The IPS Africa Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for young university graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa to experience German parliamentary democracy firsthand in Berlin. This four-week program, under the patronage of the President of the German Bundestag, is designed for politically and socially engaged individuals who aspire to contribute to democratic development in their home countries.
The scholarship is offered by the German Bundestag, the national parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany. It invites talented and open-minded young people from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda to learn about political decision-making and governance.
Benefits of IPS Africa Scholarship
- A €700 scholarship
- Free accommodation in a residential complex
- Travel expenses to and from Berlin
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- A one-week internship in a German Bundestag office
- Workshops and courses on governance, democracy, anti-corruption, and civil society engagement
- A project management workshop to develop initiatives for democratic development in their home countries
Eligibility Criteria for IPS Africa Scholarship
- Be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda
- Be younger than 30 years as of January 1
- Have completed a university degree
- Possess good knowledge of German (at least B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- Show strong interest in political issues and active civic or political engagement
How to Apply for IPS Africa Scholarship?
- Apply via the online application platform ‘IPS digital’ at https://bewerbung.ipsdigital.bundestag.de/
- Submit the application form completed and signed in German
- Provide proof of good knowledge of German, not older than 2 years
- Include a motivational letter in German, personally signed (max. 2 pages)
- Attach a copy of passport or ID as proof of citizenship
- Include a university degree certificate (original or certified copy in English or German)
- Submit a letter of recommendation (in German or English) from a teacher/professor or employer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The IPS Africa Scholarship 2027 offers a four-week programme in Berlin for politically engaged young African graduates. It provides financial support, accommodation, travel coverage, and training on parliamentary democracy, leadership, and civic responsibility, helping participants contribute to democratic development in their countries.
What is the IPS Africa Scholarship?
The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Africa is a four-week program offered by the German Bundestag under the patronage of its President. It is designed for politically and socially engaged young university graduates from sub-Saharan Africa who are interested in Germany’s parliamentary system and aspire to contribute to democratic development in their home countries.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the IPS Africa 2027 program is 15 May 2026. The application period runs from 1 April to 15 May 2026.
Which countries are eligible to apply?
The scholarship is open to citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
What are the age requirements?
Applicants must be younger than 30 years as of 1 January of the program year (i.e., 1 January 2027 for the 2027 program).
What German language level is required?
Applicants must possess good knowledge of German, at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of language proficiency not older than 2 years must be submitted.
What does the scholarship cover?
The fully funded scholarship includes a €700 stipend, free accommodation in a residential complex, travel expenses to and from Berlin, health, accident, and liability insurance, and program-related costs for workshops and the internship.
How long is the program?
The program lasts for four weeks. The next program will take place from 4 January to 2 February 2027.
What is the selection process?
Applicants will be invited to an interview at a German diplomatic mission abroad, where an independent selection committee appointed by the German Bundestag will select the scholarship recipients based on their professional, social, linguistic, and intercultural skills.
How many participants are selected?
Each year, up to 24 scholarship recipients from the nine eligible African countries will be selected for the program.
Can I apply for both IPS Africa and IPS global?
Namibian and South African citizens can apply for both the IPS Africa and the five-month IPS global program. However, if selected for one program, you must choose one and cannot later participate in the other.
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