The RAVE Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available for international cultural practitioners to gain professional experience in Germany. This fully funded scholarship supports curators, restorers, mediators and culture managers from countries on the DAC list to complete a professional stay at a German host institution in the field of cultural heritage, museums, collections and archives. The RAVE Scholarship covers a monthly payment of EUR 1,500, family allowance, visa costs, travel costs, health insurance, a monthly public transport pass and up to EUR 500 for a language course. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the RAVE Scholarship 2027, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The RAVE Scholarship is supported by the Alexander Rave Foundation of ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen. The program is designed to promote international cultural exchange, professional development and long-term cooperation between cultural practitioners and institutions.
This scholarship is especially suitable for professionals who work with cultural heritage, collections, archive records, museums or exhibition venues. Selected applicants will spend three to six months in Germany at a non-commercial host institution such as a museum, gallery, cultural institute or research institute. The purpose of the RAVE Scholarship is to help cultural professionals deepen their knowledge, introduce new perspectives and build sustainable networks through international exchange. The scholarship also supports freedom in art and science, freedom of opinion and open cultural dialogue.
RAVE Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Non-degree / Training Scholarships
- Institution: Alexander Rave Foundation / ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
- Study Destination: Germany
- Program Period:
- Stay in Germany: 3 to 6 months
- Optional reciprocal stay in a DAC-listed country: 2 to 12 weeks
- Number of Scholarships: A maximum of 10 scholarships per year
- Focus Areas:
- Cultural participation
- Sustainability
- Non-discriminatory spaces
- Decolonial working methods
- Cultural heritage
- Museums and exhibition venues
- Collections and archive records
RAVE Scholarship Deadline
The last date to apply for the RAVE Scholarship 2027 is 30 June 2026.
The earliest starting date for the scholarship is 1 February 2027. The scholarship must end no later than 31 December 2027. Applicants will generally be informed about the result by email by September 2026.
RAVE Scholarship Coverage
RAVE Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship in Germany. It provides the following benefits:
- Net payment of EUR 1,500 per month
- Monthly family allowance for family members travelling with the scholar
- EUR 250 for a spouse
- EUR 250 per child
- Visa costs
- Travel costs for outward and return journeys
- Health insurance, including family coverage
- Monthly travel pass for public transport in the city of residence
- Up to EUR 500 for a language course
Eligibility Criteria for the RAVE Scholarship
To qualify for the RAVE Scholarship, candidates must fulfil the following requirements:
- Applicants must be cultural practitioners from countries on the DAC list.
- Applicants must be curators, restorers, mediators or culture managers.
- Applicants must work with cultural heritage, collections and/or archive records in institutional contexts.
- Applicants must have completed higher education or vocational training.
- Applicants must have very good knowledge of English.
- Knowledge of German or the language of the host institution’s country is an advantage, but not mandatory.
- Applicants must name a non-commercial, physical host institution for each stay.
- The host institution must have a physical location and must have a collection or archive.
- Applicants and the host institution must jointly prepare a specific concept note for the planned project.
- Applicants must not receive another scholarship or take part in a parallel residence during the funding period.
- The stay must take place between February and December 2027.
- Scholarship holders must regularly attend the host institution during the scholarship period.
- Scholarship holders must prepare a final report after completing the scholarship.
Host Institution Requirements
The German host institution must meet the following requirements:
- It must be a non-profit museum, gallery, cultural institute or research institute.
- It must have a physical location.
- It must have a collection or archive.
- It must nominate a specialised contact person for the scholarship holder.
- It must develop a specific project together with the applicant.
- The host institution must provide proof of non-profit status or public corporation status.
Please note that ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen is not a host institution for this scholarship.
Required Documents for the RAVE Scholarship
Applicants are required to prepare the following documents for the RAVE Scholarship:
- Proof of non-profit status or public corporation status of the host institution
- Invitation letter from the host institution for the planned scholarship stay
- Reference letter from the applicant’s home organisation, workplace or supervisor
- Concept note developed jointly by the applicant and the host institution
- Employment references showing the applicant’s work experience
- Contact details of the host institution
- Personal information
- Information about previous stays in Germany, if applicable
- Details of work experience
- Details of studies and training
- Information about additional skills
- Brief report on the current art scene in the applicant’s home country
All required documents must be prepared before starting the online application because temporary storage of the application is not possible.
How to Apply for the RAVE Scholarship?
Please follow the application instructions below to apply for the RAVE Scholarship 2027:
(1) Visit the official RAVE Scholarship website.
(2) Carefully read the eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, funding requirements and application process.
(3) Find a suitable German host institution, such as a museum, gallery, cultural institute or research institute.
(4) Discuss your proposed project with the host institution.
(5) Agree on the duration and dates of your stay in Germany.
(6) Ask the host institution to nominate a specialised contact person for your scholarship stay.
(7) Prepare a joint concept note with the host institution. The concept note should explain the tasks and responsibilities of the planned stay.
(8) Collect proof of the host institution’s non-profit status or public corporation status.
(9) Prepare the invitation letter from the host institution.
(10) Prepare a reference letter from your home organisation, workplace or supervisor.
(11) Prepare employment references showing your relevant work experience.
(12) Fill out the online application form carefully.
(13) Upload all required documents in English or German as PDF files.
(14) Review your application before submission because incomplete, late or email applications will not be considered.
(15) Submit your complete application through the official online application form before the deadline.
Website
To know more about the RAVE Scholarship, please visit the official website: