ifa CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027

The programme is subject to funding from the German Federal Foreign Office. The stated support is for the fellow; the programme does not cover accompanying family members.

2. Who can apply?

The official 2027 call sets out the following participation requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 23 years old at the time of application.
• They must have at least two years of demonstrated professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their home country.
• They must have a good command of written and spoken English. English is the main language used in programme activities, including the Transcultural Workshop.
• They must be able to undertake a prolonged stay abroad.
• They must be from a country included in the 2027 country-specific calls.

Who cannot apply?

Currently enrolled students are not eligible. People receiving another form of funding in the same year, such as another fellowship, are also excluded under the published participation conditions.

The programme is intended for people already engaged in civil society work, rather than applicants seeking an academic degree or a conventional university scholarship.

3. Priority professional areas

The 2027 fellowship is relevant to professionals and volunteers whose work connects with one or more of these areas:

Policy and society: People involved in public policy, civic participation, governance, community development and social issues.

Media and culture: Professionals working in journalism, cultural exchange, arts, communication and media development.

Human rights and peace: People involved in human rights advocacy, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Sustainable development: Professionals working on environmental protection, climate-related challenges and sustainable social development.

Democratic resilience: The 2027 programme also highlights democratic resilience as a key topic. Applicants working on civic participation, democratic institutions, public accountability and the ability of societies to withstand threats to democratic processes may find this particularly relevant.

These are professional areas, not university degree subjects. Applicants should demonstrate how their current work or volunteering connects with the programme's priorities.

4. Documents required

The official application guidance identifies the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae: An up-to-date CV in English detailing education, professional experience, volunteer activities and relevant skills.
2. Letter of recommendation: A recommendation from the applicant's home organisation or employer, preferably written by a supervisor, using the official ifa template.
3. Recent photograph: Optional.

Download the recommendation template from the official ifa website and arrange for the appropriate person in your organisation to complete it. Do not substitute an ordinary recommendation letter if the programme specifically requests its template.

5. How to apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official CCP application portal.

Step 1: Visit the official application portal and locate the call for your country of origin.

Step 2: Read the country-specific fellowship announcement carefully. Confirm that you meet the age, experience, language and other participation requirements.

Step 3: Prepare your English CV and completed recommendation letter before opening the application form.

Step 4: Complete the online application personally and upload the required documents.

Step 5: Review your information and submit the completed application before the deadline.

Important application instruction: The application system does not allow applicants to save drafts. The organisers also explicitly ask applicants to complete the application themselves without using AI. Incomplete applications, applications sent by email and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

6. Selection and programme dates

The application period for the 2027 fellowship runs from 20 October to 8 December 2026.

After submission, applicants receive an email confirming receipt of their documents. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the Selection Board after the application deadline.

Successful applicants are expected to receive notification by email in March or April 2027. The fellowship programme will take place between May and November 2027, with individual placements lasting two to three months.

7. Practical advice before applying

• Check the participating-country list first. The country-specific application route is essential, and Nigeria is not included in the current 2027 list.
• Make sure your CV demonstrates at least two years of relevant professional or volunteer experience. Describe your responsibilities and the work you have actually carried out, rather than relying only on job titles.
• Your recommendation should come from someone who can explain your contribution to your organisation and why the international placement would be useful.
• Explain how you intend to apply the knowledge and professional relationships gained during the fellowship when you return to your organisation.
• Prepare every document before starting the online form because the system does not save drafts.
• Do not wait until the final day to submit. The deadline is stated in Central European Time, which is one hour behind Nigeria's time in December.

Application deadline: 8 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. CET.

This opportunity is intended only for applicants from countries included in the official 2027 call. Please confirm your country's eligibility on the organiser's website before applying.