Since 2020, the German Bundestag has been offering a scholarship programme for talented and politically interested young graduates from Africa who are interested in the German parliamentary system and who are interested in politics and who wish to make an active contribution to democracy and a vibrant civil society in their home countries after completing the programme. In addition to young people from Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa) and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), for the first time young people from West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal) can also apply.
In a four-week compact programme, up to 24 scholarship holders can get to know the German parliamentary system and the political decision-making processes in the German Bundestag at first hand. The programme runs from January 1 to 31, 2025. The core of the programme is a one-week placement in the office of a Member of the German Bundestag, shadowing the MP and their staff members. The programme provides a compact introduction to parliamentary democracy and the functioning of the German Bundestag. Other topics include pluralist society, minority protection, and culture of remembrance as a political task. There will be a series of workshops on a variety of topics, including anti-corruption and intercultural training. A project management workshop will help participants develop their own project ideas to promote democracy and civil society in their home countries.
Eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship of a participating country (for West Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal)
- Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship on January 1st, 2025
- University degree
- Good knowledge of German (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- Interest in politics, and social/political commitment
Application documents:
- Application form
- Passport photo
- Recent language certificate
- Letter of motivation in German
- Copy of passport or identity card
- University degree certificate
- Recent letter of recommendation
Note: Applications must be submitted to the German diplomatic missions abroad. The deadlines are as follows:
- For applicants from West Africa (only Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal): April 14, 2024
- For applicants from East Africa (only Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda): May 31, 2024
- For applicants from Southern Africa (only Botswana, Namibia, South Africa): May 31, 2024
Further information about the programme and the application procedure can be found in the programme flyer and on the Bundestag website.