Rave / ifa Scholarship 2026–2027 in Germany | Fully Funded for Cultural Heritage Professionals | No IELTS
Germany • Professional Residency / Short-Term Scholarship (not a degree program)
Deadline
30 Jun 2026
Funding
FULLY FUNDED
University
Various non-profit host institutions in Germany (museums, galleries, cultural research centers , applicant selects their own host institution)
Degree
Professional Residency / Short-Term Scholarship (not a degree program)
Overview
The Alexander Rave Foundation Scholarship (also known as the ifa Scholarship or Rave Scholarship) is a fully funded cultural heritage scholarship in Germany for professionals from developing countries. Administered by ifa - Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen - the program invites curators, restorers, museum technicians, cultural mediators, and culture managers to undertake a 3–6 month professional residency at a host institution in Germany.
The ifa scholarship focuses on cultural heritage management, museum transformation, transcultural dialogue, and engagement with collections and archive records. The residency takes place between February 1 and December 31, 2027, with an optional reciprocal stay of 2–12 weeks in a DAC-listed country.
No IELTS required, only good English proficiency is needed. Only 10 scholarships are awarded annually, making this a highly competitive opportunity. Applications from Black people, People of Color, Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and members of historically marginalized groups are expressly welcomed.
Eligibility
- - Must be a permanent resident of a country on the DAC (Development Assistance Committee) list
- - Must be a working professional in cultural heritage - curators, restorers, museum technicians, cultural mediators, or culture managers
- - Must be working with cultural heritage, collections, archives, or museums in an institutional context
- - Must have completed higher education or vocational training
- - Good English proficiency required (no IELTS needed)
- - Must secure and name a physical host institution in Germany
- - Must submit a project concept jointly agreed with the host institution
- - Must not be receiving another scholarship or completing another residency during the same period
- Note: This is NOT for students, applicants must be working professionals in the cultural sector.
Eligible Countries
- All countries on the OECD DAC (Development Assistance Committee) list includes most countries in Africa (including Nigeria), Asia, Latin America, Middle East, and other developing regions.
Benefits
- - Monthly stipend of €1,500 (net) — approx. $1,650/month
- - Family allowance: €250/month for spouse + €250/month per child (if travelling together)
- - Round-trip international airfare fully covered
- - Visa costs covered
- - Full health insurance provided
- - Monthly public transport pass for travel within the city
- - Up to €500 allowance for a language course
- - Full accommodation support during the residency
- Total estimated value: Up to €12,500+ for a 6-month stay
Requirements
- - Proof of non-profit or public corporation status of the host institution in Germany
- - Invitation letter from the host institution
- - Reference letter from your current supervisor
- - Project outline / concept (jointly developed with host institution)
- - Employment references / work history
- All documents must be uploaded as PDF files. Important: Intermediate saving is NOT possible in the online form — prepare all documents before you begin filling the form.
How to Apply for Rave / ifa Scholarship 2026
- Identify a suitable host institution in Germany (museum, gallery, archive, or cultural research center) and reach out to them.
- Agree on a joint project concept with the host institution and obtain an official invitation letter from them.
- Prepare all required documents as PDF files before starting the application.
- Visit the official ifa website: ifa.de/en/funding/rave-scholarship
- Complete the online application form — fill in personal details, contact info, stay details, host institution information, work experience, studies, and additional skills.
- Write a brief report on the current art and culture scene in your home country.
- Upload all required PDF documents.
- Accept the terms and conditions and submit.
Results: Applicants are notified by email by September 2026.
📌 Important Notes
- Only 10 scholarships awarded per year. It is very competitive, apply early.
- Deadline is June 30, 2026 , the residency itself runs February – December 2027.
- Focal themes: sustainability, non-discriminatory spaces, cultural participation, decolonial approaches to collections.
- Applications from underrepresented groups (Black people, PoC, Women, LGBTQIA+) are expressly welcomed.
- Administered by ifa - Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen, Charlottenplatz 17, Stuttgart, Germany.
- No IELTS or TOEFL required - good English proficiency is sufficient.
- This is a working residency scholarship — physical presence at the host institution is required.