Opportunity Detail
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship 2027 is an international professional exchange opportunity offered by the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa) in Germany. The programme supports professionals and committed volunteers working in civil society organisations by giving them the opportunity to gain international experience, develop professional skills and build networks with organisations in Germany and other participating countries.
Each year, the programme supports approximately 50–60 professionals and volunteers from more than 40 countries. Selected fellows spend two to three months working with a host organisation, participate in professional development activities and connect with other civil society practitioners.
The fellowship provides international participants with a monthly stipend of €650, round-trip airfare, accommodation, health insurance, local public transportation and reimbursement of visa fees.
Applications for the 2027 fellowship are open from 20 October to 8 December 2026.
CrossCulture Programme Fellowship 2027 – Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship |
| Host organisation | Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa) |
| Host country | Germany and participating CCP partner countries |
| Fellowship year | 2027 |
| Duration | 2–3 months |
| Number of fellows | Approximately 50–60 annually |
| Monthly stipend | €650 for international participants |
| Other benefits | Airfare, accommodation, insurance, transport and visa fee reimbursement |
| Eligible applicants | Professionals and civil society volunteers from participating countries |
| Minimum age | 23 years |
| Application opening date | 20 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 8 December 2026 |
| Official website | Visit the official CCP Fellowship website |
What Is the CrossCulture Programme Fellowship?
The CrossCulture Programme is an international initiative designed to strengthen civil society and promote cooperation between Germany and countries around the world.
Through the CCP Fellowship, selected participants gain practical experience by working with host organisations in Germany or participating partner countries. The programme aims to strengthen their professional expertise, encourage international cooperation and help them develop connections that can contribute to their work after returning to their home organisations.
Fellows also have opportunities to participate in transcultural workshops, professional meetings and networking activities. These activities allow participants to exchange ideas, learn from different professional experiences and develop lasting relationships with people working in similar fields.
The programme is particularly relevant for individuals working in civil society, human rights, policy, media, culture and sustainable development.
Financial Benefits and Fellowship Coverage
The CCP Fellowship offers financial and professional support to international participants throughout their fellowship.
For participants coming from abroad, the funding package includes:
- Monthly stipend: €650 to help cover personal living expenses.
- Round-trip airfare: Coverage of travel expenses to and from the host country.
- Accommodation: Accommodation during the fellowship period.
- Local transportation: A monthly public transportation ticket in the fellow’s city of residence.
- Health insurance: Health insurance coverage during the fellowship.
- Visa expenses: Reimbursement of applicable visa fees.
In addition to financial support, fellows receive professional and networking opportunities, including:
- Collaboration with a host organisation from the CCP network.
- Mentoring throughout the fellowship.
- Professional development opportunities in their respective fields.
- Participation in a three-to-four-day Transcultural Workshop.
- Networking with other CCP fellows.
- Membership in the CCP alumni network.
The fellowship does not provide additional financial support for accompanying family members. Funding is also subject to support from the German Federal Foreign Office.
Fields of Work and Priority Areas
The CCP Fellowship primarily supports professionals and volunteers working in areas that contribute to civil society development and international cooperation.
The main professional fields include:
- Policy and Society: Individuals working in public policy, governance, political participation and social development.
- Media and Culture: Journalists, media professionals, cultural practitioners and people working in creative sectors.
- Human Rights and Peace: Professionals involved in human rights protection, peacebuilding and conflict-related initiatives.
- Sustainable Development and Climate Justice: Individuals working on environmental sustainability, climate-related issues and community development.
For the 2027 programme, Democratic Resilience is an additional focus area. This includes work related to strengthening democratic values, the rule of law, inclusion, political participation and addressing disinformation.
Eligibility Criteria for CCP Fellowship 2027
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the fellowship.
1. Nationality and country eligibility
Applicants must meet the programme’s country and residence requirements. Only candidates connected to the participating countries listed for the 2027 cycle can apply under the relevant eligibility rules.
2. Age requirement
Applicants must be at least 23 years old at the time of application.
3. 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 country of origin.
4. English language proficiency
Applicants must have a good command of written and spoken English. English is the main language used during the programme, including the transcultural workshop.
5. Health requirements
Applicants must be able to undertake a prolonged stay abroad.
6. Current employment or volunteer engagement
The programme is intended for professionals and committed volunteers associated with an organisation working in a relevant field. The organisation does not necessarily have to be an NGO.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Individuals currently enrolled as university students, either at the time of application or during the fellowship year.
- Applicants receiving another form of funding, such as another fellowship, during the same year.
The CCP Fellowship is a professional exchange programme, not a scholarship for postgraduate studies.
Additional Qualifications
The following experiences and qualifications can strengthen an application:
- Long-term social or community engagement.
- Relevant professional experience in the applicant’s field.
- Existing or planned cooperation with an organisation in the host country.
- Additional language skills, particularly German.
Participating Countries for 2027
The CCP Fellowship is available to applicants from selected countries. The participating countries for the 2027 programme include:
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories (only the West Bank), Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia (only persons living outside Russia in exile), Serbia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Check the official 2027 country eligibility information and the CCP Fellowship FAQ before applying.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents for their online application:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An English-language CV containing details about education, professional experience, volunteering activities, training and other relevant skills.
- Recommendation Letter: A recommendation letter from a supervisor in the applicant’s home organisation or workplace, using the official template provided by the programme.
- Photograph: A recent photograph is optional.
Applicants should prepare all documents before starting the online application because the application platform does not allow applicants to save incomplete applications as drafts.
How to Apply for the CCP Fellowship 2027
The application process is completed online through the official CCP application portal.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Review the participating countries, professional requirements, age criteria and other eligibility conditions before beginning your application.
Step 2: Prepare your application documents
Prepare your English CV and obtain a recommendation letter from your supervisor using the official template.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Visit the official CCP application portal, select the appropriate country-specific call and complete the application form.
Step 4: Upload the required documents
Upload your CV and recommendation letter to the application platform. You may also upload a photograph if you wish.
Step 5: Submit your application
Review your information and documents carefully before submitting the completed application online.
Please note that the programme specifically asks applicants to complete their applications personally, without using AI. Applicants should follow this instruction when preparing and submitting their application.
Incomplete applications, applications submitted by email and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Selection Process and Important Dates
After the application deadline, the programme will review submitted applications and invite shortlisted candidates for an interview with the Selection Board.
The expected timeline for the 2027 fellowship is:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 20 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 8 December 2026 |
| Selection and interviews | After the application deadline |
| Notification of selected fellows | March/April 2027 |
| Fellowship implementation period | May–November 2027 |
The exact dates and duration of individual fellowships will depend on arrangements with the respective host organisations.
Official Application Links
- CCP Fellowship 2027 – Official Programme Information
- Online Application Portal
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact the CCP Team
For further information about eligibility, application requirements and the selection process, applicants should consult the official programme website or contact the CCP team directly.
Final Thoughts
The CrossCulture Programme Fellowship offers an opportunity for experienced civil society professionals and volunteers to strengthen their skills through international collaboration. Beyond its financial support, the programme provides access to professional networks, mentoring and practical experience with organisations working in different social and cultural contexts.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have at least two years of relevant professional or volunteer experience, this programme may be worth considering.
The application deadline is 8 December 2026. Make sure you review the country-specific eligibility conditions and prepare your documents before submitting your application.
