Would you like to work in the German parliament? If you are from Central, Eastern, or South-Eastern Europe, France, Israel, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, or the Arab region, the International Parliamentary Scholarships (IPS) at the German Bundestag may provide you with the opportunity to spend five months learning about how the Bundestag works, three of which will be spent working in a Member’s office.
Every year, the German Bundestag, in collaboration with the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin, awards approximately 120 scholarships to recent university graduates from 50 countries. Each year, the programme runs from March 1 to July 31. The programme’s patron is the German Bundestag President.
Programme Objective
The programme aims to:
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- promote relations between Germany and the participating countries
- consolidate democratic values and tolerance
- deepen understanding of cultural diversity
- secure peaceful coexistence in the world.
The IPS Programme Overview
Founded in 1986, the IPS program aims to foster international relations and promote democratic values among young leaders from diverse backgrounds. Each year, approximately 120 scholarships are awarded to university graduates from around 50 countries, including those from Central, Eastern, and South Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and the Arab region. The program runs from March 1 to July 31, providing participants with an immersive experience in German parliamentary processes.
Placement with a Member of the Bundestag
The placement consists of a full-time position in a Member’s office, giving participants the opportunity to get to know the various tasks carried out there. They are expected to play an active role, including producing in-depth reports, drafting speeches, articles and letters, preparing meetings and carrying out secretarial tasks. In addition, the participants accompany their Members to meetings of the committees, parliamentary groups and other bodies and gain an insight into Parliament’s internal functioning, systems and procedures. The programme also includes a visit to the Member’s constituency.
Events at Universities and Political Foundations
Participants are enrolled as students at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin for the summer semester and, if they wish, as guest students at one of the other universities. They are able to take up to two courses at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin or one of the city’s other universities during the semester. In addition, they take part in an accompanying academic programme from the Freie Universität, the Humboldt-Universität and the Technische Universität. Scholarship participants also receive an introduction to Germany’s political, economic and cultural life via seminars held by the political foundations.
The Scholarship
The scholarship includes a monthly payment of 500 euros, free accommodation, and health, accident and liability insurance. It also covers the cost of travel to and from Berlin. The International Parliamentary Scholarship programme is funded by the German Bundestag.
Parliamentary coordination
The patron of the International Parliamentary Scholarship is the President of the German Bundestag. Parliamentary coordination of the programme is the responsibility of the Rapporteur Group on International Exchange Programmes of the Commission on Internal Affairs set up by the Council of Elders.
Selection Process
The IPS is open to well-qualified and highly motivated young people who are open to new ideas, interested in politics, and wish to play an active and responsible role in shaping the democratic future of their country. Successful candidates will be chosen based on their professional, social, language and intercultural skills by an independent selection panel set up by the German Bundestag with the involvement of the Berlin universities.
Requirements
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- Citizenship of a participating country (dual nationality is permitted)
- University degree
- Very good knowledge of the German language
Final Thought
The International Parliamentary Scholarship at the German Bundestag is an exceptional opportunity for young leaders to engage with democratic processes and gain practical experience in a parliamentary setting. With its comprehensive support structure, including financial assistance, accommodation, and academic resources, the IPS program is designed to empower the next generation of global citizens. If you are passionate about politics and eager to make a difference, consider applying for this prestigious scholarship to work at the German Parliament.