Applications are now open for the 2027 German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) .

The German Parliament invites politically and socially committed young graduates from Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa), East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), and West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal) to Berlin in January for a scholarship programme.

The idea

Since 2020, the German Bundestag has offered a scholarship program for talented, cosmopolitan, and politically engaged young people from sub-Saharan Africa who are interested in the German parliamentary system and wish to take an active and responsible role in shaping the democratic future of their countries. The patron of the International Parliamentary Scholarship is the President of the German Bundestag, Julia Klöckner.

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 program

The next program will take place from January 4th to February 2nd, 2027.

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. A series of workshops on various topics, such as anti-corruption and intercultural training, are offered. A workshop on project management aims to help participants develop their own project ideas for promoting democracy and civil society in their respective countries of origin.

The application 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

How do I apply?

Applications will no longer be submitted via email, as in previous years, but exclusively via the digital application platform "IPS digital".

Your application is only complete with the following documents:

  • Proof of good German language skills ; ( Sample language certificate)(Download))
  • 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);
  • Letters of recommendation (in German or English) from a teacher/professor or employer, assessing the applicant's professional qualifications for the IPS program. ( Notes)(Download))

Apply online

The application period for IPS Africa 2027 runs from April 1st to May 15th, 2026. Please apply using the online form.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS)