German Southern African Fellowship 2027 | Call for Applications

The International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) invites young journalists from Southern Africa and Kenya to apply for a two-month work exchange in Germany. Fellows work in a German newsroom and report for their home outlet. Applications close on 20 January 2027.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP)
• Funding: Fixed bursary of €3,500; not fully funded
• Duration: Two months, July and August 2027 (to be confirmed)
• Location: Germany, starting with an introductory conference in Berlin
• Target Group: Journalists aged 25 to 40 from SADC member states and Kenya
• Deadline: 20 January 2027

Focus Areas

• Journalism exchange between Germany and Southern Africa
• Political, economic, cultural, and social reporting
• Newsroom collaboration
• German-African understanding

About the Fellowship

The program gives Southern African journalists a platform in German media. It also aims to deepen understanding between Germany and Africa. The bursary honors former Federal President Horst Köhler, who advocated for Africa. The program begins with an introductory conference in Berlin.

Fellows then work for several weeks at a media outlet. They also pursue their own research. Applicants state their preferred outlets. IJP chooses the final placement with each fellow.

What Fellows Receive

• A fixed bursary of €3,500 for travel, housing, and living costs
• A placement in a German newsroom
• An introductory conference in Berlin
• A platform in German media

IJP makes no further payments. Fellows cover any extra costs themselves. Host media do not pay fellows. To receive the full bursary, fellows must write a report of at least three pages. They must also submit copies of their published work.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet these requirements:

• Be a journalist aged 25 to 40
• Work regularly for a media organization
• Come from Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Kenya
• Have strong English; German is an advantage

Required Materials

• A CV with a passport photo and language certificates, if any
• An 800-word essay on why you want to work in Germany, three research topics, your future role, and how you will spend the bursary
• Two representative articles; broadcasters may send scripts or links
• A reference from your editor-in-chief or department head that guarantees your leave of absence

How to Apply

Email all documents to office@ijp.org between 1 November 2026 and 20 January 2027. The selection committee’s decision is final.

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This exchange gives regional journalists a German newsroom placement and a bursary. Eligible journalists should secure their editor’s reference and apply before 20 January 2027.

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