation. * **Interviews:** Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews conducted at German diplomatic missions, allowing for a personal assessment of their suitability for the program. ### Tips To maximize your chances of success when applying for the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships, consider the following tips: * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure all documents are gathered, translated (if necessary, though most must be in German), and certified correctly. * **German Language:** Focus on improving your German language skills to at least a B2 level and obtain a recent certificate to prove your proficiency. * **Tailor Motivation Letter:** Craft a compelling letter of motivation that clearly articulates your political interests, your understanding of democratic processes, and how this fellowship aligns with your career goals and previous engagement. * **Highlight Engagement:** Provide concrete examples of your social and political involvement, demonstrating your commitment beyond academic pursuits. * **Professional Recommendation:** Choose a recommender who knows your abilities well and can speak to your academic qualifications and professional aptitude for such a program. * **Proofread Thoroughly:** Ensure all your documents are free of grammatical errors and typos, as attention to detail reflects professionalism. ### Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships, please refer to the official webpage: * **Award Webpage:** [https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046](https://www.bundestag.de/en/europe/international/exchange/ips/africa-651046)

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

KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students eligibility

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

Applicants must be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. They must be under 30 years old at the start of the fellowship (January 2027), hold a university degree, and have good knowledge of German (minimum B2 level). They should also demonstrate political interest and social/political engagement.

KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students 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 KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students 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.kas.de/en/web/scholarship/ips 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: Applicants must be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. They must be under 30 years old at the start of the fellowship (January 2027), hold a university degree, and have good knowledge of German (minimum B2 level). They should also demonstrate political interest 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: Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle). 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
Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle)
Provider deadline information: Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle). 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 "15 May 2026". The deadline is explicitly stated as May 15, 2026, which is in the future relative to the current date.

Last checked 5/18/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students?+

Applicants must be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. They must be under 30 years old at the start of the fellowship (January 2027), hold a university degree, and have good knowledge of German (minimum B2 level). They should also demonstrate political interest and social/political engagement.

What funding does the KAS Germany International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) 2026 for West, East & Southern African Students 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: Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle). 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.kas.de/en/web/scholarship/ips to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda. They must be under 30 years old at the start of the fellowship (January 2027), hold a university degree, and have good knowledge of German (minimum B2 level). They should also demonstrate political interest and social/political engagement.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Expected May 15, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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