Applications are now open for the IFA Rave Scholarship 2027 in Germany. This fully funded short-term scholarship programme is supported by the Alexander Rave Foundation and administered by the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen. The scholarship provides cultural professionals from eligible OECD DAC-listed countries with an opportunity to undertake a 3–6 month research stay at leading non-profit cultural institutions in Germany.

The programme is designed for curators, researchers, museum professionals, cultural managers, restorers, and other cultural practitioners who wish to work on collaborative projects related to cultural heritage, archives, sustainability, museum practices, and cultural participation. Selected participants will receive comprehensive financial support, including a monthly stipend, travel costs, visa support, health insurance, and additional allowances.

What is IFA Rave Scholarship 2027?

The IFA Rave Scholarship is an international mobility and research programme that supports cultural professionals in gaining practical experience and conducting research at host institutions in Germany.

The programme promotes international collaboration, cultural exchange, innovation, and long-term professional partnerships while enabling participants to contribute to projects focused on cultural heritage, archives, museums, and sustainability.

IFA Rave Scholarship 2027 Quick Overview

DetailInformation
Host CountryGermany
Scholarship NameIFA Rave Scholarship 2027
Administered ByIFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen)
Supported ByAlexander Rave Foundation
Funding TypeFully Funded
Duration3–6 Months
Eligible ApplicantsCultural Professionals
Application FeeNone
Application Deadline30 June 2026

Important Dates

EventDate
Applications OpenOpen Now
Application Deadline30 June 2026
Result AnnouncementSeptember 2026
Scholarship Start01 February 2027
Scholarship End31 December 2027

Scholarship Coverage

Selected scholars will receive:

BenefitCoverage
Monthly Living Allowance€1,500 per month
Family Allowance€250 for spouse
Child Allowance€250 per child
Visa CostsFully Covered
AirfareReturn Flight Covered
Health InsuranceCovered
Local TransportationMonthly Travel Pass
Language Course SupportUp to €500

Thematic Focal Areas

The programme focuses on:

  • Sustainability
  • Cultural Participation
  • Decolonial Working Methods
  • Non-Discriminatory Spaces

Supported Research Areas

Research projects in the following areas are eligible:

  • Archives
  • Museums and Exhibitions
  • Cultural Participation
  • Cultural Heritage and Collections
  • Inclusive Museum Practices

Eligibility Criteria

RequirementDetails
ResidencyMust permanently live in a DAC-listed country
EducationUniversity Degree Required
Language SkillsStrong English Communication Skills
Project RequirementClear Research Project Proposal
Host ApprovalAcceptance from German Host Institution Required
Professional BackgroundCultural Professionals, Curators, Researchers, Museum Staff, Cultural Managers

Funding Options

1. Stay in Germany (DAC Country → Germany)

This option supports cultural professionals from DAC-listed countries who wish to conduct a 3–6 month research stay in Germany and collaborate with a host institution on projects related to archives, museum collections, and institutional development.

2. Reciprocal Stay (Germany → DAC Country)

This option supports short-term visits from Germany to the applicant's home country to encourage collaboration, exchange, and professional networking.

Why Should You Apply?

Benefits of the scholarship include:

  • Fully funded research stay in Germany
  • Monthly financial support
  • International professional experience
  • Access to cultural institutions and experts
  • Development of research and project management skills
  • Global networking opportunities
  • Cross-cultural collaboration
  • Enhanced professional profile

Host Institutions

Applicants must secure acceptance from an eligible German host institution before applying.

Host institutions generally include:

  • Museums
  • Archives
  • Cultural Heritage Organizations
  • Research Institutions
  • Non-Profit Cultural Organizations

Required Documents

Applicants may need the following documents:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • Motivation Letter
  • Research Proposal
  • Academic Qualification Proof
  • Acceptance Letter from German Host Institution
  • Language Proof (If Required)

Selection Process

The selection process generally includes:

  • Online Application Submission
  • Eligibility Verification
  • Project Evaluation
  • Academic and Professional Assessment
  • Host Institution Review
  • Final Selection

How to Apply for IFA Rave Scholarship 2027

Step 1

Develop a research project proposal aligned with the programme objectives.

Step 2

Secure approval and acceptance from a German host institution.

Step 3

Prepare all required application documents.

Step 4

Complete the online application form through the official IFA portal.

Step 5

Upload supporting documents and submit the application before the deadline.

Important Points

  • Scholarship is fully funded.
  • Open to applicants from DAC-listed countries.
  • Duration ranges from 3 to 6 months.
  • No application fee is required.
  • Acceptance from a German host institution is mandatory.
  • Monthly stipend of €1,500 is provided.
  • Application deadline is 30 June 2026.

Common Questions

Q. Is the IFA Rave Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, the scholarship covers stipend, travel costs, visa fees, health insurance, and additional allowances.

Q. What is the duration of the scholarship?

The programme supports research stays lasting between 3 and 6 months.

Q. Who can apply?

Cultural professionals, researchers, museum staff, curators, restorers, and cultural managers from DAC-listed countries.

Q. Is there an application fee?

No, there is no application fee.

Q. Is host institution approval required?

Yes, applicants must obtain acceptance from a German host institution before applying.

Q. What is the monthly stipend?

Selected scholars receive €1,500 per month.

Q. What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 30 June 2026.

Final Words

The IFA Rave Scholarship 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for cultural professionals to gain international research experience, collaborate with leading institutions in Germany, and contribute to projects focused on cultural heritage, museums, archives, and sustainability. With comprehensive funding and access to valuable professional networks, the programme can significantly enhance participants' careers and global exposure.

Interested applicants should begin securing host institution support and preparing their project proposals as early as possible before the application deadline