German Bundestag International Parliamentary Fellowship (IPS) Africa 2026

Omran Aburayya
Apr 26
3 min read

If you are a politically engaged young graduate from Sub-Saharan Africa with a passion for democratic governance and civic participation, the International Parliamentary Fellowship (IPS) Africa 2026 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the workings of the German Bundestag. This fully funded, four-week program in Berlin is designed to deepen your understanding of parliamentary democracy and equip you with the tools to effect positive change in your home country.

🗒️ IPS Africa Fellowship Summary

Location: Berlin, Germany
Host Institution: German Bundestag
Academic Level: Postgraduate (University graduates)
Target Group:** Citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda
Fields of Focus: Political science, public administration, international relations, civic engagement
Coverage: €700 monthly stipend, free accommodation, travel expenses, health, accident, and liability insurance
Duration: 4 weeks (January 5 – February 3, 2026)
Application Deadline: July 13, 2025
Eligible To: University graduates under 30 years old with B2-level German proficiency

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The IPS Africa program, under the patronage of the President of the German Bundestag, aims to foster a deeper understanding of the German parliamentary system among young African leaders. Since its inception in 2020, the program has brought together up to 24 participants annually to engage in a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

One-week internship: Placement in the office of a Member of the German Bundestag to observe and participate in parliamentary processes.
Preparatory course: An introduction to parliamentary democracy, the functions of parliament, and the German political landscape.
Workshops: Sessions on pluralistic society, minority protection, culture of remembrance, anti-corruption, intercultural training, and project management.
Project development: Guidance on creating initiatives to promote democracy and civil society in participants' home countries.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: Monthly stipend of €700 to cover living expenses.
Accommodation: Free housing in a shared apartment (two participants per unit).
Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to and from Berlin.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance coverage.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for International Parliamentary Fellowship (IPS) Africa 2026, Applicants must:

Be citizens of Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda.
Be under the age of 30 at the start of the fellowship (January 1, 2026).
Hold a completed university degree.
Possess good knowledge of the German language (minimum B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Demonstrate a strong interest in political issues and active social or political engagement.

📝 Application Procedure

To apply, submit your application as a single PDF file (named "LastName-FirstName") via email to the German embassy in your home country. The PDF should not exceed 10 MB. If necessary, split the application into multiple emails, each with attachments not exceeding 10 MB. Do not send ZIP files. Contact information for German embassies in this document

Your application must include:

Completed and signed application form (in German).
Passport photo attached to the first page of the application form.
Proof of German language proficiency (certificate not older than 2 years).
Motivational letter in German (maximum two pages), personally signed.
Copy of passport or ID card.
University degree certificate (original or certified copy in English or German).
Letter of recommendation in German or English from a university professor or employer assessing your qualifications for the IPS program using this form

🗓️ Application Deadline: July 13, 2025

💡Selection Process

An independent selection committee appointed by the German Bundestag will evaluate applicants based on professional, social, linguistic, and intercultural competencies. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview at the German diplomatic mission in their home country.

ℹ️ Additional Information

For more details, contact: ips-afrika@bundestag.de and visit the official website

🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK