German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarship Programme 2026

Deadline: July 13, 2025

Applications are now open for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarship Programme 2026. This program invites young university graduates who are socially and politically engaged from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa (Southern Africa), Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda (East Africa), and Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal (West Africa) to participate in an intensive scholarship opportunity in Berlin.

Since 2020, under the patronage of the Bundestag President, this initiative has provided a platform for ambitious individuals from sub-Saharan Africa to deepen their understanding of Germany’s parliamentary system. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and experience needed to actively contribute to the democratic development of their home countries.

Program Overview

The 2026 program will run from January 5 to February 3, 2026, in Berlin. Participants will engage in a one-week internship within the office of a Bundestag member, offering first-hand exposure to parliamentary democracy, legislative processes, and governance structures. In addition to parliamentary studies, the program includes discussions on pluralism, minority rights, and historical memory. Various workshops will cover topics such as anti-corruption, intercultural skills, and project management, helping scholars develop initiatives that promote democracy and civil society in their home countries.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• A €700 stipend
• Free accommodation in a residential complex
• Travel expenses to and from Berlin
• Health, accident, and liability insurance coverage

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of one of the participating countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, or Uganda
• Be under 30 years old as of January 1, 2026
• Hold a university degree
• Possess German language proficiency at B2 level or higher (CEFR)
• Demonstrate strong political and social engagement

Application Process

Candidates must submit their application as a PDF file via email to the German embassy in their home country. The email address can be found on the embassy’s official website. The PDF file must not exceed 10 MB. If the file size is too large, documents should be sent in multiple emails. ZIP files are not accepted.

A complete application includes:

• Application form, filled out and signed in German
• Proof of German language proficiency (not older than two years)
• Hand-signed letter of motivation (maximum two pages, in German)
• Copy of passport or national ID as proof of citizenship
• University degree certificate (original or certified copy in English or German)
• Letter of recommendation (from a professor, teacher, or employer, in German or English)

For further details, visit the German Bundestag Scholarship.