Application Deadline: January 15th, 2026.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Reporters Without Borders Berlin Fellowship Program. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany will once again invite journalists from countries with restricted freedom of press and information to Berlin for our annual fellowship program. The RSF Fellowship
Program is designed to provide a safe space for journalists: Fellows will be able to take time off from their daily obligations to recover from their difficult working conditions. They will learn new skills to better protect themselves by taking part in a comprehensive safety training program.
THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The 2026 RSF Fellowship runs from June until November and encompasses:
- A comprehensive, hands-on training program in digital security, incl. individual risk assessment
- Workshops on safety and resilience building for journalists covering sensitive issues
- Peer-to-peer exchange within a cohort of colleagues from different regions and professional backgrounds
- Insights into the activities of Reporters Without Borders, a globally-active human rights organization
- Networking with German media professionals and newsrooms
- Opportunities to meet with relevant stakeholders of German civil society and policy fields
- Holistic support for individual psychosocial needs
Requirements
The RSF Fellowships are open to working journalists with at least three years of professional experience. This includes journalists working as full-time staff, freelance or citizen journalists, in any type of medium. We actively seek to promote diversity and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Expectations include:
- Fellows are expected to be open to exchanging candidly about their processes, experiences and challenges as a working journalist within a group of peers from diverse backgrounds.
- Fellows are expected to share the knowledge they acquire during the fellowship program with colleagues in their home region.
- Fellows are expected to return to their home region or country of residence (including third countries of permanent residency) after the fellowship.
- The fellowship program will be conducted entirely in English and fellows are expected to speak, read, and write English fluently to fully participate in this opportunity.
Benefits
In addition to the program outlined above, RSF will cover:
- Visa and travel expenses
- Assistance with all visa-related matters
- A furnished studio apartment in Berlin for the duration of the fellowship
- A monthly stipend for living expenses
- Travel and health insurance
- Public transportation costs within Germany
- Travel to networking events and/or journalism conferences
- A co-working space in a Berlin media hub
- Touristic and social activities
How to Apply
If you match the eligibility criteria outlined above, you can apply for the 2026 RSF Fellowship Program until Thursday, January 15th, 2026. Please register here to fill out the online application form and upload the required documents.
Please be prepared to submit the following:
- A completed online application form
- A scan of your passport
- CV
- Contact information for two professional references
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Reporters Without Borders Berlin Fellowship Program
