The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) is run each year by the German Bundestag for politically and socially engaged young graduates from roughly 50 countries. Around 120 scholars come to Berlin for five months (early March to end of July) to learn how German parliamentary democracy works up close. The programme pairs structured learning with real placement: an introductory phase on parliament, civil society and the German media, then a three-month full-time internship inside the office of a Member of the Bundestag. Scholars also enrol at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and can attend constituency events. The initiative is under the patronage of the President of the Bundestag.
Benefits & funding
- Monthly allowance of €700 for the full five months.
- Free accommodation in Berlin.
- Travel costs to and from Berlin covered.
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance provided.
- Academic enrolment at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and a working placement with a Member of Parliament.
Eligibility
- Citizenship of one of the participating countries (roughly 50 nations across the Americas, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, East and Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania).
- Under 30 years of age at the start of the programme.
- A completed university degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in any subject.
- Very good German-language skills, at least level B2.
- Genuine interest in politics and demonstrated civic engagement.
Can you apply?
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Eligible nationalities
Albania · Algeria · Argentina · Armenia · Azerbaijan · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Bulgaria · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Croatia · Cyprus
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Czechia · Egypt · Estonia · France · Georgia · Greece · Hungary · Indonesia · Iraq · Israel · Jordan · Kazakhstan · Kosovo · Latvia · Lebanon · Libya · Lithuania · Malaysia · Moldova · Mongolia · Montenegro · Morocco · Namibia · New Zealand · North Macedonia · Palestine · Poland · Romania · Serbia · Slovakia · Slovenia · South Africa · Syria · Tunisia · Türkiye · Ukraine · USA · Uzbekistan
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Education required
Bachelor · Master · PhD
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Age requirement
≤ 29 yrs
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We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Check your country’s specific instructions and deadline via the German mission (embassy) or partner organisation in your country — details and deadlines are country-specific.
- 2Prepare the required documents (typically CV, motivation letter, degree certificate, language proof and references).
- 3Submit your application by your country’s deadline; the general deadline is 31 July 2026 for the 2027 programme, but several countries (e.g. African participants) close earlier.
- 4Shortlisted candidates are selected by a committee; successful scholars are notified ahead of the March start.
Program timeline
31 July 2026
General application deadline for the 2027 programme (some countries close earlier).
Programme begins in Berlin.
1 March 2027
Introductory phase, three-month placement in an MP’s office, studies at Humboldt-Universität.
March–July 2027
Programme ends.
31 July 2027