CCP Fellowships 2026: Bridging Cultures Through Global Collaboration

In an increasingly interconnected world, collaboration across cultures has never been more vital. The CrossCulture Program (CCP) Fellowships, organized by ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, offer professionals and volunteers from around the world a unique opportunity to spend time in Germany or selected partner countries to exchange ideas, gain experience, and strengthen civil societies.

Every year, around 120 professionals and committed civil society actors are chosen to participate in this highly respected fellowship, designed to build networks that promote peace, understanding, and innovation.

Program Overview

The CCP Fellowships are aimed at individuals working in areas that contribute to social and political development, such as:

• Media and Journalism
• Human Rights and Peacebuilding
• Sustainable Development
• Policy and Society
• Digital Civil Society
• Culture and Education
• Climate Action
• Civic Engagement and Non-Profit Work

Participants from partner countries come to Germany for several weeks of professional exchange, while German fellows travel abroad to partner countries — creating a genuine two-way flow of knowledge and experience.

Objectives of the Program

• Strengthen civil society structures and community leadership.
• Promote dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding across cultures.
• Encourage joint innovation through exchange of knowledge and expertise.
• Support sustainable partnerships between institutions in Germany and partner nations.
• Enable participants to return home with fresh ideas and long-term collaborations.

Program Duration

Fellowships typically last 8 to 12 weeks, taking place between May and December each year. The schedule includes:

• Introductory seminar in Germany (for international fellows).
• Individual fellowship phase at the host organization.
• Networking and professional development workshops.
• Final reflection seminar with all participants to evaluate outcomes and build future collaborations.

What the Fellowship Covers

The CCP Fellowship is fully funded, covering all essential costs, including:

• Round-trip travel expenses.
• Monthly living allowance to cover accommodation and daily needs.
• Health insurance for the fellowship period.
• Professional placement in a host organization that matches the participant’s profile and goals.
• Seminar participation and access to CCP alumni networks.

In addition, participants gain hands-on experience in their professional field, work with expert mentors, and build meaningful networks with global peers.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be aged between 23 and 45.
• Have at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrate strong civil society engagement and leadership potential.
• Possess good command of English (some placements may also require German).
• Be a citizen of a CCP partner country in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, or the MENA region.

Candidates from Germany can also apply to complete a fellowship in one of the partner countries.

 How the Selection Works

The selection process is merit-based and highly competitive. Fellows are chosen based on their professional achievements, motivation for cross-cultural learning, and potential to create lasting social impact.

Each selected participant is matched with a host organization in Germany (or abroad, for German fellows) that aligns with their interests and area of work. Fellows receive personalized mentorship throughout their placement.

Impact Beyond Borders

Since its inception, the CCP Fellowship has nurtured thousands of alumni who now lead NGOs, media outlets, research centers, and community initiatives across the world. The program not only advances careers but also fosters global citizenship and the exchange of ideas that drive real social change.

The alumni network remains active long after the fellowship ends, providing ongoing collaboration and project opportunities through the CCP Alumni Program.

The CCP Fellowship stands as a model of how cross-cultural exchange can lead to empathy, creativity, and global problem-solving. By bringing together professionals who care deeply about civic engagement and social responsibility, the program proves that building bridges between societies can spark transformative change.

For professionals passionate about making a difference — whether in media, human rights, environment, or policy — the CCP Fellowship is not just an opportunity to learn; it’s a chance to lead with purpose and perspective.