CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027
Applications open
- Climate
- Culture
- Media
Programme details
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027, organised by Germany’s Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), connect experienced civil society professionals and volunteers with host organisations in Germany and participating partner countries. Around 50–60 people take part each year. The programme supports international cooperation in policy and society, media and culture, human rights and peace, and sustainable development and climate justice. Democratic resilience is the special focus for 2027.
Rather than enrolling in an academic course, fellows join an organisation working in their professional field, contribute their existing knowledge and learn from approaches used in another country. Exchanges can involve community participation, independent media, environmental action, social inclusion, peacebuilding or work to protect democratic institutions. The goal is to bring useful practices and long-term connections back to participants’ home organisations.
The experience combines everyday collaboration with mentoring, professional learning and contact with a wider international network. Participants join cross-cultural activities and meet peers addressing related challenges in different societies. Fellows working on democratic resilience are also offered a dedicated additional event.
A host organisation does not need to be secured before applying: ifa can match international fellows with suitable partners, while participants from Germany generally arrange their overseas hosts themselves. Most 2027 exchanges are planned on-site between May and November, although a digital option may be possible depending on personal circumstances, travel rules and funding.
Application tip: The portal does not save unfinished applications. Applicants should prepare their materials first and complete the form personally, as ifa explicitly asks them not to use AI to fill it in.
Cost limitation: Funding does not extend to accompanying family members or individual accessibility-support services; prospective fellows should ask ifa about practical needs before making arrangements.
Important dates
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Applications open (date on ifa's main fellowship page)
Required documents
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Curriculum vitae
Current CV in English covering education, training, paid work, voluntary work and relevant skills
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Letter of recommendation
Use the official 2027 template. Preferably written by a supervisor at the applicant's home organisation or workplace, signed by the referee and normally stamped by the organisation. If the applicant is a founder, organisation head or freelancer, an appropriate previous supervisor, board member or partner organisation may provide the recommendation; unstamped letters may exceptionally be accepted subject to verification
View template (opens in a new tab) -
Recent photo Optional
Optional, not required for a complete application
Essay questions
4 questions
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Question 1 of 4
What is your motivation for applying for the CrossCulture Programme (CCP)?
Max 250 words
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Question 2 of 4
Which professional skills and sets of knowledge would you like to acquire at a host organisation in Germany?
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Question 3 of 4
In which area do you work? Please explain your specific work position and which tasks are included.
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Question 4 of 4
Please outline your preference for the kind of organization you would like to be hosted at.
