Applications are open for the CrossCulture Program (CCP) Fellowship 2027 in Germany. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), the programme supports professionals and committed volunteers working in civil society organisations.
The fellowship gives participants an opportunity to spend two to three months working with a host organisation in Germany or another CCP partner country. Fellows can develop their professional skills, exchange ideas with international colleagues, and build lasting connections between civil society organisations.
The programme expects to support approximately 50–60 professionals and volunteers from more than 40 countries.
International fellows receive a monthly stipend of €650, round-trip airfare, accommodation, health insurance, local public transportation, and reimbursement of eligible visa fees.
The application deadline is December 8, 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).
Important: Applicants must meet the programme’s country-specific eligibility requirements. Ghana is not on the current list of participating countries, so Ghanaian nationals should check the official eligibility rules before applying.
CrossCulture Program 2027: Overview
About the CrossCulture Program
The CrossCulture Program aims to strengthen civil society and encourage international cooperation between Germany and its partner countries.
Through the fellowship, selected participants work with host organisations to exchange knowledge, gain practical experience, and develop skills relevant to their professional activities.
The programme is designed for people who are already active in civil society. Applicants should have a professional or voluntary connection to an organisation working in a relevant field.
During the fellowship, participants can benefit from mentoring, professional training, networking events, and intercultural workshops. They are also encouraged to apply what they learn to their work after returning to their home organisations.
Fellowships may take place in Germany or in eligible partner countries, depending on the placement and programme arrangements.
Financial Benefits of the CrossCulture Program 2027
The programme provides financial support to international fellowship recipients to help cover the costs of participating.
1. Monthly Stipend
International fellows receive a monthly allowance of €650 during the fellowship period.
2. Return Airfare
The programme covers round-trip airfare for international fellows.
3. Accommodation
Accommodation costs are covered during the fellowship, according to the programme’s arrangements.
4. Local Transportation
Fellows receive a monthly public transportation ticket for travel within their city of residence.
5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is covered during the fellowship.
6. Visa Fee Reimbursement
Eligible visa fees are reimbursed in accordance with the programme’s conditions.
7. Professional Training and Mentoring
Participants receive professional development opportunities in their field and mentoring throughout the fellowship.
8. Intercultural Workshops
Fellows can participate in a four-day intercultural workshop and other programme activities.
9. International Networking
Participants can build professional relationships with other fellows, host organisations, and members of the CCP network.
10. Alumni Network
After completing the fellowship, participants can join the CCP alumni network and maintain professional connections.
Funding note: The financial support is subject to funding approval by the German Federal Foreign Office. Confirm the final arrangements in the official fellowship offer.
Eligible Countries for the CrossCulture Program 2027
The programme is restricted to applicants who meet the nationality or residence requirements for the participating countries.
The current list includes:
Note: Although the programme is described as supporting participants from more than 40 countries, eligibility is determined by the official country-specific calls and applicable residence rules.
Ghana does not appear on this list. Applicants who are Ghanaian nationals should not assume they are eligible simply because the programme accepts international applicants. Review the official CCP eligibility FAQs for the rules on nationality and long-term residence.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following general requirements.
1. Minimum Age
Applicants must be at least 23 years old at the time of application.
2. Professional or Volunteer Experience
Applicants must have at least two years of verifiable professional experience or volunteer work in a civil society organisation in their country of origin.
3. English Language Skills
Applicants must have good written and spoken English skills.
German language skills are not compulsory, although additional language skills may be an advantage.
4. Connection to a Civil Society Organisation
Applicants must be professionally or voluntarily connected to an organisation working in a relevant field.
The organisation does not necessarily have to be an NGO, but applicants should demonstrate how their work relates to civil society.
5. Country Eligibility
Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality or qualifying residence requirements for an eligible country.
If you live outside your country of origin, additional residence requirements may apply. Review the official FAQs before applying.
6. Availability
Successful applicants must be available for the fellowship activities and arrange leave from their home organisation where necessary.
Applicants should also be able to undertake the planned stay abroad.
7. Students Are Not Eligible
The programme is designed for professionals and committed volunteers. People currently enrolled at a university are not eligible, including those who remain enrolled during the fellowship year.
Eligible Professional Fields
The CrossCulture Program supports professionals and volunteers working in civil society.
The principal fields include:
1. Policy and Society
This field may suit people working in public policy, civic engagement, political participation, governance, and related areas.
2. Media and Culture
Applicants working in journalism, media development, cultural exchange, or related activities may be eligible.
3. Human Rights and Peace
This field includes work related to human rights, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and social justice.
4. Sustainable Development and Climate Justice
Applicants working on sustainability, climate issues, environmental justice, and related civil society activities may be suitable.
5. Democratic Resilience
For the 2027 programme, democratic resilience is a stated focus area. This can include activities that strengthen democratic participation, counter disinformation, support the rule of law, or promote inclusion and political engagement.
Applicants should explain how their professional or voluntary activities relate to the programme’s fields and priorities.
Required Documents
According to the official application instructions, applicants should prepare the following documents:
The application portal may require additional information. Check the relevant country-specific call and prepare all documents before beginning the application.
Important: The official portal says the application system does not allow applicants to save drafts. It also asks applicants to complete their applications personally without using AI. Read the instructions carefully and write your own application responses.
How to Apply for the CrossCulture Program 2027
Applications are submitted online through the official CCP application portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal
Go to:
https://applications-ccp.ifa.de/job-offers
Step 2: Select Your Country-Specific Call
Choose the application call corresponding to your eligible country. The requirements and application portal are organised by country.
Step 3: Read the Requirements Carefully
Check the eligibility criteria, professional fields, documents, and any country-specific instructions before proceeding.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Have your English-language CV and recommendation letter ready. Use the official recommendation template where instructed.
Step 5: Complete the Application Personally
Fill in the online application form with accurate information. The organiser specifically asks applicants to complete their applications without using AI, so write your own responses and follow the instructions.
Step 6: Upload Your Documents
Upload the required documents and check that all information is complete.
The organiser warns that incomplete applications, applications submitted by email, and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your completed application by December 8, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
After submitting, you should receive an email confirming receipt of your application.
Selection Process and Important Dates
After the deadline, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with the selection board.
The final selection results are expected to be communicated by email in March or April 2027.
The fellowship programme will run between May and November 2027. Individual dates and arrangements depend on the selected placement.
Event | Date |
Application period opens | October 20, 2026 |
Application deadline | December 8, 2026, at 23:59 CET |
Expected selection notification | March–April 2027 |
Fellowship period | May–November 2027 |
Fellowship duration | Two to three months |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the CrossCulture Program 2027 fully funded?
The fellowship provides international participants with a monthly allowance of €650, round-trip airfare, accommodation, local public transportation, health insurance, and reimbursement of eligible visa fees.
The grant is subject to funding approval by the German Federal Foreign Office.
2. Can Ghanaians apply for the CrossCulture Program 2027?
Ghana is not included in the programme’s current list of participating countries. Ghanaian nationals should review the official nationality and residence requirements before considering an application.
3. Do I need a university degree?
The general eligibility requirements focus on professional or volunteer experience in civil society rather than a specific degree. Applicants must meet the other requirements and be connected to a relevant organisation.
4. Can university students apply?
No. Applicants currently enrolled at a university are not eligible for the CCP Fellowship.
5. Is IELTS required?
The programme requires good written and spoken English skills, but the published eligibility requirements do not list IELTS as a compulsory certificate.
6. How much is the monthly stipend?
International fellows receive a monthly allowance of €650.
7. Does the fellowship cover accommodation and flights?
Yes. The programme covers accommodation and round-trip airfare for international fellows, along with other specified expenses.
8. Is there an application fee?
The official application instructions do not list an application fee. Apply through the official portal and be cautious of anyone requesting payment in exchange for selection.
9. What is the deadline?
The application deadline is December 8, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
10. Can I use AI to complete the application?
The official application portal asks applicants to complete their applications personally without using AI. Applicants should follow this instruction and write their own application responses.
Final Thoughts
The CrossCulture Program 2027 in Germany offers professionals and committed volunteers an opportunity to strengthen their skills, exchange knowledge, and build international civil society networks.
The fellowship provides a monthly allowance of €650, round-trip airfare, accommodation, local transportation, health insurance, and reimbursement of eligible visa fees.
However, the programme has strict country and professional eligibility requirements. Applicants must be at least 23 years old, have two years of relevant professional or volunteer experience, and be connected to a civil society organisation. Currently enrolled university students are not eligible.
Before applying, check the participating-country list and read the official application instructions carefully.
Application deadline: December 8, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Official Application Link
https://applications-ccp.ifa.de/job-offers
