About this opportunity
The International Journalists' Programmes (IJP) has opened applications for the 2027 German-Southern African Journalists' Programme, the Horst Köhler fellowship. Every year up to five young journalists from the region spend two months working inside a German newsroom while researching stories for their home media.
The programme exists to deepen understanding between Germany and Africa at a time when political and cultural ties between the two continents risk loosening. Fellows begin with an introductory conference in Berlin, then settle into the daily life of their host newsroom. Delegates submit their preferred outlet and IJP agrees the final placement in conversation with each fellow.
Each Southern African delegate receives a fixed bursary of EUR 3,500, expected to cover most travel, accommodation and living costs. After returning home, fellows submit a report of at least three pages together with copies of their published work, and join an alumni network that keeps the exchange alive long after the fellowship ends.
What you receive
- Two month placement working in a German host newsroom
- Fixed bursary of EUR 3,500 covering most travel, accommodation and living costs
- Introductory conference in Berlin to familiarise you with the host country
- Freedom to research stories for your own home media during the fellowship
- Lifelong membership of the IJP alumni network, including the Africa Talks format
Who can apply
- Journalist from a SADC member state or Kenya: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia or Zimbabwe
- Aged between 25 and 40
- Regularly working for a media organisation
- Strong command of English, above average language skills required
- German language skills are an advantage but not mandatory
Who should not apply
- Payment for work carried out with host media outlets is not envisaged
- Delegates are expected to cover any costs beyond the bursary from their own funds
- Applications are accepted in digital form only between 1 November and 20 January
Documents to prepare
- Comprehensive CV including a passport photograph, detailing education, work experience and language skills in English and German, with relevant certificates such as Goethe-Institut or TOEFL where available
- Essay of 800 words covering why you want to work in Germany, three research topics you plan to pursue, the role you expect at your home media in future, and how you plan to spend the bursary
- Two representative work samples, with scripts or online links for TV and radio journalists
- Journalistic reference from your editor in chief or head of department, guaranteeing a leave of absence for the duration (freelancers may submit a reference from a senior journalist)
How to apply
- Read the current call for applications on the official IJP Southern Africa programme page
- Prepare your complete document set, CV with passport photograph, 800 word essay, two work samples and your editor’s reference with leave of absence guarantee
- Send all documents in digital form to office@ijp.org between 1 November 2026 and 20 January 2027
- If selected, agree your host newsroom preference with IJP organisers and join the introductory conference in Berlin
Selection process
- IJP organisers choose the final placement in conversation with each delegate
- Fellows from Southern Africa undertake the programme in July and August 2027, subject to confirmation
- After returning home, fellows submit a multi page report and copies of their published journalistic work
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- Continental Reinsurance Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards 2027
The 12th edition of Africa’s leading insurance and reinsurance journalism awards is open to journalists based in any African country, with cash prizes up to USD 2,000 and recognition at the April 2027 ceremony.
Questions applicants ask
Do I need German language skills?
No. An above average command of English is required, and German language skills are an advantage but not mandatory.
What does the bursary cover?
A fixed payment of EUR 3,500 expected to cover most of your travel, accommodation and living expenses. Payment for work with the host media is not envisaged.
How will I be placed?
You submit your preferred outlet with your application. The final location is chosen by IJP organisers in conversation with each delegate.
Does the connection last beyond the fellowship?
Yes. Alumni receive updates by mail, are invited to meetings in Germany and Southern Africa, and can contribute to the Africa Talks online format.
Important disclaimer
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