INSTITUT FUER AUSLANDSBEZIEHUNGEN (IFA)
ifa CrossCulture Programme Fellowships
full · masters
- ~EUR 650/month (est.)Stipend, international fellows
- ~EUR 1,200/month (est.)Stipend, German fellows
- 2-3 monthsFellowship duration
- 40+ countriesParticipating countries
- No IELTSNo English test required
- Round-trip airfareTravel covered
At a glance
full
Funding
€1k
Max amount
Dec 5, 2026
Deadline
Applicants from more than 40 participating countries
Country
Institut fuer Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)
Provider
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) is a fully funded fellowship offered by the Institut fuer Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) and financed by the German Federal Foreign Office. It brings professionals and volunteers from more than 40 countries to Germany—or to CCP partner countries—for a work placement of 2 to 3 months focused on professional development, civil-society engagement and intercultural dialogue. Fellows are placed with host organisations, take part in cross-cultural workshops and networking events, and apply what they learn to strengthen their home organisations. No IELTS is required, though working English is expected. International participants receive a monthly stipend of EUR 650, round-trip airfare, accommodation costs, a monthly local public-transport pass, health insurance and visa-fee reimbursement; German participants receive a monthly stipend of EUR 1,200 plus airfare, health insurance and visa-fee reimbursement. The programme is mainly on-site, with digital participation possible in some cases. The application period typically runs from mid-October to early December, with the deadline around 5 December. Stipend amounts, eligible country calls and the exact deadline can change each cycle, so confirm the current details on ifa's official CrossCulture Programme page before applying.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend (international) — International fellows receive a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 650 to cover living costs during the placement.
- Monthly stipend (German) — German fellows receive a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 1,200 during the placement.
- Round-trip airfare — Round-trip travel between the fellow's home country and the placement location is covered.
- Accommodation — Accommodation costs during the fellowship are covered for international participants.
- Local transport pass — A monthly public-transport pass for the fellow's city of residence is provided to international participants.
- Insurance and visa — Health insurance for the duration of the fellowship and reimbursement of visa fees (where applicable).
How to apply
The application is entirely online and consists of three main steps; note that the system does not allow saving drafts, so prepare documents in advance.
- Select your country call — Visit the CCP portal and choose the country call that matches your application.
- Complete the application form — Fill out the online form and upload the required documents, including your CV and a letter of recommendation.
- Prepare documents in advance — Because drafts cannot be saved, have your CV, recommendation letter and optional photo ready before you begin.
- Submit before the deadline — Finalise and submit your application online before around 5 December 2026; incomplete or late submissions are not considered.
Eligibility
Professional fieldProfessionals or volunteers working in civil society, community development or intercultural exchange.
NationalityOpen to applicants of all nationalities, with country-specific calls covering more than 40 countries.
Motivation and impactA clear vision of how the fellowship will contribute to professional and personal growth and benefit the applicant's home organisation.
LanguageWorking knowledge of English is expected; no IELTS or formal English test is required.
Applicants apply through a specific country call. Family members may not accompany fellows, and the programme does not cover costs for additional people.
Eligible countries
Applicants from more than 40 participating countries, Germany
Deadlines
2026/2027 cycle~5 December 2026 (est.)
Following cycle~December 2027 (est.)
Selection
ifa selects fellows who are committed to strengthening civil society and who can show how the placement will benefit their professional growth and home organisation. Candidates are assessed on their work in civil society, community development or intercultural exchange and on the clarity of their motivation, with successful applicants joining the CCP alumni network.
Verified sources
- CrossCulture Programme - ifaifa.deofficial
- ifa - Institut fuer Auslandsbeziehungenifa.deofficial
About the provider
The Institut fuer Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) is one of Germany's oldest intermediary organisations for international cultural relations, based in Stuttgart and Berlin. Funded mainly by the German Federal Foreign Office, it runs exchange, fellowship and dialogue programmes that connect civil society actors across the world.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who offers the CrossCulture Programme?
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The Institut fuer Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office.
Who can apply?
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Professionals and volunteers of all nationalities working in civil society, community development or intercultural exchange, from more than 40 participating countries.
Is an IELTS or English test required?
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No. There is no IELTS requirement, though working knowledge of English is expected for the placement.
How long is the fellowship?
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The placement lasts 2 to 3 months and is mainly on-site, with digital participation possible in some circumstances.
What is the stipend for international fellows?
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International fellows receive a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 650 (est.), alongside airfare, accommodation, a transport pass, insurance and visa-fee reimbursement.
What is the stipend for German fellows?
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German fellows receive a monthly stipend of approximately EUR 1,200 (est.), plus round-trip airfare, health insurance and visa-fee reimbursement.
Is travel covered?
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Yes. Round-trip airfare between the fellow's home country and the placement location is covered.
Can my family come with me?
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No. Family members such as spouses or children may not accompany fellows, and the programme does not cover their costs.
What documents do I need?
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A CV in English, a letter of recommendation from your supervisor using the provided template, and an optional photo.
Can I save my application as a draft?
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No. The system does not allow saving drafts, so prepare all documents before starting the online form.
When is the application deadline?
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Around 5 December 2026 (est.), with the application period typically opening in mid-October; confirm the exact dates on ifa's official page.
What happens after the fellowship?
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Fellows join the CCP alumni network, a community focused on civil-society development that offers continued collaboration and networking.