To all aspiring professionals and volunteers seeking international fellowships to broaden their expertise and global networks, we are pleased to present an exciting opportunity today: the application call for the highly anticipated “CrossCulture Programme 2026 (CCP) in Germany” is now open. A prestigious programme hosted by Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (IFA) and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office offers an incredible opportunity to professionals and volunteers from over 40 countries to spend 2-3 months in CCP partner countries and host organizations in Germany to broaden their skills, knowledge, networks, and develop cross-cultural skills.
The duration of the exchange programme is 2-3 months, during which the fellows will engage in intensive intercultural workshops, professional meetings, and networking events. The programme is inviting applications from talented volunteers and professionals who are at least 23 years of age and have a minimum of 2 years of proven professional or volunteer work experience in civil society organizations in their home countries. Each year, the CPP awards a total of 55-60 fellowships in the fields of civil society, media & culture, Digital Civil Society, Sustainable development, and Human rights and peace.
The fellowship will be held on-site; however, depending on the travel regulations and fellow circumstances, they may opt for digital participation. The CCP (Cross Culture Programme) was founded in 2005 with a powerful vision: to strengthen civil society networks between Germany and other participating countries. The application process for the programme is online. Interested applicants need to submit their application before December 10th, 2025. Read more details about the programme below.
CrossCulture Programme 2026 in Germany Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Hosted by: Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (IFA)
- Funded by: German Federal Foreign Office
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Duration: 2-3 Months
- Fellowship Dates: May – November 2026
- Application Deadline: December 10th, 2025
Also, Check: TWAS-UNESCO Associateship Scheme 2026
Fellowship Coverage
Coverage for foreign applicants:
- A stipend of 650 euros/month
- Round-trip air travel support
- Accommodation
- Public transportation costs
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Visa fee reimbursement
Coverage for German citizens
- A stipend of 1.200 euros
- Air travel support
- Visa fee reimbursement
- Health insurance
Eligible Countries
- Pakistan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Palestinian Territories, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants meeting the following criteria are invited to submit their applications for the CrossCulture Programme Germany:
- Individuals must belong to the eligible countries mentioned above
- Applicants must be at least 23 years old at the time of application
- Minimum 2 years of volunteer & work experience in civil society organizations of their home countries in related fields
- Excellent command of spoken and written English
- Knowledge of the German language would be a plus
- Must be in great health to attend the programme
- Students currently pursuing their degree programs are not eligible
Preference is given to:
- Applicants involved in social or community work in their home countries
- Possess clear professional experience in their field of work
- Knowledge of the German language
Eligible fields and work areas:
Fellowships are awarded to applicants working in the following professional fields:
- Media & Culture
- Policy & society
- Human Rights & Peace
- Sustainable Development & Climate Justice
Programme Focus Areas
The CCP 2026 will focus on the following key areas:
- Democratic Reslienve
- Culture of Rememberance
Benefits:
- Learn from the industry experts
- Participate in the Themantic workshops
- Build valuable connections with experts and peers in your areas
- Access to IFA’s civil society platform
- Gain valuable skills, work experience, and intercultural learning
- Receive access to more funding from IFA
Required Documents
- CV/Resume in English
- Letter of Recommendation from a supervisor in the home county
- Photo (optional)
Also, Check:
How to Apply?
The application consists of 3 steps, which are:
- Step 1: Select your appropriate country on the application portal
- Step 2: Complete the online application form and upload the required documents
- Step 3: Once your application is complete, give it a review and submit
Note: The application system does not allow you to save drafts of your applications. Make sure you complete the application in one go (Prepare all your documents before starting with the application)
Incomplete and late submission of applications won’t be entertained.
- Application Timeline: 15th October – 10 December 2025
To apply and for more details, visit the official link mentioned below:
APPLY FOR CROSSCULTURE FELLOWSHIP 2026
