Applications are now open for the 2027 RAVE Scholarship in Germany, a prestigious international program designed for professionals working in cultural heritage, museums, archives, and related fields.
Supported by the Alexander Rave Foundation and administered by the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa), the scholarship enables cultural practitioners from eligible developing countries to undertake a professional stay at host institutions across Germany.
This scholarship also supports freedom of expression, artistic independence, academic collaboration, and democratic engagement through cultural exchange.
RAVE Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Administering Organization: Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)
- Supported By: Alexander Rave Foundation
- Program Type: Professional Scholarship
- Eligible Countries: Countries on the OECD DAC List
- Program Duration: 3 to 6 Months
- Program Period: February – December 2027
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
- Benefits: Monthly Stipend | Travel Costs | Visa Support | Health Insurance | Family Allowance
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
RAVE Scholarship Details
The RAVE Scholarship supports professionals working in cultural heritage management, museum development, archives, collections management, and related sectors.
Participants will undertake professional placements at non-commercial host institutions in Germany while developing projects that contribute to sustainable and innovative approaches to cultural preservation and public engagement.
The program encourages international cooperation and focuses on strengthening professional capacities in:
- Cultural heritage management
- Museum transformation
- Archive and collection management
- Cultural participation
- Sustainable cultural development
- International cultural exchange
Scholars will have opportunities to engage with German institutions, share expertise, and build long-term professional networks.
Eligibility Requirements for the 2027 RAVE Scholarship
To qualify for the RAVE Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens of a country listed on the OECD DAC List
- Work professionally in cultural heritage, museums, archives, collections, or related sectors
- Belong to one of the following professional categories:
- Curator
- Restorer
- Cultural mediator
- Culture manager
- Heritage professional
- Have completed higher education studies or recognized vocational training
- Demonstrate strong English language proficiency
- Secure a non-commercial host institution in Germany before applying
- Develop a project proposal jointly with the host institution
- Be available for an in-person stay in Germany during the 2027 funding period
Priority Focus Areas
Projects addressing the following themes are particularly encouraged:
- Cultural participation
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility
- Inclusive and non-discriminatory cultural spaces
- Decolonial and critical heritage practices
- International cultural cooperation
- Preservation and accessibility of collections and archives
Benefits of the 2027 RAVE Scholarship
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive funding, including:
- Monthly stipend of €1,500
- Round-trip international travel expenses
- Full visa fee coverage
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Monthly public transportation pass
- Family allowance:
- €250 per month for a spouse
- €250 per month per child
- Up to €500 for language courses
- Access to professional networks and leading cultural institutions in Germany
What You Will Gain
Participants in the RAVE Scholarship will benefit from:
- International professional experience in Germany
- Collaboration with museums, archives, and cultural organizations
- Advanced expertise in heritage and collection management
- Exposure to innovative museum and archive practices
- Opportunities to build lasting international partnerships
- Full financial support throughout the program period
How to Apply for the 2027 RAVE Scholarship
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Identify and contact a suitable non-commercial host institution in Germany.
- Develop a joint project proposal with the host institution.
- Gather all required application documents.
- Complete the online scholarship application.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Only complete applications submitted before the closing date will be considered.
📋 Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Academic Transcripts
- Reference / Recommendation Letters
- Motivation Letter
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Degree certificate or vocational qualification certificate
- Employment verification or professional experience documents
- Detailed project proposal
- Host institution confirmation letter
- Project cooperation agreement (where required)
- Additional supporting documents relevant to the proposed project
- Completed online scholarship application form