Germany Invites Applications for CCP Fellowships 2026 from 40+ Countries

The CrossCulture Program (CCP) Fellowship may be your next great journey if you think that people, ideas, and cross-cultural interaction have great power. About 55 to 60 changemakers from more than 40 countries pack their bags (or log on from home) each year to embark on a two- to three-month professional experience that crosses boundaries both literally and figuratively.

So, what’s the CCP Fellowship all about?

Consider it an exchange program for doers, those involved in media, human rights, sustainable development, civil society, and anything else that contributes to a better world. The fellowship, organized by ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, lets professionals and volunteers spend a few months working with host organizations in Germany or a CCP partner country.

You'll build your professional network, obtain practical experience, and see firsthand how civil society flourishes outside of your country. Host organizations receive your knowledge, experience, and new outlook on the world in exchange. Win-win!

Who can apply?

Here’s the short version:

• You must be at least 23 years old.
• Have at least two years of professional or volunteer experience in a civil society organization.
• Be good at English (it’s the main language used).
• And sorry, students aren’t eligible.

Official link

Funding and perks

The fellowship covers quite a bit so you can focus on learning and networking instead of worrying about expenses. You get:

• A monthly stipend of €650
• Round-trip airfare
• Accommodation and local transport costs
• Health insurance and visa fee refunds

Family members, however, can’t accompany you during the stay, so it’s a solo journey, but a deeply enriching one.

Key themes for 2026

If your work ties into politics, media, human rights, or sustainability, you’re already in the right zone. For the 2026 cycle, there’s extra focus on:

• Culture of remembrance
• Democratic resilience

How to apply?

Applications are open from October 15 to December 10, 2025, and the process is refreshingly simple:

• Go to the CCP application portal.
• Fill out the form and upload your documents (CV, letter of recommendation, and optionally a photo).
• Submit everything online, no emails, no paperwork chaos.

If selected, you’ll be notified around March/April 2026, and your fellowship will take place between May and November 2026.

Why is it worth it?

The CCP Fellowship is an experience that changes your perspective on the world, not just a way to improve your resume. You'll get exposure abroad, meet people who share your desire for change, and come home with a greater sense of purpose.

Therefore, the CCP Fellowship 2026 might be the ideal choice if you've ever envisioned combining your passion and purpose on a worldwide level.