The International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) has been run since 1999 in cooperation with Berlin’s universities and is administered by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. It is aimed at committed, politically engaged university graduates from 50 different countries who wish to play an active role in shaping the democratic future of their societies.
The Bundestag Administration implements the programme in close cooperation with HU. Members of the Presidiums of Humboldt-Universität, Freie Universität and the Technical University, together with Members of the Bundestag, take part to select the scholarship holders for the coming year.
Programme and structure
During a six-week theoretical programme, participants will cover the following topics: ‘Parliamentary democracy in Germany’, ‘A pluralistic society and the protection of minorities’, ‘The media landscape in Germany’ and ‘The culture of remembrance’. A central component of the programme is a three-month internship in a Member of the German Bundestag’s office. This is complemented by insights into Berlin’s university landscape, study trips within Germany, visits to constituencies and accompanying lectures.
During their stay from March to the end of July, the scholarship holders are enrolled at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and can attend lectures. At the annual ‘Day of the Universities’ held at HU, they get to know Berlin’s three major universities.
Participants and funding
A maximum of 120 young people can be supported each year. This year’s participants come from countries including Georgia, Egypt, Colombia, France, the Czech Republic, Albania, Serbia, Uzbekistan and Poland, and gain comprehensive insights into everyday parliamentary life in Germany during their stay.
The agreement between Humboldt-Universität and the German Bundestag covers scholarships, accommodation and study trips, as well as posts in the International Department at Humboldt-Universität.