The CrossCulture Program (CCP) Fellowships in Germany

The CrossCulture Program 2026 in Germany (CCP Fellowships) is a fully funded exchange program for professionals and active volunteers from over 40 countries. Each year, around 55 Fellowship recipients from host organizations in Germany or in one of the over 40 partner countries gain experience in intercultural networks. Through these international fellowships, the programme promotes cooperation between people working in the cultural, education, human rights, sustainability, science, and media sectors. 

The goal of the Programme is to strengthen lasting civil society networks between Germany and countries across the globe. The programme was launched in 2005 and now counts more than 1,200 alumni in its ever-growing network.

During the programme, fellows will complete a two- to three-month professional stay with host organizations in Germany or in CCP partner countries. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in transcultural workshops, networking events, and professional events organized by the CCP. Upon their return, the experiences gained abroad will be incorporated into their work at their home organization. In 2026, “Culture of Remembrance” and "Democratic Resilience" will be key topics.

The 2026 CCP Fellowships are offered as on-campus fellowships. Depending on their personal situation and current entry regulations, fellows can also participate in the program online. The program is subject to funding from the Federal Foreign Office.

Scholarships are generally awarded to individuals working in the 4 subject areas and fields: Politics and Society, Media and Culture, Human Rights and Peace, Sustainable Development and Climate Justice.

What does the funding include?

The goal of the CCP Fellowship is to support and strengthen civil society actors in their engagement. The funding includes the following offerings:

• Collaboration with a host organization from the CCP network
• Mentoring during the scholarship
• Specialist training (online or on-site) in your own field of activity
• 3-4-day transcultural workshop
• Networking with other CCP scholarship holders
• Admission to the Alumni: AE Network

Eligibility

• Minimum age: 23 years at the time of application
• Professional experience: At least two years of professional experience or voluntary work in a civil society organization in the country of origin
• Solid written and spoken English skills (since English is the main language of the program, e.g., in the transcultural workshop). Further language skills are an advantage, especially German
• Health: Ability to complete a longer stay abroad (if you have any questions or concerns about this requirement, please contact crossculture@ifa.de)
• Motivation: Existing or planned cooperation with an organization in the target country
• Nationality: Participants from the following countries are eligible to apply:  Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Germany, Georgia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Colombia, Cuba, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.

What does the program cover?

The program covers the following costs for scholarship holders from abroad:

• Monthly scholarship of 650 euros
• Cost of the return flight
• Accommodation
• Monthly ticket for local public transport within the place of residence
• Health insurance
• Refund of visa fees

Required Documents

• Current CV in English with detailed information on education/studies, professional experience, voluntary work, and other skills
• Letter of recommendation from the home organization or place of work in the country of origin, for example, from a supervisor, using the template provided
• Optional: a recent photo

After the application portal receives their documents, all applicants will receive a confirmation of receipt via email. After the application deadline, suitable candidates will be invited to an interview. The final selected applicants will be notified of their participation in the program by email, expected in March/April 2026. Participation in the program will then take place between May and November 2026. Applicants who are not selected will also be notified by email, due to the high volume of applications.

What is the schedule of the program?

• End of the year: Call for CCP Fellowships
• January - April: Selection of participants
• From April onwards: Allocation of fellows to the respective host organizations and initial introduction
• May - November: Implementation of the CCP Fellowships (2-3 months)