Hey future cultural leaders! Ready for an incredible opportunity that could take you across Africa and Europe? If you’re an aspiring or current museum, heritage, or art professional in South Africa (or anywhere in Africa!), get ready to hear about The MuseumsLab Fellowship Programme Bursary for 2026. This isn’t just a learning programme; it’s a fully-funded adventure that connects you with global experts and helps you shape the future of cultural institutions!
The MuseumsLab Fellowship Programme is a unique, fully-funded initiative specifically designed for emerging professionals in museums, heritage, and art institutions across Africa and Europe. Think of it as an intensive, international learning journey where you’ll explore the past, present, and future of museums, exchange ideas, and engage with diverse cultural spaces. In 2026, the theme is ‘Building Futures from Memory: Museums and Memorial Sites as Agents,’ bringing together 50 Fellows to participate online, in Berlin (Germany), and in Kigali (Rwanda).
Who Can Apply?
This incredible opportunity is open to African and European museum professionals. Here’s what they’re looking for:
- You should have at least two years of experience working in the museum, heritage, or art sector.
- Your experience should relate to themes such as Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Cultural History, Natural Sciences, or Technology, and align with the programme’s overarching theme of ‘Building Futures from Memory: Museums and Memorial Sites as Agents’.
- You need to be highly motivated and committed to actively participating in all activities of TheMuseumsLab.
- Strong personal skills are key: think creativity, resilience, self-reflection, collaborative communication, adaptability, and a drive for ethical, transformative roles in museums.
- Excellent English language proficiency (both written and spoken) is essential for effective participation.
What Does It Cover?
Good news! This is a fully-funded programme, which means most of your programme-related costs for the onsite phases are covered by the DAAD. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Travel: International and national transport to and from programme locations (economy class airfare and 2nd class train tickets), plus local public transport during Modules 2, 3, and the Residencies. Airport transfers for Module 3 and African Residencies are also included.
- Visas: Reimbursement for visa fees.
- Health Insurance: Reimbursement up to 40 Euros.
- Accommodation: Covered during the onsite Modules and Residency Locations.
- Entrance Fees: All programme-related entrance fees.
- Daily Allowance: A limited daily allowance during onsite Modules and Residencies to cover meals not provided.
The best part? All programme-related travels and accommodations will be arranged and booked directly by the DAAD, taking the hassle out of planning for you!
How to Apply?
Ready to jump on this amazing opportunity? Here’s how you can get started:
You’ll need to prepare your application according to the guidelines provided in the Call for Application. Make sure you download and review both documents carefully:
For more detailed information and to officially apply, head over to the official webpage:
Visit the Official Webpage of The MuseumsLab Fellowship Programme
Remember, the application deadline is 2 December 2025. Don’t miss out!
If becoming a global cultural leader sounds like your dream, then The MuseumsLab Fellowship Programme Bursary is definitely worth exploring! Don’t let this incredible chance pass you by. Get your application ready, apply now, and keep exploring more fantastic bursaries and opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
