Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships for professionals and volunteers in Germany
Closing Date: 10 December 2025
Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships for professionals and volunteers in Germany
Strengthening Civil Societies
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) funds 55 to 60 professionals and volunteers from over 40 countries with its CCP Fellowships. Fellows spend two to three months working with host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries to broaden their expertise, build valuable networks and further develop their transcultural skills. In return, the host organisations benefit from the expertise, regional knowledge and networks of the CCP Fellows.
Participants have the opportunity to take part in transcultural workshops, networking events and professional meetings organised by the CCP. The experience gained abroad will be integrated into the work of the Fellows’ home organisations upon their return.
The CCP Fellowships for 2026 will be offered as on-site Fellowships. Depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations, Fellows may also opt for digital participation. The programme is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
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Twenty years ago, in 2005, the CrossCulture Programme was founded with a powerful vision: to build bridges across cultures and strengthen civil society networks. With over 1,200 alums from across the globe, a vibrant and diverse community has emerged, united by a shared commitment to create positive change. The programme would not have become what it is without the contributions of its community.
Who can apply?
Countries currently participating in the programme
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
The CCP-countries are agreed upon by ifa and the Federal Foreign Office, and may therefore vary from year to year.
Prerequisites for participation
What are the prerequisites?
- Minimum age is 23 years at the time of application
- Work experience: At least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in the home country
- Language skills: Solid command of written and spoken English (as English is the main language of the programme, for example in the transcultural workshop)
- Health status: Ability to undertake a prolonged stay abroad (If you have any questions or doubts related to this prerequisite, please contact crossculture(at)ifa.de)
- Exclusion criteria: students are not eligible to participate in the programme
What is desirable?
- Long-term social or community commitment
- Existing or planned collaboration with an organisation in the host country
- Additional language skills, particularly German
Fellowships are principally awarded to people working in the following subjects and professional fields:
- Policy and society
- Media and culture
- Human rights and peace
- Sustainable development and climate justice
In 2026, the programme will also focus on the following key issues:
- Culture of remembrance
- Democratic Resilience
What Does the Funding Include?
The aim of the CCP Fellowship is to support and strengthen civil society actors in their commitment. This includes the following:
- Collaboration with a host organisation from the CCP network
- Mentoring for the duration of the Fellowship
- Professional development opportunities (online or on-site) in the Fellows’ field of work
- 3-4-day Transcultural Workshop
- Networking with other CCP Fellowship holders
- Inclusion in the CCP alums network
ifa will cover the following costs for participants from abroad:
- a monthly stipend of 650 euros
- round-trip airfare
- accommodation
- monthly public transportation ticket within the fellow’s city of residence
- health insurance
- reimbursement of any visa fees incurred
The programme does not provide for the accompaniment of family members such as spouses/partners or children. ifa will not assume any additional costs or responsibilities for other individuals. The amount of the scholarship is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Application Guidelines
Application in 3 steps
- Select the appropriate country call for applications on the application portal.
- Complete the application: fill in the application form and upload all required documents. Please note that the system does not allow you to save drafts, so make sure that all your documents are ready for uploading before starting your application.
- Submit your completed application online via the application portal.
Incomplete applications, applications sent by e-mail and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Which application documents are required?
- Curriculum vitae in English with details about education/training, work experience, volunteering and other skills
- Letter of recommendation from a supervisor in the applicant’s home organisation/workplace in the applicant’s country of origin, using this template
- Photo is optional
Click Here To Apply
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