Final call for German Bundestag applications

Junior Kapofi
The German Bundestag (Parliament) is extending a final invitation to politically and socially engaged university graduates to apply for the prestigious International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) programmes in Berlin in 2024.

These programmes provide a unique opportunity for talented and politically interested young individuals to gain first-hand experience of the German parliamentary system and the decision-making processes within the German Bundestag.

Programme details

The IPS programme for Sub-Saharan African countries will be held from 1 to 31 January 2024, offering participants a one-week internship with a member of the German Bundestag. Additionally, an intensive preparatory phase will provide valuable insights into parliamentary democracy, the functioning of the parliament, and the topics of plural society, protection of minorities, and the culture of remembrance as political missions.

Furthermore, a workshop on project management will help participants develop their own ideas to promote democracy and civil society in their respective countries. This programme is specifically targeted towards students from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Additionally, the IPS regular programme spans five months, from 1 March to 31 July. Students selected for this programme will have the opportunity to engage in a full-time position within a parliamentary office, enabling them to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse tasks performed by the Bundestag.

These tasks may include preparing detailed reports, crafting speeches or letters, participating in meetings, and accompanying members of parliament (MPs) to committee sessions. To enhance the experience, the programme also features various events hosted by Berlin universities and political foundations.

Eligibility and application

To be eligible for participation, applicants must be from Namibia and below 30 years of age. They should hold a university degree and possess fluency in the German language. The deadline for submitting applications is 15 July, and interested individuals are encouraged to send their application materials to info@windhuk.diplo.de.

The International Parliamentary Scholarships in the German Bundestag present a remarkable opportunity for politically and socially engaged university graduates from Namibia to immerse themselves in the intricacies of the German parliamentary system.