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Applications are open for the CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027, run by ifa — Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen. The programme supports professionals and volunteers working in civil society through a two- to three-month placement with a host organisation in Germany or a CCP partner country.
Fellows work alongside their hosts, exchange professional knowledge and take part in training and networking activities. After the fellowship, they bring the experience back to their home organisations.
Organization: ifa — Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
Programme: CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027
Location: Germany or CCP partner countries; digital participation may be possible
Duration: Two to three months
Fellowship period: May to November 2027
Places: Approximately 50 to 60 fellowships annually
Applications open: 20 October 2026
Deadline: 8 December 2026, 23:59 CET
Funding: Monthly stipend and specified travel, insurance and other support; arrangements differ by participant group
About the fellowship
The CCP Fellowships support international cooperation between civil society organisations. Participants develop their professional knowledge and intercultural skills while sharing their own experience, regional knowledge and contacts with their hosts.
The 2027 programme is planned as an on-site fellowship. Depending on personal circumstances and applicable travel rules, participants may also choose digital participation. The programme and funding amounts are subject to financing by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Fields of work
The programme supports people working in:
- Policy and society
- Media and culture
- Human rights and peace
- Sustainable development and climate justice
Democratic resilience is an additional focus for the 2027 cycle.
Who can apply?
- Applicants must be at least 23 years old when applying.
- They must have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their home country.
- They must have a solid command of written and spoken English, the main language of the programme.
- They must be able to undertake a prolonged stay abroad. Questions about this requirement should be directed to the CCP team.
- Applicants must meet the conditions of the relevant country call.
Long-term social or community involvement, an existing or planned partnership with a host-country organisation, and additional language skills are desirable. German-language skills are an advantage, rather than a general requirement.
Students are not eligible. People receiving another form of funding in the same year, such as another fellowship, are also excluded under the published programme rules.
Participating countries
ifa currently lists the following participating countries and territories for this cycle:
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories (West Bank only), Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia (people living in exile outside Russia only), Serbia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Country participation can change between cycles. Check the live application portal for the available country calls and read the conditions attached to your call before applying.
Funding for participants from abroad
ifa lists the following support for fellows from abroad:
- A monthly stipend of €650
- Round-trip airfare
- Accommodation
- A monthly public transport ticket in the fellow’s city of residence
- Health insurance
- Reimbursement of visa fees incurred
Funding for participants from Germany
The published support for fellows from Germany includes:
- A monthly stipend of €1,200, which must cover accommodation and other local costs, including transport
- Round-trip airfare
- Reimbursement of visa fees incurred
- Health insurance
The programme does not fund accompanying partners, spouses or children. ifa also states that no additional budget is available for individual accessibility measures, accommodations or personal support services.
Training and professional support
Fellows receive mentoring during their placement and opportunities for professional development in their field. The programme also includes a three- to four-day transcultural workshop, contact with other fellows and membership of the CCP alumni network.
Required documents
- An up-to-date CV in English, covering education, training, employment, volunteering and other relevant skills.
- A recommendation letter from the applicant’s home organisation or workplace, for example from a supervisor, using the official template.
- A recent photograph, which is optional.
Use the official 2027 recommendation-letter template and have your documents ready before opening the application form.
How to apply
- Open the official CCP application portal using the link below.
- Select the relevant 2027 country call and read its conditions.
- Complete the online form and upload all required documents.
- Review the application and submit it by 8 December 2026 at 23:59 CET.
The system does not allow applicants to save drafts. Incomplete applications, emailed applications and submissions after the deadline will not be considered.
ifa asks applicants to complete their applications personally, without using AI.
Selection and fellowship dates
Applicants receive an email confirming receipt of their documents. After the deadline, shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the selection board.
Selected fellows are expected to be notified in March or April 2027. Individual placements last two to three months within the May–November 2027 programme period. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified by email.
For programme enquiries, contact crossculture@ifa.de.
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