German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarship Programme

Call for Applications: 2026 German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarship Programme

The German Bundestag has formally announced the 2026 edition of its International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Program. Applications are open until July 13, 2025, for politically engaged university graduates from sub-Saharan Africa, specifically from the countries of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.

This initiative, which began in 2020 under the patronage of the President of the Bundestag, aims to strengthen democratic participation by offering direct exposure to the inner workings of Germany’s federal parliament. The program is designed for emerging leaders who exhibit social responsibility, a strong interest in democratic processes, and a commitment to driving positive political change in their home countries.

Programme Timeline and Format

The 2026 IPS Program is scheduled to run from January 5 to February 3, 2026, in Berlin. Over these four weeks, up to 24 selected participants will engage in an intensive learning experience focusing on:

• Parliamentary democracy in Germany

• Legislative processes within the Bundestag

• Pluralism, minority protection, and political accountability

• Workshops on anti-corruption, intercultural competence, and project management

At the heart of the program is a week-long internship in the office of a Bundestag member. This component offers firsthand insights into legislative duties, constituency work, and policy formulation.

Additional seminars and discussions will deepen participants’ understanding of civil society’s role in democratic development, as well as the historical and political foundations of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Financial Support

Selected scholars will receive:

• A monthly stipend of €700

• Free accommodation in a shared residential complex

• Fully covered travel expenses to and from Berlin

• Comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold citizenship from one of the participating countries:

  • Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda

• Be under the age of 30 as of January 1, 2026

• Possess a completed university degree

• Demonstrate proficiency in German, with certification of at least B2 level (as per the CEFR)

• Show evidence of active political or social engagement

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted via email to the German Embassy in the applicant’s respective country. Contact details for embassies are available on the official Bundestag scholarship portal.

• All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file named in the format: LastName-FirstName.

• The PDF must not exceed 10 MB. If necessary, divide documents across multiple emails (ZIP files will not be accepted).

Required Documents

1. Completed and signed application form (in German)

2. Language proficiency certificate (not older than 2 years)

3. Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages, in German, signed by hand)

4. Copy of passport or national ID confirming citizenship

5. University degree certificate (original or officially certified copy in English or German)

6. Recommendation letter (in German or English) from a university faculty member or employer, highlighting the applicant’s qualifications for the IPS programme

Important Reminder

The final date for submission is July 13, 2025. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to begin gathering their documents early to ensure compliance with all requirements.

For more information and access to the application form, visit the official page: German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarship Programme