ifa CrossCulture Programme 2027: a €650 monthly stipend and a funded 2–3-month placement in Germany for civil society professionals and volunteers from Ukraine, apply by 8 December

The German Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (ifa), funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, has announced the call for applications for the CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship 2027 for Ukraine. The fellowship offers civil society practitioners and volunteers a fully funded two- to three-month placement at a host organisation in Germany or within CCP partner countries.

Selected fellows receive comprehensive logistical and financial support, including a monthly stipend of 650 euros, travel arrangements, accommodation, local transit passes, and insurance. The deadline to submit applications is 8 December 2026.

What is funded

The fellowship covers all direct costs associated with the two- to three-month placement abroad. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of 650 euros, covered round-trip airfare, accommodation, a monthly public transportation ticket for their host city, health insurance, and reimbursement of incurred visa fees. The programme is designed for individual fellows and does not provide financial support or logistical arrangements for accompanying family members, such as partners or children.

Beyond financial assistance, the programme provides professional and networking opportunities. Participants receive dedicated mentoring during their placement, attend a four-day transcultural workshop, and gain access to targeted professional development sessions on-site or online. Following completion of the placement, fellows become members of the CCP alumni network to maintain professional ties.

Thematic focus areas

Placements are arranged in alignment with key civil society topics to facilitate institutional exchange. Fellowships are principally awarded to professionals working in policy and society, media and culture, human rights and peace, or sustainable development and climate justice. For the 2027 cycle, democratic resilience is also designated as a priority area.

The programme focuses on reciprocal capacity building between participants and host organisations. Fellows contribute their regional expertise and perspectives to the host institution while acquiring specialised skills to integrate into their home organisations in Ukraine upon return.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be at least 23 years of age at the time of application and have at least two years of proven professional or volunteer experience within a civil society organisation in their home country. Candidates must also demonstrate a solid command of written and spoken English, which serves as the primary language for workshops and fellowship activities. Applicants must also possess the health capacity required for a prolonged stay abroad.

The call establishes strict exclusion rules. Currently enrolled students are not eligible to participate, nor are individuals who receive another fellowship or alternative funding in the same calendar year. Desirable assets include long-term community commitment, German language skills, and existing or planned collaborations with institutions in the host country.

Participation terms and application

Fellowships for the 2027 cycle are planned primarily as on-site placements. Depending on individual circumstances and relevant travel regulations, fellows may alternatively opt for digital participation. All scholarship allocations remain subject to final budget approvals from the German Federal Foreign Office.

Practical tip. Ensure that your application documentation clearly substantiates your minimum two years of civil society engagement in Ukraine and highlights any prior contacts or planned cooperation with potential host organisations. Clarifying how the acquired knowledge will be integrated into your home organisation will directly align your proposal with the programme’s selection priorities.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: applications-ccp.ifa.de.