The German Bundestag’s International Parliamentary Scholarship is unique among the world’s parliamentary democracies, inviting young leaders to participate in a five-month program which includes a three-month internship in the offices of a member of the German Bundestag. It was founded in 1986 when 20 U.S. interns were selected to take part in the West German capital of Bonn, and has since grown to include 120 interns each year hailing from over 50 countries.
IPS is co-sponsored by Berlin’s three largest public universities, the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Technische Universität Berlin. This enables IPS participants to also take courses at these universities. As part of the program, participants have the opportunity to visit their member’s electoral district, complete intercultural training seminars, and attend events sponsored by various political parties, foundations, and cultural centers in Berlin. Participants receive a monthly stipend, free accommodation in Berlin, insurance, and travel expense reimbursements.
The basic requirements to apply are:
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Citizenship of a participating country;
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a completed university degree (at least a Bachelor’s degree);
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very good knowledge of German;
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knowledge of German politics, society, and history; and
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under age 30 the date the scholarship begins (March)
North American Bundestag Network 