Are you a curator, restorer, or culture manager working with cultural heritage? The 2027 ifa Scholarship on the Management of Cultural Heritage offers a funded chance to gain new skills abroad. This program helps professionals from DAC list countries build networks and share ideas on museums and exhibitions.
What Is the 2027 ifa Scholarship?
The 2027 ifa Scholarship supports cultural practitioners in deepening their knowledge through stays at host institutions. It focuses on transcultural dialogue with cultural heritage, collections, and archives. The goal is to create trust between people worldwide and support democratic societies. It also backs freedom in art, science, and open discussions.
Hosts are non-commercial institutions like museums or exhibition centers. Scholarship holders work on mutual knowledge transfer and lasting partnerships. Stays happen between February and December 2027, with regular attendance required.
Key Themes
The scholarship targets four main areas:
- Decolonial working methods, which challenge old colonial views in culture.
- Cultural participation, to include more people in heritage activities.
- Sustainability, for eco-friendly museum practices.
- Non-discriminatory spaces, to make institutions welcoming for all.
These themes guide projects and help transform how museums and exhibition centers operate.
Who Can Apply?
This program is for professionals from DAC list countries. Eligible roles include:
- Curators who plan exhibits.
- Restorers who repair artifacts.
- Mediators who connect visitors with culture.
- Culture managers who run heritage programs.
You must work with cultural heritage, collections, or archives in institutions. Applicants need a higher education degree or vocational training. Very good English skills are required. German or the host country’s language helps but is not needed.
You cannot apply if you have another scholarship or residency during the period.
Scholarship Benefits
The funding package is generous:
- A monthly net payment of EUR 1,500.
- Family allowances: EUR 250 for a spouse and EUR 250 per child if they travel with you.
- Visa costs.
- Round-trip travel expenses.
- Health insurance for you and family.
- A monthly public transport pass in the host city.
- Up to EUR 500 for a language course.
These covers make it easier to focus on your work.
Application Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Name a specific non-commercial host institution for your stay.
- Submit a concept note co-created with the host. This is key to getting selected.
- Plan an on-site stay with no parallel funding.
Up to ten scholarships are awarded each year. Stays in Germany last 3 to 6 months. You can add a reciprocal stay in a DAC list country for 2 to 12 weeks.
Timeline and Next Steps
Applications close on June 30, 2026. Calls open each April. After selection, prepare a final report on your experience.
For full details, check the official ifa webpage. This scholarship builds skills and connections in cultural heritage management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2027 ifa Scholarship?
It funds stays at host institutions for cultural professionals from DAC list countries to build skills in museums and exhibitions. The focus is on themes like decolonial methods and sustainability.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Curators, restorers, mediators, and culture managers from DAC list countries who work with cultural heritage. You need a degree or training and good English skills.
What benefits does the scholarship offer?
It provides a monthly EUR 1,500 payment, family allowances, travel, visa, insurance, transport pass, and up to EUR 500 for language courses.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on June 30, 2026. Check the official ifa webpage for full details and to start your application.