Young leaders passionate about democracy, governance, public policy, and international affairs now have an outstanding opportunity to gain first-hand experience inside one of Europe’s most influential democratic institutions. Applications are officially open for the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Programme 2026, an initiative of the German Bundestag that enables outstanding young graduates to spend five months in Berlin while learning about Germany’s parliamentary system and participating directly in legislative work.

The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) is one of Germany’s flagship international exchange programmes designed to strengthen democratic values, encourage civic engagement, and foster long-term cooperation between Germany and partner countries. Established in 1986, the programme has provided thousands of young professionals from approximately 50 countries with practical parliamentary experience while building an international network of future leaders committed to democracy and public service.

For applicants in the United States, the programme is coordinated through the German Missions and offers selected participants the unique opportunity to work alongside a Member of the German Bundestag while also taking part in an extensive academic and professional development programme.

About the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS)

The International Parliamentary Scholarship is organized by the German Bundestag in cooperation with three of Germany’s leading universities:

Freie Universität Berlin
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Technische Universität Berlin

Together, these institutions deliver a comprehensive programme that combines academic learning, professional training, seminars, networking opportunities, and practical parliamentary experience.

The fellowship is specifically designed for talented young graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to democratic principles and civic participation in their home countries. Through the programme, participants gain valuable insights into parliamentary decision-making, political institutions, governance structures, and international cooperation.

What Makes the IPS Programme Unique?

Unlike traditional academic scholarships, the IPS Programme offers participants the opportunity to experience politics from inside the German Parliament.

Participants spend five months in Berlin, where they become immersed in Germany’s democratic institutions and political culture.

One of the highlights of the programme is a three-month internship placement with a Member of the German Bundestag, allowing fellows to observe parliamentary work closely while contributing to daily legislative activities.

This practical experience is complemented by university courses, professional seminars, workshops, and political training sessions that deepen participants’ understanding of democratic governance.

The programme aims not only to educate participants but also to encourage international dialogue and strengthen democratic cooperation between Germany and participating countries.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive financial package that allows them to fully concentrate on learning and professional development throughout the programme.

Benefits include:

Monthly scholarship of 700 Euros
Free accommodation throughout the fellowship
Travel expenses
Health insurance coverage
Practical experience working in the German Parliament
Participation in seminars and professional training sessions
University courses delivered by leading Berlin universities
Networking opportunities with political leaders, scholars, and fellow participants from around the world
Exposure to Germany’s parliamentary decision-making processes
International leadership and intercultural experience

Programme Duration

The International Parliamentary Scholarship runs annually from:

March 1 to July 31

During these five months, participants complete academic, professional, and practical parliamentary activities designed to prepare them for future leadership roles in government, public administration, international organizations, academia, civil society, and policy development.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants from the United States must meet all of the following requirements:

Hold U.S. citizenship
Possess a completed college degree
Demonstrate very good German language proficiency (minimum B2 level)
Have a good understanding of German politics, society, and history
Be under the age of 30 at the beginning of the fellowship
Demonstrate a genuine interest in democratic governance and parliamentary systems
Show active engagement in promoting democratic values and civil society

The programme is particularly suited to graduates interested in careers in diplomacy, public administration, political science, international relations, law, public policy, journalism, governance, and civic leadership.

Selection Process

Applications undergo a competitive pre-selection process.

Shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in interviews conducted within the United States. Final scholarship recipients are selected by an independent panel appointed by the German Bundestag.

The rigorous selection process ensures that successful applicants possess strong academic credentials, leadership potential, commitment to democratic values, and the ability to serve as ambassadors for international cooperation.

Why You Should Apply

Participating in the International Parliamentary Scholarship offers far more than international study.

It provides an opportunity to:

Gain real-world parliamentary experience
Build international leadership skills
Develop professional networks across Germany and beyond
Learn directly from legislators and political experts
Enhance intercultural communication skills
Strengthen your understanding of democratic institutions
Improve your career prospects in government, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and public policy

The IPS Programme has become a globally respected fellowship because it combines academic excellence with practical political experience, creating future leaders who contribute to democratic development in their own countries.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit applications for the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Programme 2026 is:

31 July 2025

Interested applicants should prepare their documents well before the deadline to ensure they have sufficient time to complete the application process.

How to Apply

Applicants should review the official programme information and submit their applications through the German Bundestag’s official IPS application portal.

Click here for Official Programme Information:

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