The ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) Cultural Heritage Scholarship 2026, supported by the Alexander Rave Foundation, is a prestigious fully funded international programme designed for cultural practitioners from developing countries to advance their expertise in cultural heritage management, museum transformation, and transcultural dialogue.
This highly competitive scholarship offers participants the opportunity to undertake a 3 to 6-month professional stay in Germany, working closely with host institutions such as museums, galleries, and cultural research centers. The programme is rooted in fostering global collaboration, strengthening democratic values, and promoting intercultural understanding through heritage, archives, and collections.
With a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusion, and decolonial practices, this scholarship represents a transformative opportunity for professionals seeking to contribute to the evolution of cultural institutions worldwide.
About the ifa Cultural Heritage Scholarship
The ifa Cultural Heritage Scholarship is part of ifa’s broader mission to promote international cultural exchange, dialogue, and cooperation. Through this programme, cultural professionals engage in transnational learning, knowledge exchange, and collaborative project development.
The scholarship is specifically designed to:
- Strengthen global networks in cultural heritage
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration
- Promote freedom of expression and academic discourse
- Foster democratic and inclusive cultural spaces
Programme Overview
Key Details
- Host Country: Germany
- Duration: 3 to 6 months
- Optional Reciprocal Stay: 2 to 12 weeks (Germany to DAC country)
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Earliest Start Date: February 1, 2027
- Programme End Date: December 31, 2027
Applicants will be notified of results by September 2026.
Thematic Focus Areas
The scholarship focuses on the transformation of museums and exhibition spaces in line with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) definition (2023).
Core Themes
- Cultural participation
- Sustainability in cultural institutions
- Non-discriminatory and inclusive spaces
- Decolonial approaches to cultural heritage
These themes reflect contemporary global discussions on the role of culture in shaping equitable and inclusive societies.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to professionals working in cultural and heritage sectors.
Eligible Applicants Include
- Curators
- Restorers
- Cultural mediators
- Culture managers
Applicants must be actively engaged in work related to:
- Cultural heritage
- Collections
- Archive records
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic and Professional Requirements
- Completed higher education or vocational training
- Demonstrated professional experience in cultural institutions
- Strong involvement in heritage, collections, or archives
Language Requirements
- Very good command of English
- Knowledge of German or the host country’s language is an advantage but not mandatory
Additional Requirements
- Must secure a non-commercial host institution
- Must submit a jointly developed project proposal with the host institution
- Must not hold another scholarship during the funding period
Host Institution Requirements
Host institutions play a critical role in the success of the programme.
Host Institutions Must:
- Be non-profit organizations
- Be museums, galleries, or cultural/research institutes
- Have a physical location
- Possess a collection or archive
- Assign a dedicated contact person
- Collaborate with the applicant on a project proposal
Scholarship Benefits
The ifa Cultural Heritage Scholarship offers comprehensive financial and logistical support.
Financial Benefits
- Monthly stipend of EUR 1,500
- Family allowance:
- EUR 250 for spouse
- EUR 250 per child
Additional Support
- Travel costs (round trip)
- Visa costs
- Health insurance (including family coverage)
- Monthly public transport pass
- Up to EUR 500 for language courses
Programme Structure
Participants will:
- Work on a project related to collections or institutional transformation
- Engage in knowledge exchange with host institutions
- Contribute to sustainable cultural practices
- Participate in professional and academic discussions
At the end of the programme, fellows must submit a final report documenting their work and learning outcomes.
Application Process
The application process is structured and requires careful preparation.
Key Steps
- Identify a suitable host institution
- Develop a joint project proposal
- Prepare all required documents
- Submit the application via the official online form
Click HERE to apply
Important Notes
- Applications must be complete before submission
- Temporary saving of applications is not possible
- Applications submitted via email will not be accepted
- Late or incomplete applications will be rejected
Selection and Award Details
- Maximum of 10 scholarships awarded annually
- Selection is highly competitive
- Projects must demonstrate strong relevance and impact
Inclusivity and Diversity
The programme actively encourages applications from:
- Women
- Black individuals and people of color
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Persons with disabilities
- Individuals from historically marginalized or colonized contexts
This reflects the programme’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive cultural development.
Why You Should Apply
The ifa Cultural Heritage Scholarship provides a unique opportunity to:
- Gain international experience in Germany
- Work with leading cultural institutions
- Expand professional networks
- Develop innovative approaches to cultural heritage
- Contribute to global conversations on inclusion and sustainability
Learn more about the ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) Cultural Heritage Scholarship 2026 HERE.
Discover more global Scholarship opportunities on OFY HERE.
