ifa Rave Scholarship for Cultural Practitioners 2027
Fellowship Scholarship ShortlistOpportunity Details
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Opportunity ID 287090
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Degree Non Degree Program/Certificate
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No. of Opportunity 10
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Opportunity Type : Fully Funded
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Gender Male Female
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Language of Instruction English
Opportunity Description
Introduction
Are you a curator, restorer, or cultural manager passionate about transforming museums and exhibition spaces? Do you want to build long-term transnational networks while gaining practical experience at a German host institution? The ifa (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen) Rave Scholarship is now accepting applications for its 2027 cohort — and it offers a comprehensive support package for selected professionals.
Supported by the Alexander Rave Foundation, this program enables cultural practitioners from DAC-listed countries (including Afghanistan) to spend 3 to 6 months in Germany. The fellowship is designed to foster cross-cultural dialogue, focusing on critical topics such as decolonial working methods, sustainability, and non-discriminatory spaces. For the upcoming cycle, a maximum of 10 scholarships will be awarded to exceptional candidates.
Read on to discover what the fellowship covers, whether you meet the eligibility requirements, and how to submit a strong joint application with your chosen host institution before the 30 June 2026 deadline.
Quick Overview
| Provider | Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) & Alexander Rave Foundation |
| Country / Location | Germany |
| Program Type | Fellowship / Scholarship |
| Study Level | Professionals / Vocational |
| Funding | Fully Funded (€1,500/month + allowances) |
| Number of Awards | Maximum 10 per year |
| Open To | Nationals of DAC List countries (including Afghanistan) |
| Deadline | 30 June 2026 |
Important Dates
| Application Opens | April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 30 June 2026 |
| Results Notification | September 2026 |
| Program Start | From 1 February 2027 |
| Program End | By 31 December 2027 |
Financial Benefits
If you are selected for the ifa Rave Scholarship, your funding package includes comprehensive financial support to ensure a comfortable stay in Germany:
- A net stipend of €1,500 per month
- Monthly family allowances for accompanying dependents (€250 for a spouse, €250 per child)
- Full coverage of travel costs for the outward and return journeys
- Coverage of visa costs
- Comprehensive health insurance (including coverage for accompanying family members)
- A monthly travel pass for public transport in your German city of residence
- Up to €500 reimbursement for a German language course
Fields of Expertise & Focus Areas
The scholarship targets cultural practitioners specifically working as:
- Curators
- Restorers
- Cultural Mediators
- Culture Managers
Your proposed project with your host institution must align with the ICOM definition of museums (2023) and address at least one of these core thematic areas:
- Cultural participation
- Sustainability
- Non-discriminatory spaces
- Decolonial working methods
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the ifa Rave Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Professional Background & Role
- You must have completed your higher education or formal vocational training.
- You must actively work with cultural heritage, collections, and/or archive records in an institutional context.
Nationality & Language
- You must be a permanent resident of a country on the DAC list (Afghanistan is eligible).
- You must possess a very good command of English. Knowledge of German is an advantage but not strictly required.
Host Institution Criteria
- You must independently identify and secure a non-commercial, physical host institution in Germany (e.g., a non-profit museum, gallery, or cultural/research institute).
- You must submit a specific concept note developed jointly with your chosen host institution.
Note: Applications from Black people, people of colour, women, LGBTQIA+ persons, people with disabilities, and individuals from historically marginalized groups are actively encouraged.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for the ifa Rave Scholarship, follow these steps carefully:
- Identify a non-profit German host institution that has a physical location and maintains a collection or archive. (Note: ifa itself is not a host institution).
- Reach out to the institution and collaboratively develop a specific project concept connected either to a collection or an institutional transformation process.
- Ensure the host institution nominates a specialized contact person for your stay.
- Prepare all necessary documents in advance. The online portal does not allow temporary saving of drafts.
- Submit your complete application via the official online form before the 30 June 2026 deadline. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
For more information, please visit the
ifa Rave Scholarship official website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I do not speak German?
Yes. A very good knowledge of English is mandatory. While knowledge of German is an advantage, it is not a strict requirement for the application. The fellowship even provides up to €500 to help you take a language course.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. The scholarship provides monthly family allowances (€250 for a spouse and €250 per child) and covers health insurance for family members travelling with you.
Will the foundation place me in a host institution?
No. You are responsible for identifying a non-commercial host institution in Germany, reaching an agreement with them, and jointly developing your project proposal before you apply.
