✨ASA Programme 2026 – "Food systems, agriculture, environment, and sustainability"

The ASA Programme 2026 offers young people a unique chance to engage in international, practice-oriented projects on sustainable development and global justice. Students work together with partner institutions in Germany and the Global South, combining academic knowledge with hands-on project experience in areas such as climate, food systems, education, social innovation, and human rights.​

What the ASA Programme Offers
Participants take part in a structured learning cycle that usually includes several preparatory seminars, a three- to six‑month project phase, and a follow‑up phase for reflection and continued engagement. During the project phase, they work in teams within partner organisations such as NGOs, universities, research institutes, municipal bodies, or social enterprises that are active in sustainable development and global partnerships.​

The programme focuses strongly on critical reflection, intercultural learning, and joint action, encouraging participants to question global power structures and contribute to fair and sustainable transformation. Many projects are designed so that results, methods, and experiences can be shared through public activities, outreach, or teaching at home institutions.​

Funding and Support
Participants receive a scholarship that typically includes a monthly allowance for living expenses, plus coverage of travel and insurance costs during the project phase in the partner country. In addition, the programme organises intensive seminars that prepare participants methodologically and personally for their project, including inputs on development policy, anti‑racism, and intercultural communication.​

Partner institutions benefit from motivated teams of young people who bring new perspectives and skills while working on clearly defined project tasks. The programme team supports both participants and institutions with advice on project development, selection of participants, and organisational questions throughout the cycle.​

ASA 2025 Participants experiencing a local Food Forest in Kleve, Germany

Who Can Apply
Local and international young people aged roughly 21 to 30 who live in Germany and are enrolled a bachelor’s or master’s degree or have recently completed a degree (not more than 18 months) or vocational training can apply to ASA Programme projects fitting their profession directly. The programme also includes global formats with mixed teams from Germany and partner countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and South‑East Europe.​ 

The main working language for most ASA Programme projects and seminars is English, and very good English skills (usually at least level B2) are expected so that participants can work effectively in international teams. Knowledge of German can be helpful for everyday life in Germany, but it is not always mandatory for project work, especially in global formats where teams operate mainly in English.​

For ASA Programme 2026’s motto, projects related to food systems, agriculture, environment, and sustainability are particularly suitable for students who want to link their studies with practical experience in these fields. Students are encouraged to use the English‑language programme information pages and project descriptions when selecting suitable projects.​

How to Get Involved for 2026
Each year, the application phase for the ASA Programme runs during a fixed period (often from late autumn to early January), and project descriptions are published online in advance.

Interested students living in Germany can search the project database during the application period, select one or two preferred projects, and submit their applications through the online portal.​

Students from abroad who wish to participate in ASA Programme 2026 should first contact a university, research institute, or organisation in their home country that already cooperates with ASA or is interested in becoming a partner. Together with that institution, they can explore existing project opportunities or help develop a new project idea that fits the ASA Programme framework and can then be submitted for consideration.

Prof. Tobias WĂĽnscher and ASA 2025 Participants at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Science

⚡️ Programme Milestones
* 01.12.2025 – 20.01.2026: Application Period

* March: Team Project Information. You join multi-day seminars to prepare for your stay abroad. You will learn about the UN sustainability goals, development cooperation, international communication, and global challenges like postcolonialism and social justice. A professional team and former ASA participants will guide and support you throughout the seminars.

* April – July: First Project Phase in Germany (85-90 days) – Your ASA year starts with two preparatory (multi-day) seminars—online and in person. If selected for a six-month project, the project phase begins during this period.

* September – December: Second Project Phase in Partner Country (85-90 days) – This phase generally starts in September or October, although some projects begin as early as June or July. Participants work on-site under the guidance of the project partner.

* January – March: After the project, you attend the RENew seminar to reflect on your experiences and network with other participants.

✨ Commitment: After your participation, you can stay involved through the global alumni network, continuing to contribute in various ways—including within the ASA Programme itself.