The German Bundestag invites 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) to a scholarship program in Berlin in January.
In a four-week intensive program, up to 24 scholarship recipients from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda get to know German parliamentary democracy and the political decision-making processes in the German Bundestag up close.
The core of the program is a one-week internship in the office of a member of the German Bundestag. This is preceded by a condensed preparatory course providing knowledge about parliamentary democracy and the workings and function of parliament. Furthermore, the topics of pluralistic society, minority protection, and the culture of remembrance as a political mandate are addressed.
Benefits
Participants receive a scholarship of €700.00 .
The scholarship also includes free accommodation in a residential complex, reimbursement of travel expenses to and from Berlin, and coverage of health, accident, and liability insurance.
Requirements
Nationality of one of the participating countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda
Younger than 30 years old at the start of the scholarship or on January 1st
Completed university studies
Good knowledge of the German language (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Strong interest in political contexts as well as social/political engagement
Selection Process
Applicants are invited to a selection interview at a German diplomatic mission abroad, where an independent selection committee appointed by the German Bundestag selects the scholarship recipients based on their professional, social, linguistic and intercultural skills.
Application Documents
Your application is only complete with the following documents:
Proof of good German language skills ; ( Sample language certificate )
Letter of motivation in German, signed by hand (max. 2 pages);
Copy of passport or copy of ID as proof of nationality of one of the participating countries;
University degree certificate (original or officially certified copy in English or German);
A letter of recommendation (in German or English) from a teacher/professor or employer, assessing the applicant’s professional qualifications for the IPS program. ( Notes )
Method of Application
Click Here to Apply
Note: Please be aware that applications must be submitted in German only.
Namibian and South African citizens can also apply for the five-month “IPS global” program. Please note that while you can apply for both programs simultaneously, you must choose one if accepted. Subsequent participation in the other program is not possible.
Contact
For further questions, please send an email to: ipsafrika@bundestag.de
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webapage
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026.