Background Information
The German Bundestag, the legislative body of Germany, is dedicated to nurturing and enhancing democratic engagement amongst young individuals across the globe.
Since 2020, the Bundestag has initiated a scholarship program under the patronage of its President, inviting socially and politically engaged young university graduates from Sub-Saharan Africa.
This program aims to deepen understanding and participation in the German parliamentary system while empowering future leaders to shape democratic futures in their countries.
The Invitation
In January 2026, the German Bundestag seeks applications from politically and socially engaged young university graduates from Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa), East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda), and West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal) for its IPS Africa scholarship program in Berlin.
The Program
This intensively scheduled four-week program will take place from January 5 to February 3, 2026. Up to 24 participants will engage firsthand with the German parliamentary democracy and decision-making processes.
Core Activities Include:
One-week Internship: Participants will gain practical experience by working in the office of a member of the German Bundestag.
Preparatory Course: This will provide essential knowledge of parliamentary democracy and the operational mechanisms of the Bundestag.
Workshops: Topics include pluralistic society, minority protection, anti-corruption, intercultural training, and project management aimed at fostering participants’ own initiatives to promote democracy in their home countries.
Application Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of one of the following countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda.
- Age: Must be younger than 30 years old at the start of the scholarship (January 1).
- Education: Must have completed university studies.
- Language Proficiency: Good knowledge of German (minimum B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Interest: A strong interest in political issues and social/political engagement.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare a single PDF file (labeled as Last Name – First Name) and email it to the German Embassy in their home country. The email address can be found under “Contact German Embassies.”
The PDF file must not exceed: 10 MB.
If the file is larger, please divide it into multiple emails. ZIP files are not permitted.
The application should include:
- Application form (completed and signed in German).
- Proof of good knowledge of German, dated within the last two years.
- Motivational letter in German, personally signed (max. 2 pages).
- Copy of passport or ID verifying citizenship.
- University degree certificate (original or certified copy in English or German).
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher/professor or employer assessing qualifications for the IPS program (in German or English).
Application Deadline
The deadline for submissions for the 2026 program year is July 13, 2025.
The Selection Process
Candidates will be invited for interviews at a German diplomatic mission abroad. An independent selection committee will evaluate applicants based on their professional, social, linguistic, and intercultural capabilities.
The Scholarship Offer
Each participant will receive a scholarship of €700. This scholarship also covers:
- Free accommodation in a residential complex.
- Travel expenses to and from Berlin.
- Comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance.
Contact Information
For any inquiries, please reach out via email at: ips-afrika@bundestag.de.
Important Note
Namibian and South African citizens are also eligible to apply for the five-month “IPS Global” program. Detailed information is available at https://www.bundestag.de/ips_global.
Please note that applicants can apply for both programs simultaneously; however, if accepted into both, candidates must choose one program, as participation in the other is not permitted.
This opportunity represents a unique chance for emerging leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to engage with German parliamentary mechanisms and contribute to shaping democratic processes back home.
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