German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — German Bundestag
Few internships hand a twenty-something a desk inside an elected lawmaker’s office on their very first week, but that is exactly how the International Parliamentary Scholarship of the German Bundestag begins for the young graduates it selects each year.
About the Scholarship
The International Parliamentary Scholarship, widely known as IPS, is a fully funded programme run by the German Bundestag that places young university graduates from a defined list of eligible countries directly into the office of a Member of Parliament in Berlin for five months. Participants combine daily work in a parliamentary office with an intensive language course, seminars on the German political system, and a closing study trip, giving them a working understanding of German democracy that classroom study alone cannot provide.
Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly stipend covering living costs in Berlin for the full programme duration
- Travel costs to and from Germany
- An intensive German language course at the start of the programme
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- Direct placement in a Bundestag member’s office, with substantive policy and research work
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be under thirty years old at the start of the programme, hold a completed university degree, and have at least a good working level of German, generally at least B2 level, since much of the office work and the language course build on existing skills rather than starting from zero. Eligible countries span a defined list across Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, parts of the Middle East and North Africa, and a separate programme track for Southern, East, and West African countries, so applicants should confirm their country’s current eligibility before applying.
Fields of Study Covered
The programme is open to graduates of any academic discipline, though political science, international relations, law, and public administration backgrounds are common among successful applicants given the parliamentary nature of the placement.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- University degree certificate and transcripts
- Proof of German language proficiency, usually a recognized certificate
- A CV and motivation letter explaining interest in German politics and democracy
- References from academic or professional contacts
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm country eligibility and the specific application track, since the general programme and the regional Africa track run on different calendars
- Prepare German language certification well in advance, since this is often the most time-consuming requirement
- Submit the application through the relevant German embassy or the Bundestag’s own portal in the applicant’s home country
- Attend a selection interview, typically held at the German embassy or a partner institution locally
- Prepare for the move to Berlin once selected, including visa arrangements where required
Selection Process
Selection typically happens in two stages, starting with a document review by the German embassy or a partner organization in the applicant’s home country, followed by an interview assessing both language ability and genuine interest in German political life. A final decision is coordinated with the Bundestag’s own IPS office in Berlin.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Invest in German language preparation early, since B2-level proficiency is a hard requirement rather than a preference, and it is the single most common reason strong candidates are not selected. Show specific, informed interest in German or European politics in the motivation letter rather than general enthusiasm for travel or cultural exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as a general study abroad scholarship?
No. IPS is a structured internship and training programme centered on parliamentary work, not a degree programme, though many participants later pursue further study in Germany.
Can applicants from any country apply?
No. Eligibility is limited to a defined list of participating countries that changes periodically, so applicants should check the current list on the Bundestag’s own IPS page before applying.
Is the German language course enough to reach B2 if I start lower?
The language course deepens existing skills rather than building them from scratch, so a genuine B2 foundation before applying is strongly advised.
What happens after the five months end?
Participants return home with a certificate of completion and, in many cases, a lasting professional network inside German political institutions, which some later use to pursue further academic or professional opportunities in Germany.
Is accommodation provided?
The programme provides a stipend that covers accommodation costs in Berlin, though participants generally arrange their own housing with support from the programme office.
Graduates interested in other fully funded routes into Germany’s public and policy sector may also want to review the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme for Public Policy and Good Governance and the German Chancellor Fellowship for Prospective Leaders, both of which fund leadership-oriented study and research in Germany.