Fully Funded CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2026 in Germany

The CrossCulture Programme by ifa supports civil-society professionals and dedicated volunteers from across the globe. Through the CCP Fellowship, selected individuals spend two to three months collaborating with host organisations — either in Germany or in one of ifa’s partner countries — to exchange expertise, build networks, and promote intercultural cooperation.

Each year, around 55 to 60 fellowships are awarded to people from more than 40 countries. The programme aims to strengthen civil society — particularly in fields such as human rights, media, culture, policy, sustainable development, and social justice.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility

General eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum age of 23 years at the time of application.
• At least two years of professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organization in the home country.
• Solid proficiency in English (the main working language in the programme). Additional language skills, especially German, are a plus.
• Applicants must not be current full-time students; the programme is designed for working professionals or volunteers.

Also, the programme is open to individuals working in sectors including (but not limited to):

• Policy & Society
• Media & Culture
• Human Rights & Peace
• Sustainable Development & Climate Justice

 What the Fellowship Offers — Benefits & Structure

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive support package:

• A monthly stipend: for international fellows, 650 €; for fellows from Germany, 1,200 €.
• Coverage of travel/airfare (round trip), accommodation, visa fees, health insurance, and monthly public transport pass (for stays in Germany).
• Mentorship and collaboration with a host organisation. Fellows work on projects, exchange expertise, and contribute to civil-society initiatives.
• Participation in a transcultural workshop and access to a wide alumni network for professional exchange and collaboration.
• For some cohorts (depending on focus year), additional thematic events — e.g. around topics like democratic resilience or culture of remembrance.

The fellowship duration is 2–3 months, though exact start and end dates are coordinated individually with host organisations.

Because of its structure, CCP is suited for professionals working in civil society — NGOs, media, cultural organisations, advocacy groups, community development, and related sectors.

Why It Matters — What Makes CCP Special

• It fosters global civil-society collaboration — bringing together people from diverse countries, backgrounds, and sectors. Through shared work, cultural exchange and mutual learning, it helps build sustainable networks across borders.
• It allows knowledge exchange and capacity building — professionals who may face limited resources at home get the chance to access new ideas, resources, mentorship, and perspectives.
• It empowers civil society actors — journalists, activists, cultural workers, NGO staff, environmental campaigners, researchers — to broaden their skills and impact.
• It is fully funded (stipend, travel, accommodation, insurance) which reduces financial barriers for participants from low- or middle-income countries.
• Alumni become part of a large global network of civil society practitioners with opportunities for collaboration, joint projects, and long-term engagement.

 Application Tips — How to Strengthen Your Application

If you plan to apply, consider the following:

• Highlight your relevant experience — volunteer work, activism, professional engagements in civil society, advocacy, media, culture, development, etc.
• Show commitment and motivation — explain why cross-cultural exchange matters for your work and community; how you intend to use the fellowship experience to create impact.
• Emphasise skills and language ability — English proficiency is mandatory; German or other languages are a plus.
• Be clear about what you offer and expect — propose how you can contribute to the host organisation and what you hope to gain (skills, networks, knowledge).
• Prepare a strong recommendation letter from someone who knows your work — a supervisor or senior colleague from your organisation is preferred. The letter should be signed and preferably include institutional stamp (if available).
• Ensure your application documents are complete before submission — incomplete or late applications may not be accepted.

 Key Details for 2026 Intake

• The official application phase runs from 15 October 2025 until 10 December 2025.
• CCP Fellowships 2026 will be offered as on-site fellowships (i.e. with stay in Germany or partner countries). Depending on travel regulations and circumstances, some flexibility (e.g. digital participation) may be possible.
• After selection, fellows are matched with suitable host organisations based on their profile, skills, and area of work. It is not mandatory to have a host organisation lined up before applying.

The ifa CrossCulture Programme’s CCP Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for committed civil-society professionals and volunteers — especially from countries underrepresented in global networks — to gain international exposure, professional growth, and intercultural experience. With generous support and a structured yet flexible programme, the fellowship aims to strengthen networks, promote dialogue, and empower civil society globally.