By persmind team CrossCulture Programme (CCP) 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Last Updated: October 20, 2025
The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) opens the door for 55–60 professionals and volunteers from 40 countries to join a short-term professional fellowship at civil society organizations in Germany. The program aims to expand expertise, build sustainable networks, and develop cross-cultural collaboration skills. It is fully funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by ifa (Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations). There is no application fee.
Programme Details
Host Country: Germany
Duration: May to November 2026 (2–3 months stay)
Number of Fellows: 55–60 from 40 countries
Funding: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: December 10, 2025
Working Language: English (good written and spoken level required)
What Does the CCP Fellowship Cover?
Monthly stipend: €650
Round-trip airfare
Accommodation for the entire duration
Local transportation pass (monthly public transport ticket)
Health insurance throughout the stay
Eligible Countries (40)
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
Fields of Work and Focus Areas
Sectors: Politics and Society, Media and Culture, Human Rights and Peace, Sustainable Development and Climate Justice.
Additional Focus Topics:
Culture of Remembrance
Gender & Diversity
Eligibility Criteria
Age: At least 23 years old at the time of application
Language: Good command of English (written and spoken)
Experience: Minimum of two years of professional or voluntary work in a civil society organization (must be verifiable)
Affiliation: Preference for applicants with a clear professional link to an organization in their home country and the ability to transfer knowledge after return
Required Documents
Updated CV (in English)
Recommendation letter from supervisor/manager
Personal photo (optional)
A motivation statement explaining goals and how the experience will be applied after return (may be requested)
Germany’s flag symbolizes the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange at the heart of the CCP Programme.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Select your country from the list of eligible countries on the official page to access the online application portal.
Create an account and fill out the application form carefully.
Upload all required documents in PDF/PNG format according to the instructions.
Submit your application before December 10, 2025.
Check your email for updates regarding interview/selection and host organization arrangements.
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Note: There is no application fee. Any cost requests outside the official website should be treated with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the CCP Programme?
It is a professional fellowship program run by ifa that annually funds around 55–60 civil society professionals or volunteers from over 40 countries to spend 2–3 months at a host organization in Germany or a partner country, fostering cross-cultural skills and networks.
What is the duration and nature of the fellowship?
Typically 2–3 months, mostly in-person at the host organization. Recent editions allow digital participation if required by current regulations.
What does the financial coverage include?
For non-German participants: a monthly stipend (€650), airfare, accommodation, monthly transport pass, health insurance, and visa fees.
For German participants (to partner countries): €1,200 monthly stipend + airfare, visa, and insurance. Family accompaniment is not covered.
Who is eligible to apply?
Professionals or volunteers in civil society organizations aged 23+, with at least two years of experience, and good English proficiency (German is an advantage). Students are not eligible.
Does the program provide a host organization?
Yes, the CCP network provides host organizations in Germany and partner countries. (For German applicants, finding a host in the partner country is self-directed but supported by ifa guidance if needed.)
What fields are targeted?
Civil society, culture, media, human rights, sustainability, science, and education — all aimed at strengthening cross-border civic cooperation.
How is selection carried out? Are interviews required?
The ifa team reviews applications after the deadline based on eligibility, relevance, and quality. They may contact shortlisted candidates for clarification. Results are announced a few weeks after the closing date.
When are applications usually open?
Typically from October to December each year (e.g., October 15–December 5 for the 2025 cycle). Check the annual call page regularly.
Does the program support visa procedures?
Yes, it provides official support letters and covers visa fees. Applicants must finalize the process through embassies and official channels.
Is digital participation possible?
Recent cycles emphasize in-person fellowships but allow digital participation if travel becomes difficult.
Tips for a Stronger Application
Link your current work to a project or initiative you plan to enhance during the fellowship.
Present a clear plan for knowledge transfer (e.g., local workshops, training materials, best-practice guides).
Include measurable examples: policy influence, audience impact, media output, or evaluation tools.
Request a recommendation letter highlighting your intercultural, governance, media, or SDG-related skills.
Conclusion
Ready to expand your professional network and build cross-cultural partnerships? Apply now before December 10, 2025, and ensure all documents are complete.