CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027: Fully Funded International Fellowship for Civil Society Professionals and Volunteers

The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027, organised by the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), offers professionals and volunteers working in civil society an opportunity to strengthen their expertise, develop international networks, and gain practical experience through a professional placement with a host organisation in Germany or one of the programme’s partner countries.

The programme supports civil society actors who contribute to social change, human rights, cultural exchange, democratic development, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Each year, the CCP Fellowships support approximately 50 to 60 participants from more than 40 countries, bringing together people with different professional backgrounds and regional experiences to exchange knowledge and strengthen international cooperation.

The 2027 programme will focus particularly on Democratic Resilience, making it relevant to professionals and volunteers whose work contributes to democratic participation, civil society engagement, social cohesion, and the ability of communities and institutions to respond to challenges.

Successful fellows will spend two to three months working with a host organisation, participate in professional development activities, and engage in transcultural workshops and networking events. For eligible participants travelling from abroad, the programme provides financial support that includes a monthly stipend, return airfare, accommodation, local public transportation, health insurance, and reimbursement of visa fees.

The application period runs from 20 October 2026 to 8 December 2026. Interested applicants should review the relevant country-specific call and prepare all required documents before submitting their application through the official application portal.

Overview of the CrossCulture Programme Fellowships 2027

The CrossCulture Programme is an international exchange initiative designed to strengthen civil society by connecting professionals and volunteers across countries and regions. Through its fellowship programme, it creates opportunities for participants to learn from host organisations, exchange professional knowledge, and develop skills that can be applied in their home organisations.

The programme recognises that civil society organisations play an important role in addressing social challenges, promoting human rights, supporting cultural exchange, and encouraging inclusive and sustainable development. By bringing together participants with different experiences and expertise, the CCP aims to strengthen cooperation across cultural and national boundaries.

The fellowship is structured around practical professional experience rather than academic study. Participants collaborate with a host organisation in Germany or a CCP partner country, develop their professional capabilities, and establish networks that can support their work after the fellowship ends.

Key details of the CCP Fellowships 2027 include:

• Programme name: CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027

• Organising institution: Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)

• Application period: 20 October 2026 to 8 December 2026

• Duration: Two to three months

• Location: Germany or participating CCP partner countries, depending on the placement

• Target participants: Civil society professionals and volunteers

• Annual programme reach: Approximately 50 to 60 fellows from more than 40 countries

• Main professional fields: Policy and society; media and culture; human rights and peace; sustainable development and climate justice

• 2027 thematic focus: Democratic Resilience

• Programme format: Primarily on-site, with digital participation potentially possible depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations

• Funding: Subject to support from the German Federal Foreign Office

Applicants should note that the programme is not open to everyone who wishes to undertake an international exchange. It is designed for people who already have professional or volunteer experience in civil society organisations and who can demonstrate a commitment to their work.

What Is the CrossCulture Programme?

The CrossCulture Programme is intended to strengthen civil society through international professional exchange. Its approach is based on the idea that organisations working in different countries can learn from one another, share expertise, and develop relationships that support their respective missions.

During the fellowship, participants gain exposure to the working practices and professional environments of their host organisations. They can deepen their knowledge, learn new approaches, and establish relationships with colleagues working on similar issues in other contexts.

The programme also benefits host organisations. Fellows contribute their professional knowledge, regional understanding, perspectives, and networks. This exchange allows both participants and host organisations to learn from each other rather than treating the placement as a one-way transfer of knowledge.

After returning to their home organisations, fellows are expected to integrate their international experience into their existing work. This helps extend the potential benefits of the fellowship beyond the individual participant and into their professional communities.

Main Focus of the CCP Fellowships 2027: Democratic Resilience

The 2027 CrossCulture Programme will place particular emphasis on Democratic Resilience.

This thematic focus makes the programme relevant to civil society actors whose work relates to democratic participation, institutional accountability, public engagement, human rights, social cohesion, and the capacity of communities to respond to social and political challenges.

Professionals and volunteers working in these areas may find the fellowship useful for exchanging approaches with organisations in other countries, strengthening their professional networks, and exploring how civil society initiatives can contribute to resilient and inclusive societies.

The programme also awards fellowships in several broader professional fields.

1. Policy and Society

This field concerns work connected to public policy, society, civic participation, and social development. Applicants working with civil society organisations in these areas may benefit from exchanging knowledge about community engagement, social challenges, and approaches to strengthening public participation.

2. Media and Culture

This area includes professional work relating to media, cultural exchange, communication, and the role of culture in society. The fellowship offers an opportunity to learn from organisations working in different cultural and professional contexts.

3. Human Rights and Peace

Civil society professionals and volunteers working on human rights, peacebuilding, dialogue, and related issues may find opportunities to exchange experiences and strengthen their approaches through collaboration with a host organisation.

4. Sustainable Development and Climate Justice

This field covers civil society work relating to sustainable development and climate justice. Applicants engaged in relevant initiatives may use the fellowship to share knowledge, develop connections, and learn from organisations working on similar issues in other countries.

These are the programme’s stated professional fields. Applicants should consult the relevant country-specific application call to determine which opportunities and thematic priorities apply to them.

What Does the CCP Fellowship Offer?

The CrossCulture Programme combines a professional placement with mentoring, professional development, transcultural learning, and international networking.

1. Collaboration With a Host Organisation

Fellows work with a host organisation within the CCP network for a period of two to three months. This placement allows participants to deepen their professional knowledge, gain insight into another organisational environment, and exchange experiences with colleagues working in related fields.

The collaboration is intended to benefit both the fellow and the host organisation. Participants contribute their expertise and regional knowledge, while the host organisation provides an environment for professional learning and cooperation.

2. Mentoring Throughout the Fellowship

Participants receive mentoring for the duration of their fellowship. This support is intended to help fellows navigate their professional placement, develop their expertise, and make productive use of the experience.

Mentoring can be particularly valuable for participants seeking to strengthen their existing work, explore new professional approaches, or establish longer-term relationships with organisations in their field.

3. Professional Development Opportunities

The programme provides professional development opportunities connected to fellows’ respective fields of work. These activities may take place online or on-site.

The aim is to help participants deepen their expertise and develop professional capabilities that can be applied within their organisations and areas of responsibility.

4. Transcultural Workshop

Fellows have the opportunity to participate in a three- to four-day transcultural workshop.

The workshop is part of the programme’s broader emphasis on international exchange and intercultural understanding. It gives participants an opportunity to engage with people from different professional, cultural, and regional backgrounds.

English is the main language of the programme, including the transcultural workshop, so applicants must have a solid command of written and spoken English.

5. Networking With Other Fellows

The fellowship provides opportunities to connect with other CCP participants and professionals. These connections can help fellows exchange ideas, learn about different approaches to civil society work, and develop relationships with people working on related challenges.

For professionals whose work depends on collaboration across organisations or countries, these networks may provide a useful foundation for future cooperation.

6. Access to the CCP Alumni Network

Participants become part of the CCP alumni network. This offers a way to maintain connections beyond the formal fellowship period and remain connected to the wider CrossCulture Programme community.

The potential long-term value of this network lies in continued professional exchange, shared experiences, and opportunities to build relationships across regions and fields of work.

Financial Benefits: What Funding Does the CCP Fellowship Provide?

The CCP Fellowship offers financial and practical support to participants travelling from abroad. According to the programme information, the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen covers several costs associated with participation.

For eligible international participants, the funding includes the following:

Monthly stipend

Fellows receive a monthly stipend of €650. This contribution is intended to support participants during their fellowship.

Return airfare

The programme covers round-trip airfare for participants from abroad, supporting their travel to and from the fellowship destination.

Accommodation

Accommodation is covered for eligible participants during their stay associated with the fellowship.

Local public transportation

The programme covers the cost of a monthly public transportation ticket within the fellow’s city of residence.

Health insurance

Health insurance is included in the stated funding package for participants from abroad.

Visa fee reimbursement

Visa fees incurred by eligible participants are reimbursed under the programme’s stated funding arrangements.

Together, these provisions help reduce several of the financial barriers associated with undertaking an international professional placement.

However, applicants should understand the limitations of the funding. The amount of the stipend and the programme’s financial arrangements are subject to funding from the German Federal Foreign Office.

The programme also states that it does not provide for family members, including spouses, partners, or children, to accompany fellows at the programme’s expense. It will not assume additional costs or responsibilities for accompanying individuals.

Furthermore, no additional budget is available for accessibility measures, accommodations, or personal support services. The programme advises individuals who have questions or concerns related to the health-related participation prerequisite to contact the CCP team.

Applicants should read the official information carefully and clarify any questions about individual circumstances, travel arrangements, or funding before applying.

Learn More HERE

Who Can Apply for the CrossCulture Programme Fellowships 2027?

The CCP Fellowships are intended for professionals and volunteers who are actively involved in civil society organisations in their home countries.

Applicants must meet the programme’s stated participation requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee selection, as applicants should also demonstrate relevant experience and a commitment to civil society work.

Minimum age requirement

Applicants must be at least 23 years old at the time of application.

Individuals who do not meet this minimum age requirement should not assume that they are eligible for the 2027 fellowship.

Professional or volunteer experience

Applicants must have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their home country.

This requirement means that the programme is intended for people who already have practical experience in civil society rather than individuals seeking their first professional or volunteer opportunity.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their experience and explain how their work relates to the programme’s objectives and professional fields.

English-language proficiency

Applicants must have a solid command of both written and spoken English.

English is the main language used in the programme, including its transcultural workshop. Participants therefore need to be able to communicate effectively, engage in professional exchange, and participate in programme activities.

Ability to undertake a prolonged stay abroad

Applicants must be able to undertake an extended stay abroad.

The programme specifically advises individuals who have questions or doubts about this requirement to contact the CCP team. It also notes that individual accessibility accommodations, accommodation-related support measures, and personal support services cannot currently be provided or financed through an additional budget.

Applicants who are uncertain about whether their circumstances meet the programme’s requirements should seek clarification before applying.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The programme lists two explicit exclusion criteria.

Students are not eligible to participate. The fellowship is designed for civil society professionals and volunteers with relevant experience, rather than students seeking an academic exchange or study opportunity.

Individuals who receive another form of funding in the same year, such as another fellowship, are also excluded under the stated programme rules.

Applicants should review these restrictions carefully before beginning an application. If they are currently enrolled as students or expect to receive another fellowship or similar funding in 2027, they should not assume that they qualify.

What Additional Qualities Does the Programme Prefer?

In addition to the minimum requirements, the CCP identifies several desirable qualities that may strengthen an applicant’s suitability for the programme.

Long-term social or community commitment

A sustained commitment to social or community work is desirable. Applicants may wish to explain the nature of their involvement, the issues they address, and how their work contributes to their communities or professional fields.

Existing or planned cooperation with an organisation in the host country

The programme values existing or planned collaboration with an organisation in the country where the fellowship will take place.

Applicants who already have professional connections or a clear intention to establish relevant cooperation may wish to explain how the fellowship could strengthen those relationships.

Additional language skills

Knowledge of languages beyond English is desirable, particularly German.

Additional language skills may be useful in international professional settings, especially when working with organisations and colleagues in different linguistic environments. However, German is presented as a desirable skill rather than a stated universal minimum requirement.

Which Countries Can Apply?

The CrossCulture Programme works with participants from more than 40 countries. However, applicants must consult the programme’s currently participating countries and the relevant country-specific call for applications.

The programme website directs applicants to select the appropriate country call through its application portal. This means applicants should not assume that every country is eligible for every fellowship cycle or that all countries participate in the same way.

The available programme information does not provide a complete written list of participating countries in the supplied text. Therefore, the exact countries eligible for the 2027 application round cannot be confirmed from this information alone.

Applicants from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and other regions should check the official participating-country information rather than assuming eligibility based only on their continent or nationality.

The programme’s emphasis on international civil society exchange makes it relevant to applicants from different regions, but eligibility must be confirmed through the current country-specific call.

Are There Any Race or Ethnicity Restrictions?

The programme information provided does not specify any race- or ethnicity-based eligibility restrictions.

Its stated eligibility criteria focus on age, professional or volunteer experience, English-language ability, ability to undertake a prolonged stay abroad, and the exclusion criteria relating to student status and other funding.

Applicants should therefore assess their eligibility using the programme’s published requirements and the country-specific call. No additional race- or ethnicity-based restrictions should be inferred from the supplied information.

How to Apply for the CCP Fellowships 2027

The programme outlines a three-step application process. Applications must be submitted online through the official application portal.

Step 1: Select the appropriate country call

Applicants should first visit the application portal and select the relevant country-specific call for applications.

This step is important because the programme operates across multiple participating countries. Applicants should ensure that they select the call applicable to their country and review any specific instructions associated with it.

Step 2: Complete the online application and upload the required documents

Applicants must complete the application form and upload all required documents through the portal.

The programme warns that its application system does not allow applicants to save drafts. Therefore, it is important to prepare all documents before opening and completing the application.

Before starting, applicants should:

• Read the official country-specific application instructions.

• Confirm that they meet the age and experience requirements.

• Prepare the information and documents requested by the application form.

• Ensure that their application information is complete and accurate.

• Check that the documents are ready for upload.

• Review the application carefully before submission.

The programme explicitly requests applicants to complete the application themselves, without using AI. Applicants should follow this instruction and prepare their submissions independently.

Step 3: Submit the completed application online

After completing the form and uploading the required documents, applicants must submit the application through the official portal before the deadline.

The programme states that the following will not be considered:

• Incomplete applications.

• Applications sent by email.

• Applications submitted after the deadline.

Applicants should not wait until the final day to begin the process, particularly because the system does not allow drafts to be saved. Submitting early also provides time to review the information entered and confirm that all required documents have been uploaded.

What documents are required?

The supplied programme information does not enumerate the complete list of required application documents. It directs applicants to the application portal and the relevant country-specific call for the applicable requirements.

Applicants should consult those official instructions before preparing their submissions rather than relying on a generic document checklist that may not reflect their particular call.

The programme also provides downloadable documents and an FAQ section through its official website, which applicants can consult for additional guidance.

Start Your Application HERE

Application Deadline for the CrossCulture Programme Fellowships 2027

The application period for the 2027 CrossCulture Programme Fellowships opens on 20 October 2026 and closes on 8 December 2026.

Applicants should submit their completed applications online before the closing date. Incomplete applications, applications submitted by email, and late applications will not be considered.

Because the application system does not allow drafts to be saved, applicants are strongly advised to prepare their documents and information before starting the online form.

Important: Check the official application portal for the applicable country-specific call, any additional instructions, and confirmation of the deadline before submitting your application.

What Happens During the Fellowship?

Successful participants spend two to three months working with a host organisation in Germany or a CCP partner country. The placement is designed to provide a practical professional learning experience while encouraging cooperation between the fellow and the host organisation.

During the fellowship, participants may engage in activities connected to their professional responsibilities, exchange knowledge with colleagues, and explore approaches that could be adapted to their own work.

The programme also offers mentoring, professional development opportunities, a three- to four-day transcultural workshop, and networking with other fellows.

The 2027 fellowships are planned primarily as on-site placements. However, depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations, digital participation may be possible. Applicants should confirm the arrangements available for their specific placement rather than assuming that all fellowships can be completed remotely.

Following the fellowship, participants are expected to integrate the experience gained abroad into the work of their home organisations. This connection between international learning and local professional practice is an important part of the programme’s wider civil society objective.

Benefits for Host Organisations

The CrossCulture Programme is also designed to support organisations that host fellows.

Host organisations have an opportunity to collaborate with international professionals and volunteers who bring relevant expertise, regional knowledge, and professional networks. The exchange can introduce new perspectives and create opportunities for learning across cultural and organisational contexts.

According to the programme information, ifa offers host organisations support that includes:

• Planning and covering the fellow’s trip and stay costs, including flights, insurance, and accommodation.

• Providing a monthly scholarship for the fellow during the period of cooperation with the host organisation.

• Offering organisational support during the fellowship.

• Supporting accompanying programme activities, including transcultural training, peer-to-peer learning within the fellow’s field of interest, and networking.

Organisations interested in hosting a fellow are encouraged to contact the CrossCulture Programme team for further information about becoming a host organisation and the process involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the CrossCulture Programme Fellowship?

The CrossCulture Programme Fellowship is an international professional exchange opportunity organised by the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa). It supports civil society professionals and volunteers through placements with host organisations, mentoring, professional development, and international networking.

2. When is the application deadline?

The application period for the 2027 programme runs from 20 October 2026 until 8 December 2026.

3. How long does the fellowship last?

The professional placement lasts approximately two to three months.

4. Where does the fellowship take place?

Fellows work with host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries, depending on the placement and relevant programme arrangements.

5. How much is the monthly stipend?

For participants from abroad, the stated monthly stipend is €650. The programme also lists round-trip airfare, accommodation, a monthly local public transportation ticket, health insurance, and reimbursement of visa fees. Funding is subject to support from the German Federal Foreign Office.

6. Can students apply?

No. The programme explicitly states that students are not eligible to participate.

7. Is previous professional experience required?

Yes. Applicants must have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their home country.

8. Is English required?

Yes. Applicants need a solid command of written and spoken English because it is the programme’s main language, including during the transcultural workshop.

9. Can someone receiving another fellowship apply?

The programme lists receiving another form of funding in the same year, such as another fellowship, as an exclusion criterion.

10. Can applicants from any country apply?

No universal eligibility for every country can be assumed. The programme operates through participating countries and country-specific calls. Applicants must check the official portal to confirm whether their country is included in the 2027 round.

11. Can applicants submit their applications by email?

No. The programme states that applications submitted by email will not be considered. Applications must be completed and submitted online through the official application portal.

12. Can the application be saved and completed later?

The programme states that the online system does not allow drafts to be saved. Applicants should prepare all required documents and information before beginning the application.

Visit HERE to learn more about the CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027.

Conclusion

The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027 offer an international professional development opportunity for experienced civil society professionals and volunteers who want to strengthen their expertise, build cross-cultural networks, and contribute to social change. Through professional placements, mentoring, development activities, and transcultural workshops, the programme encourages participants to exchange knowledge and bring new perspectives back to their home organisations.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to people working in policy and society, media and culture, human rights and peace, sustainable development and climate justice, with Democratic Resilience serving as a key thematic focus for 2027.

Eligible participants from abroad may receive a €650 monthly stipend, return airfare, accommodation, local transportation support, health insurance, and reimbursement of visa fees. However, applicants must meet the programme’s age, experience, language, and participation requirements, and students or individuals receiving another form of funding in the same year are excluded under the stated rules.

The application period closes on 8 December 2026. Interested applicants should review the official country-specific call, prepare all required documents before starting the online form, and submit a complete application through the official portal before the deadline.

For the most accurate and current details, consult the official Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen CrossCulture Programme website and confirm the participating countries, application documents, and requirements applicable to your country.

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