Germany Bundestag IPS Africa Scholarship 2026

The German Bundestag invites politically and socially engaged young university graduates from Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa), East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), and West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal) to participate in the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Africa program in Berlin from January 5 to February 3, 2026.

This prestigious four-week program offers participants the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in German parliamentary democracy and understand the country’s political decision-making processes.

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About the IPS Africa Program

Since 2020, under the patronage of the President of the German Bundestag, the IPS Africa program has provided an opportunity for talented and politically engaged young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa to deepen their understanding of Germany’s parliamentary system.

During the program, up to 24 scholarship recipients will:

Complete a one-week internship with a Member of the German Bundestag.
Participate in workshops on democracy, pluralism, minority protection, and intercultural exchange.
Receive training in project management to develop initiatives that promote democracy in their home countries.
Engage in discussions on governance, anti-corruption, and civil society development.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

Nationality: Must be a citizen of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda.
Age: Must be under 30 years old as of January 1, 2026.
Education: Must have completed a university degree.
Language: Must have at least B2-level proficiency in German (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Interest & Engagement: Must have a strong interest in political issues and social/political involvement.

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How to Apply

Submit your application as a single PDF file (max. 10 MB) via email to the German embassy in your home country. The file should be labeled as:
📝 Last Name – First Name

If the file exceeds 10 MB, send multiple emails. ZIP files are not allowed.

Required Documents:

Completed and signed application form (in German).
Proof of German language proficiency (B2 or higher), not older than two years.
Motivation letter (in German, max. 2 pages), personally signed.
Copy of passport or national ID as proof of citizenship.
Certified university degree certificate (original or translated into German/English).
Letter of recommendation (from a professor, teacher, or employer) assessing your qualifications for the program (in German or English).

Application Deadline: July 13, 2025

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the German embassy in their home country. A selection committee appointed by the German Bundestag will evaluate applicants based on: