Are you interested in parliamentary democracy? If you come from Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, France, Israel, North America, South America, Central Asia, the Arab world, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Namibia or South Africa, then you can use the International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) of the German Bundestag to learn about parliamentary work in detail for five months and, among other things, experience a three-month internship in a member of parliament's office.

The German Bundestag, in cooperation with the Free University of Berlin, the Humboldt University of Berlin, and the Technical University of Berlin, awards up to 120 scholarships annually to young university graduates from 50 nations. The program runs from March 1st to July 31st each year.

The internship: As part of a full-time placement, scholarship recipients are introduced to the various tasks of a member of parliament's office. Active participation is emphasized: this includes preparing expert reports, drafting speeches, articles, and letters, preparing for meetings, and handling secretarial duties. Furthermore, the scholarship recipients accompany their elected representatives to committee, parliamentary group, and other body meetings, gaining insights into the internal workings, interrelationships, and procedures of parliament. A visit to the member of parliament's constituency is also planned.

The scholarship includes a monthly stipend of €700, free accommodation, and health, accident, and liability insurance. Travel expenses to and from Berlin are also covered. The International Parliamentary Scholarship is funded by the German Bundestag.

• Citizenship of a participating country (dual nationality is permitted)
• University degree
• Very good knowledge of the German language (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
• Under 30 years old at the start of the scholarship

• freshman
• sophomore
• junior
• senior
• graduate

• US Citizen
• International or Other Visa Status

The exact link to the application can be found under your represented country here: https://www.bundestag.de/europa_internationales/ips/bewerbung/bewerbung-244992

IPS Contact: https://www.bundestag.de/europa_internationales/ips/kontakte_neu 

For general questions about the International Parliamentary Scholarship program and the application process, please contact the cultural attachés at the German embassies in the respective participating countries.

US citizens may direct any inquiries to:

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
International Parliamentary Scholarship
Attn: Melanie Franzen
4645 Reservoir Road NW
Washington DC 2 0007
USA

Telephone: (001 202) 298 40 00
Homepage : www.washington.diplo.de