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About the German Bundestag Scholarship
German Bundestag Scholarship: Are you a young leader passionate about politics, governance, and democracy? Do you aspire to make a significant impact in your home country’s political and social landscape? The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Africa 2026, offered by the German Bundestag, presents a unique opportunity for young African leaders to explore German parliamentary democracy firsthand. This fully funded program provides a four-week immersive experience in Berlin, where participants engage with Germany’s political system, network with policymakers, and acquire valuable insights to contribute to democratic development in their home countries.
The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Africa is a prestigious initiative under the patronage of the President of the German Bundestag. The program is designed for politically and socially active young university graduates from sub-Saharan Africa who are keen to understand and engage with Germany’s parliamentary system.
This four-week intensive program offers participants the opportunity to experience the workings of German democracy up close, attend academic seminars, participate in governance workshops, and gain practical experience through an internship in the office of a Member of the German Bundestag. The IPS Africa program aims to cultivate a new generation of political leaders who will contribute to strengthening democracy, good governance, and civic engagement in their respective home countries.
Eligible Fields
This program is open to graduates from all academic disciplines who have a strong interest in political affairs, governance, international relations, law, public administration, social sciences, or related fields.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the IPS Africa 2026 scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a citizen of one of the eligible African countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Be younger than 30 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Have completed a university degree at the time of application.
- Possess good knowledge of the German language (at least B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Demonstrate strong interest in political issues and an active track record of civic, social, or political engagement.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive and is conducted by an independent selection committee appointed by the German Bundestag. The selection is based on the following:
- Academic and professional qualifications
- Level of political and social engagement
- German language proficiency
- Leadership potential and motivation to contribute to democratic development
- Performance during the interview process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the German embassy in their home country, where the selection committee will assess their suitability for the program.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package containing the following documents:
- Completed application form (filled in and signed in German).
- Proof of German language proficiency (B2 level or higher, not older than two years).
- Motivation letter in German, personally signed (maximum of 2 pages).
- Copy of passport or national ID as proof of citizenship in one of the participating countries.
- University degree certificate (original or certified copy in German or English).
- Letter of recommendation from a professor, employer, or mentor assessing the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the IPS program (in German or English).
All documents should be merged into a single PDF file and submitted electronically.
Eligible Countries
The scholarship is open to young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa, specifically from the following countries:
- Botswana
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Benefits of the German Bundestag Scholarship?
This fully funded opportunity covers all necessary expenses and offers the following benefits:
- Monthly stipend of €700 to cover living expenses in Berlin.
- Free accommodation in a residential complex.
- Fully covered travel expenses to and from Germany.
- Comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance.
- One-week internship at the German Bundestag, where participants shadow a Member of Parliament.
- Workshops and training sessions on democracy, governance, civil society engagement, and anti-corruption initiatives.
- Project management training, where participants develop practical initiatives for democratic development in their home countries.
- Networking opportunities with German politicians, civil society leaders, and fellow scholars from across Africa.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps to apply for the IPS Africa 2026 scholarship:
- Prepare all required documents and ensure they are in the correct format (PDF format, max 10MB).
- Label your application file as: Last Name – First Name (e.g., Doe – John).
- Submit your application via email to the German embassy in your home country.
- Important: Ensure that your application is not submitted as a ZIP file.
- Wait for an interview invitation if shortlisted. Interviews will be conducted at the German diplomatic mission in the applicant’s country.
- Final selections will be made based on the interview process and document review.
Note: The application deadline for the 2026 program year is July 13, 2025. Early applications are encouraged to ensure ample time for document preparation and submission.
Final Thoughts
This is a life-changing opportunity for young African leaders looking to expand their knowledge of parliamentary democracy, gain hands-on experience in governance, and build meaningful networks. If you have a passion for politics, governance, and social development, don’t miss this chance to be part of a prestigious scholarship program in Germany. Apply now!
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See also:
Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!
The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!
