The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) is a fully funded program by the German Bundestag that enables up to 120 politically and socially engaged young university graduates from around 50 countries to gain deep insights into Germany’s parliamentary system each year. This five-month program combines academic learning with practical parliamentary internship experience in Berlin.
The program is conducted in cooperation with the Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, and Technical University of Berlin, with patronage from the President of the German Bundestag. Since 1986, the IPS has promoted intercultural exchange and international understanding while helping participants develop skills for democratic leadership in their home countries.
International Parliamentary Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly stipend of 700 euros
- Free accommodation in a residential complex
- Coverage of travel expenses
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
International Parliamentary Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Politically and socially engaged young university graduates
- Citizens from participating countries (approximately 50 nations worldwide)
- University graduates
How to Apply for an International Parliamentary Scholarship
- Send email inquiries to: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the International Parliamentary Scholarship. These answers cover program details, benefits, eligibility requirements, and application procedures based on official information from the German Bundestag.
What is the International Parliamentary Scholarship?
The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) is a five-month fully funded program by the German Bundestag that enables up to 120 politically engaged young university graduates from approximately 50 countries to gain insights into Germany’s parliamentary system through academic learning and practical internship experience.
Who is eligible for the IPS program?
Eligible applicants are politically and socially engaged young university graduates from participating countries, which include around 50 nations worldwide such as the USA, Canada, European countries, Middle Eastern nations, Asian countries, and African nations as listed on the official website.
What benefits does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 700 euros, free accommodation in a residential complex, coverage of travel expenses, and health, accident, and liability insurance for the duration of the five-month program.
What does the IPS program include?
The program includes an introductory phase covering parliamentary democracy, plural society, media landscape, and culture of remembrance; events with political foundations; a three-month internship in a member of parliament’s office; and enrollment as program students at Humboldt University of Berlin with course attendance options.
When does the IPS program take place?
The IPS global program takes place from the beginning of March to the end of July each year, lasting for five months. The Franco-German Parliamentary Internship has a different schedule from October 1st to July 31st.
Which universities are involved in the program?
The program is conducted in cooperation with the Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, and Technical University of Berlin. Participants are enrolled as program students at Humboldt University of Berlin during the summer semester.
What is the internship component like?
The core of the scholarship is a three-month full-time internship in a member of parliament’s office where participants draft speeches, articles, and letters; prepare for meetings; handle secretarial duties; and accompany elected representatives to committee and parliamentary group meetings.
How can I apply or get more information?
For further questions and application information, send an email to [email protected]. French applicants should contact the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space, while German applicants should contact Humboldt University of Berlin.
What countries participate in the IPS?
Participating countries include Egypt, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Chile, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Canada, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Kosovo, Croatia, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Palestinian Territories, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Syria, Czech Republic, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine, Hungary, USA, Uzbekistan and Cyprus.
Who is the patron of the IPS program?
The patron of the International Parliamentary Scholarship is the President of the German Bundestag, Ms. Julia Klöckner, MdB. The parliamentary coordination is carried out by the rapporteur group for international exchange programs in the Commission of the Council of Elders for Internal Affairs.
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