General Information
Who can join histoCON?
Participants must be 18–27 years old by May 5, 2025. International participants need valid travel documents, including a passport and, if required, a visa. Please check your country’s entry requirements for Germany at the Externer Link: German Foreign Office.
What language is the event in?
All sessions and workshops will be in English. Fluency in English is required.
How do I apply?
Fill out the application form on the bpb website during the application period. Include a photo that connects to World War II and its remembrance. Only applications in English will be considered.
What is the travel allowance?
Participants receive a lump sum travel allowance based on their country of residence. The amount is reimbursed in euros at the event and does not require receipts. You can find a list of the various countries and the respective flat rate payments here:
Travel Allowances histoCON 2025
List of countries and associated flat rates
| Residential address | Amount in € |
|---|---|
| Berlin & Brandenburg | 0 |
| Germany (except Berlin & Brandenburg) | 100 |
| Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Hungary | 150 |
| Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom | 200 |
| Albania, Algeria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Iceland, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Russia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Ukraine | 300 |
| Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Jordan, Kuwait, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria | 400 |
| USA, Canada, Mexico, Central Asia | 500 |
| Central America, South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, Japan, South Korea, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania | 750 |
What are the conditions for the travel allowance?
Attend all sessions from May 5, 6 PM, to May 8, 9 PM.
The allowance is only paid at the end of the event; no prepayments are made.
What expenses does the travel allowance cover?
It covers costs like transportation, visa fees, and travel insurance. If your costs exceed the allowance, you’ll need to cover the extra.
What about accommodation and food?
Shared double-room accommodations (gender-separated) are provided from May 5–9, 2025. Meals (vegetarian/vegan) are included, along with beverages throughout the event.
What happens if I cancel?
If you cancel after confirming your participation, notify us immediately. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in charges for travel or accommodation costs. Travel insurance is recommended.
Still have questions?
Contact us anytime at histocon@bpb.de for more information.
I am applying for a Grant. Can I send my essay or creative work before the application phase is over?
No, please do not send any essays or creative works before the application phase is completed. These contributions will only be required from selected grantees after the application process. Thank you for your understanding!
Can I upload a picture I found on the internet or one created using AI for the application?
No, the photo you upload must be your own creation or one for which you hold all necessary rights to share. As part of histoCON, your photo will be included in a collective exhibition showcasing diverse perspectives and personal connections to World War II.
We encourage you to contribute an image that represents something you associate with World War II—this could be a photo of an object, a place, a family heirloom, or documentation with personal significance. Drawings or other creative works are also welcome, as long as they are submitted in jpg, jpeg, or png format.
By uploading your photo, you confirm that you are the original creator or hold the rights to share it. If claims arise against the bpb due to third-party rights infringements, you agree to indemnify the bpb in full, including covering any legal costs. Thank you for ensuring that your submission complies with these guidelines!
Will there be a Call for Workshop Submissions for histoCON 2025?
No, there will not be a Call for Workshop Submissions for histoCON 2025. This year's program is curated without external workshop proposals. We encourage you to stay connected with histoCON for future opportunities to collaborate. Thank you for your understanding!
Can I extend my stay in Germany so that I arrive before May 5 or depart after May 9?
If you apply to take part in histoCON and make use of the Travel Allowance, you can choose your travel dates individually. However, you must attend the entire histoCON (May 5, 6 p.m. to May 8, 9 p.m.) in order to receive the Travel Allowance. The stay in Germany outside the histoCON event times must also be financed entirely by yourself. If you apply for a grant, we can only book flights for May 5 (exception: long flights require an arrival on May 4) and departures on May 9 (there is no extension option).