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.

Cultural Heritage Scholarship @ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen)