Written by Application Deadline: 8 December 2026
Applications are open for the 2027 CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship, an international professional exchange programme funded by Germany’s Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), or Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations.
The programme supports professionals and volunteers from civil society organisations who want to strengthen their expertise, expand their international networks and develop the skills needed to address social and community challenges.
Each year, the CCP Fellowship supports approximately 50–60 participants from more than 40 countries. Selected fellows typically spend two to three months working with host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries, exchanging knowledge and gaining practical professional experience.
In addition to their placements, fellows participate in professional meetings, transcultural workshops and networking activities. They are expected to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the fellowship to the work of their home organisations after returning.
The 2027 programme will focus on Democratic Resilience, alongside its established professional fields, including human rights, media, policy, sustainable development and climate justice.
Overview of the 2027 CCP Fellowship
- Programme: CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship
- Organiser: Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)
- Programme year: 2027
- Application deadline: 8 December 2026
- Duration: Two to three months
- Format: Primarily on-site, with digital participation potentially available depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations
- Eligible locations: Selected countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, as specified by the programme
- Target applicants: Professionals and volunteers working in civil society organisations
- Funding: Monthly stipend and specified travel, accommodation, transport and insurance costs for participants from abroad
- Special focus for 2027: Democratic Resilience
The programme is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
About the CrossCulture Programme
The CrossCulture Programme aims to strengthen civil society by promoting professional exchange, international cooperation and intercultural understanding.
Through the fellowship, participants work with host organisations to exchange knowledge, learn new approaches and develop professional relationships that can continue beyond the placement.
The host organisations also benefit from the fellows’ professional expertise, regional knowledge and existing networks.
The programme is designed to create lasting value for both participants and their home organisations. Fellows are encouraged to integrate the experience gained abroad into their ongoing work and contribute to positive changes in their communities.
Eligible Countries
The programme announcement lists the following participating countries and territories:
- Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.
- Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories (West Bank only), the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
- Europe and neighbouring regions: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Germany, the Republic of Moldova, Russia (only persons living outside Russia in exile), Serbia and Ukraine.
- Latin America: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico.
The official programme also includes the countries listed above in its participating-country framework. Eligibility is subject to the programme’s country rules for the relevant year.
Important for Nigerian applicants: Nigeria is not included in the participating-country list provided for the 2027 fellowship. Applicants should check the official CCP website to confirm the eligible countries before preparing an application.
The list of eligible countries may change from year to year because it is agreed upon by ifa and the German Federal Foreign Office.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the programme’s stated requirements to be considered for the fellowship.
1. Minimum age
Applicants must be at least 23 years old at the time of application.
2. Professional or volunteer experience
Candidates must have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their home country.
Relevant experience should demonstrate a commitment to the applicant’s field and an understanding of the challenges facing their organisation or community.
3. English language proficiency
Applicants must have a solid command of written and spoken English. English is the programme’s primary language, including during the transcultural workshop.
4. Ability to undertake a stay abroad
Candidates must be able to undertake a prolonged stay abroad.
The programme states that it cannot currently provide or finance individual accessibility accommodations. Applicants with questions about this requirement are encouraged to contact the programme team at crossculture@ifa.de.
5. Exclusion criteria
The following individuals are not eligible under the stated programme rules:
- Students.
- Individuals receiving another form of funding in the same year, such as another fellowship.
Applicants should review the official eligibility conditions carefully before applying.
Desirable Qualities
Although the programme has specific eligibility requirements, the following qualities are considered desirable:
- A long-term commitment to social or community development.
- Existing or planned cooperation with an organisation in the host country.
- Additional language skills, particularly German.
These qualities can help applicants demonstrate their readiness to benefit from an international professional exchange and maintain meaningful collaborations after the fellowship.
Priority Professional Fields
CCP Fellowships are primarily awarded to people working in the following professional areas.
1. Policy and Society
This field focuses on policy-related work, social development and the role of civil society in shaping public life.
2. Media and Culture
This area is relevant to professionals working in media, cultural exchange, communication and related civil society initiatives.
3. Human Rights and Peace
Applicants working on human rights, peacebuilding and related social initiatives may be aligned with this focus area.
4. Sustainable Development and Climate Justice
This field supports professionals and volunteers working on sustainability, environmental challenges and climate justice.
Special focus for 2027: Democratic Resilience
In 2027, the programme will also emphasise Democratic Resilience. Applicants should consider how their professional activities contribute to this theme and connect with the programme’s broader objectives.
Candidates can explore the individual focus areas through the official CCP website before deciding which best matches their work.
Benefits of the CCP Fellowship
The fellowship offers financial support, professional development and opportunities to build international relationships.
1. Monthly stipend
Participants from abroad receive a monthly stipend of €650 to support their living expenses during the fellowship.
2. Round-trip airfare
The programme covers round-trip airfare for eligible participants from abroad, subject to its applicable funding conditions.
3. Accommodation
Accommodation is covered for participants from abroad during the fellowship.
4. Local public transportation
Fellows receive a monthly public transportation ticket for use within their city of residence.
5. Health insurance
Health insurance is included in the stated financial support for participants from abroad.
6. Visa fee reimbursement
The programme reimburses visa fees incurred by eligible participants, in accordance with its funding conditions.
7. Professional collaboration with a host organisation
Each fellow collaborates with a host organisation within the CCP network. This placement provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge, gain practical experience and develop professional connections.
8. Mentoring and professional development
Participants receive mentoring throughout the fellowship and access professional development opportunities, delivered online or on-site, depending on the programme arrangements.
9. Transcultural workshop
Fellows participate in a three-to-four-day transcultural workshop designed to encourage intercultural understanding, professional exchange and collaboration.
10. International networking and alumni opportunities
Participants connect with other CCP fellows and can become part of the programme’s alumni network, supporting continued professional exchange after the fellowship.
Important Funding Limitations
Although the CCP Fellowship provides substantial support, applicants should understand its limitations.
- The stated funding benefits apply to participants from abroad and remain subject to available programme funding.
- The fellowship does not provide for accompanying family members, including spouses, partners or children.
- The programme will not assume additional costs or responsibilities for accompanying individuals.
- No additional budget is available for accessibility measures, accommodation adjustments or personal support services under the stated programme conditions.
- The programme is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Applicants should consult the official programme information for complete funding terms and any conditions specific to their circumstances.
How to Apply for the 2027 CCP Fellowship
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
Step 1: Review the official programme information.
Visit the official CrossCulture Programme Fellowship webpage and read the eligibility requirements, participating-country rules and application instructions.
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility.
Check that you meet the minimum age requirement, have at least two years of relevant professional or volunteer experience, possess the required English language skills and are not excluded by the programme’s funding rules.
Step 3: Identify your professional focus.
Determine how your work aligns with one of the programme’s priority areas: Policy and Society; Media and Culture; Human Rights and Peace; or Sustainable Development and Climate Justice. Consider the 2027 focus on Democratic Resilience as well.
Step 4: Consider your potential host organisation.
Reflect on how a fellowship placement could strengthen your professional skills and support your home organisation. Existing or planned collaboration with an organisation in the host country is listed as a desirable quality.
Step 5: Complete the application.
Follow the application procedure and submit the required information through the official programme channel.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline.
The stated application deadline is 8 December 2026. Check the official website for the exact submission instructions and any updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the duration of the CCP Fellowship?
Fellows generally spend two to three months working with host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries.
2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
For participants from abroad, the programme covers the specified monthly stipend, round-trip airfare, accommodation, local public transportation, health insurance and reimbursement of visa fees. Applicants should review the official terms to understand the limits of the funding.
3. Can students apply?
No. Students are listed among the categories excluded from participation.
4. Is work experience required?
Yes. Applicants need at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their home country.
5. Is knowledge of German compulsory?
The stated language requirement is a solid command of written and spoken English. Additional language skills, particularly German, are desirable.
6. Can applicants from Nigeria apply?
Nigeria is not included in the participating-country list provided in the programme announcement. Nigerian applicants should confirm their eligibility directly with the official CCP programme team before applying.
7. Can fellows participate online?
The 2027 fellowships are planned primarily as on-site placements. Digital participation may be possible depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations.
8. What is the application deadline?
The announced deadline is 8 December 2026. Applicants should confirm the latest information on the official website.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 IFA CrossCulture Programme Fellowship offers an opportunity for eligible professionals and volunteers to strengthen their expertise, learn from international colleagues and develop collaborations that benefit their organisations and communities.
With its emphasis on civil society, intercultural exchange and Democratic Resilience, the programme is particularly relevant to experienced practitioners working in policy, media, culture, human rights, peacebuilding, sustainability and climate justice.
Before applying, candidates should carefully check the participating-country list, eligibility requirements and funding conditions.
Official application information:
https://www.ifa.de/en/funding/ccp-fellowships/
Disclaimer: This article is based on the programme information provided. Country eligibility, application requirements, funding and deadlines may change. Always consult the official CCP website for the latest information.