DAAD Fellowship for African and European Museum Professionals 2026

TheMuseumsLab is a programme for joint learning, perspective exchange, networking and career building among African and European museum professionals. Bringing them together to build bridges between individuals, institutions, nations and two continents for an engaged discussion on how museums can confront their past, meet the present needs of society and work towards an equitable future.

Please see the document “Call for Applications” (also attached under "Contact and Consulting") for further information and the overarching theme for next year’s programme.

Summary:

1. Application Deadline: Not specified
2. Value: Fully funded (travel, accommodation, visa, insurance, allowance covered)
3. Study Level: Professional Fellowship
4. Sponsor: DAAD
5. Course to Study: Museum, Heritage, or Art Sector
6. Eligible Countries: Africa & Europe

Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Fellowship for African and European Museum Professionals 2026

1. African and European Museum professionals who have at least two years’ experience of working in the museum, heritage, or art sector and a relation to the overarching theme of the programme next year.

Professional competencies and experiences

Practical experience of at least 2 years in a museum, heritage site or art space, relating to themes such as Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Cultural History, Natural Sciences and Technology and a relation to the overarching theme of the programme next year.

Commitment to the programme

High motivation to actively engage in participation formats.

A prerequisite for the selection of a candidate is the binding commitment to participate in all activities of TheMuseumsLab.

Personal skills

Engagement in peer exchange, workshops, and evaluation processes; demonstration of interpersonal and leadership skills such as creativity, resilience, self-reflection, collaborative communication, adaptability, and a drive for ethical transformational roles in museums.

Language skills

Adequate language proficiency in English (written and spoken) is essential in order to participate actively in the programme.

Interview date, Process and Venue for The MuseumsLab Fellowship Programme

Duration

Programme activities will take place from 6 May to 2 December 2026.

Kick-Off Event (Online)

6 May 2026

Module 1 (Online)

7, 11, 27, 28 May and 2 June 2026

Module 2 (Onsite in Berlin)

15 June–20 June 2026 (Arrival 14 June, Departure 21 June 2026)

Residencies at European Partner Museums (Onsite, Europe)

22 June – 26 June 2026 (Arrival 21 June, Departure 27 June 2026)

–> for Fellows assigned to a European Partner Museum

Residencies at African Partner Museums (Onsite, Africa)

14 September – 18 September 2026 (Arrival 13 September, Departure 19 September 2026)

–> for Fellows assigned to an African Partner Museum

Module 3 (Onsite in Kigali, Rwanda)

21 September–26September 2026 (Arrival 20 September, Departure 27 September 2026)

Closing Event (Online)

2 December 2026

Documents Required for Application

1. TheMuseumsLab | Application Form 2026 (PDF)
2. TheMuseumsLab | Call for Application 2026 (PDF)

Benefits of DAAD Fellowship for African and European Museum Professionals 2026

For the on-site phases, the following program-related costs will be covered by the DAAD:

1. International and national transport to arrive to and depart from programme locations (lowest possible economy class airfare and 2nd class train tickets)
2. Local public transport (if applicable) during Module 2, Module 3 and the Residencies
3. Airport transfers (Module 3 in Kigali, Residencies in Africa if applicable)
4. Visa fees (for visa processes at official entities, reimbursement)
5. Health insurance (reimbursement up to 40 Euros)
6. Accommodation during the on-site Modules and Residency Locations
7. Program-related entrance fees
8. Daily allowance during the onsite Modules and Residencies (limited compensation for meals not provided in the programme)

Please note: All program-related travel and accommodations will also be arranged and booked by the DAAD.

How to Apply

For more details, visit DAAD Programm webpage

Application Deadline

December 2, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for DAAD Fellowship for African and European Museum Professionals 2026