Fully Funded CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2026 in Germany

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.
• 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.