A four-week programme in Berlin. A placement in the office of a Member of the German Bundestag. Workshops on anti-corruption, intercultural dialogue, and project management. And a scholarship designed for young African graduates who want to play an active role in shaping the democratic future of their countries.
The German Bundestag invites politically and socially committed young graduates from nine sub-Saharan African countries to Berlin for this compact but intensive scholarship programme — now in its sixth year under the patronage of the President of the Bundestag.
What Is This Programme?
Up to 24 fellows from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda spend four weeks in Berlin learning first-hand about the German parliamentary system and political decision-making processes. The core of the experience is a one-week placement in the office of a Member of the German Bundestag — shadowing an MP and their staff in their daily work.
Programme Content
🏛️ One-week placement in the office of a Member of the German Bundestag
🗳️ Compact introduction to parliamentary democracy and the functioning of the Bundestag
🌍 Topics including pluralist society, protection of minorities, and culture of remembrance as a political task
🔍 Anti-corruption workshop and intercultural training
🤝 Project management workshop to help participants develop their own project ideas for promoting democracy and civil society in their home countries
Scholarship Details
💶 Stipend: €700 for the duration of the programme
🏠 Free accommodation provided
✈️ Travel costs to and from Berlin fully covered
🛡️ Health, accident, and personal liability insurance covered by the German Bundestag
Eligibility
🔹 Citizenship of one of the participating countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda
🔹 Under 30 years of age at the start of the programme (1 January 2027)
🔹 Holds a university degree
🔹 Good knowledge of German — at least B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
🔹 Genuine interest in politics and social/political engagement
Required Application Documents
📜 Recent language certificate (German B2 or above)
✍️ Letter of motivation — in German, maximum two pages, personally signed
🪪 Copy of passport or identity card as proof of citizenship of a participating country
🎓 University degree certificate — original or certified copy in English or German
📋 Letter of recommendation — in German or English, from a professor, teacher, or employer, assessing the applicant's suitability for the programme
Programme Details
📅 Programme Dates: 04 January 2027 – 02 February 2027
📍 Location: Berlin, Germany
👥 Number of Fellows: Up to 24
🗣️ Working language: German
Deadline
⏰ As soon as possible!
Apply & More Information
🌐 Official application portal: https://bewerbung.ipsdigital.bundestag.de
