The German government has announced a state-sponsored scholarship program targeting young scholars in select African countries.

In a statement, the German Embassy in Kenya invited applications for the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) program, which aims to engage motivated graduates from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana.

“The scholarship program of the German parliament provides a unique opportunity for young scholars. We invite you to visit the program’s website – hope to see you partaking in the next edition,” read the statement from the embassy.

Launched in 2020, the IPS program offers a unique opportunity for up to 24 graduates to gain firsthand experience of the German parliamentary system over a four-week period.

“The programme is for scholars 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,” read the website in part.

Details of the IPS Scholarship Program

The upcoming program will take place from January 3 to February 4, 2025, and will feature a one-week placement in the office of a Bundestag (Parliament) member, where participants will shadow the MP and their staff.

Throughout the four-week program, participants will engage in workshops covering topics such as parliamentary democracy, minority protection, and anti-corruption.

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They will also participate in project management training so as to help them develop their own initiatives aimed at fostering democracy and civil society in their home countries.

Scholarship recipients will receive a monthly stipend of 700 euros, along with free accommodation, insurance and transport to and from Berlin.

“Participants will receive a stipend of 700 euros. The German Bundestag will also cover the cost of health, accident and personal liability insurance,” the German Government states.

“Accommodation in a shared apartment (two people sharing) will be provided free of charge. Travel costs to and from Berlin will also be covered.”

Qualifications Needed for the Scholarship Program

To qualify, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria such as being under 30, possess a university degree, and demonstrate proficiency in German.

Eligibility criteria

• Citizenship of a participating country (dual citizenship is possible)
• Under the age of 30 at the start of the scholarship on January 1st
• 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

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file to the German Embassy, including a motivation letter, a recent language certificate, and other required documents.  

“Please send your application as one single PDF file (titled: Surname-First Name) to the German Embassy in your home country. You will find the e-mail address on the right-hand side under “List of participating countries,” adds the statement

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“The PDF file must not exceed 10 MB in size. If the PDF file exceeds 10 MB, please split your application into several emails, each with a maximum attachment size of 10 MB. Please do not send ZIP files.”

The German Government notes that the application is only considered complete if it includes the following documents:

• Application form (in German)
• Passport photo (please attach this to the first page of the application form)
• Recent language certificate, not older than 2 years
• Letter of motivation in German (maximum of two pages), signed by you personally
• Copy of passport or identity card
• University degree certificate in original or certified copy in English or German
• Recent letter of recommendation in German or English (from a university professor or employer, assessing the applicant’s qualification for the programme)

The application deadlines vary by region, with East Africa’s deadline set for June 14, 2024.

“For applicants from East Africa (only Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda): June 14, 2024 (deadline extended),” reads part of a statement on the website.

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