Introduction:
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) funds 55 to 60 professionals and dedicated volunteers from over 40 countries with its CCP Fellowships. Fellows spend two to three months working with host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries to broaden their expertise, build valuable networks and further develop their intercultural skills. In return, the host organisations benefit from the expertise, regional knowledge and networks of the CCP Fellows.
Participants have the opportunity to take part in cross-cultural workshops, networking events and professional meetings organised by the CCP. The experience gained abroad will be integrated into the work of the Fellows’ home organisations upon their return.
The CCP Fellowships for 2025 will be offered as on-site Fellowships. Depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations, Fellows may also opt for digital participation. The programme is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
+ + + Application phase 15 October 2025 until 10 December 2025 + + +
Program Highlights:
The CCP program facilitates two to three-month work-related stays for participants in host organizations in Germany or CCP partner countries. These experiences provide participants with a platform to broaden their skills, build a global network, and establish lasting connections. The program also enables host organizations to benefit from the expertise, regional insights, and extensive networks of CCP Fellows.
Fellows have access to a range of benefits, including:
Collaboration: Fellows work closely with host organizations from the CCP network, either on-site or through online platforms, facilitating a collaborative approach to civil society development.
Mentorship: Throughout the fellowship, participants receive guidance and mentorship to enhance their professional development.
Professional Training: CCP offers online and on-site professional training tailored to each fellow’s specific field of work, aligning with their individual and professional goals.
Networking: Participants have the unique opportunity to network with fellow CCP Fellowship holders, facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Alumni Network: Graduates of the program gain access to the CCP alumni network, further expanding their global connections.
Key Topics: For those focusing on CCP’s key topics, participation in a professional event related to the chosen area of interest is supported.
The aim of the CCP Fellowship is to support and strengthen civil society actors in their commitment. This includes the following:
ifa will cover the following costs for participants from abroad:
ifa will cover the following costs for participants from Germany:
The programme does not provide for the accompaniment of family members such as spouses/partners or children. ifa will not assume any additional costs or responsibilities for other individuals. The amount of the scholarship is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
For participants from Germany, ifa covers the following costs:
Eligibility and Prerequisites:
Who can apply? Countries currently participating in the programme include:
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
The CCP-countries are agreed upon by ifa and the Federal Foreign Office, and may therefore vary from year to year.
What are the prerequisites?
What is desirable?
Fellowships are principally awarded to people working in the following subjects and professional fields:
In 2026, the programme will also focus on the following key issues:
Incomplete applications, applications sent by e-mail and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The application period for CCP Fellowships 2026 is from 15 October until 10 December 2025.
After submitting your application, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your documents. After the deadline has expired, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview by the Selection Board.
The finally selected Fellows are expected to be notified of their participation in the CCP Fellowship Programme by e-mail in March/April 2026. The programme will run from May to November 2026.
Applicants who have not been selected will also be informed by e-mail. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications, we are unable to provide information about the reasons for not being selected.
Is your organisation interested in international collaboration? During two to three months of professional stays in host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries, participants deepen their expertise, establish new contacts and acquire transcultural skills. In turn, the host organisations benefit from the CCP Fellows’ expertise, regional knowledge and networks.
Interested in becoming a host organisation?
For more information, please contact us:
E-Mail: crossculture(at)ifa.de
Tel: +49.711.2225.156
We match you with the right Fellow from your field of work and expertise. The participating Fellows come from up to 40 countries from the WANA region, Central, South and Southeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific Region, the Eastern Partnership countries and Russia as well as countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Within the programme we offer Fellowships in civil society fields of work such as policy and society, human rights, sustainable development, non-formal political education, digital civil society, and media and culture.
Read more about the Fellows focus topics here:
Human Rights and Peace
Media and Culture
Sustainable Development and Climate Justice
Policy and Society
End of the year: Call for CCP Fellowships
January – April: Selection of Fellows
From April: Assignment of Fellows to matching host organisations and initial introduction
May – November: Implementation of CCP Fellowships (2-3 months)
Beginning the hosting: Once you have shown interest in hosting a fellow, a first online introductory meeting is arranged. The period for the hosting will be agreed on mutually. Subsequently, feasible assignments in consultation with the Fellowship holder can be arranged, guiding the Fellow through possible tasks and relevant work processes as well as integrating them into the organisation’s day-to-day routine. The Fellows are all professionals in their fields and can, therefore, work independently on tasks and projects.
Once the hosting has started: Nomination of an internal contact person who will mentor the Fellowship holder during the professional exchange.
Ongoing: Supporting the Fellow in establishing contacts with other relevant institutions and individuals.
At the end of the hosting: Provision of feedback on the cooperation with the CCP Fellow in a standardised online survey prepared by ifa.
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