Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, is inviting applications for its International Journalism Traineeship 2028. This paid 18-month programme offers aspiring journalists practical training in television, radio, online journalism, and multimedia storytelling.
The programme is suitable for graduates and professionals who want to build careers in international journalism. Participants receive professional training and gain newsroom experience at DW’s broadcasting centres in Bonn and Berlin, with opportunities for placements in international bureaus.
Programme Overview
– Host Organisation: Deutsche Welle (DW)
– Programme: International Journalism Traineeship
– Location: Bonn and Berlin, Germany
– Duration: 18 months
– Start Date: January 3, 2028
– End Date: June 2029
– Eligible Applicants: International candidates who meet the language and professional requirements
– Programme Type: Paid journalism training
– Application Deadline: November 17, 2026
Benefits of the Traineeship
Successful applicants can benefit from:
– Monthly salary: Trainees receive payment throughout the programme.
– Professional training: Learn from experienced journalists and media professionals.
– Practical experience: Work across television, radio, and digital platforms.
– Editorial placements: Gain experience in DW’s newsrooms in Germany and potentially its international bureaus.
– Multimedia skills: Develop skills in digital storytelling, data journalism, and emerging media technologies.
– Career opportunities: Build professional connections and improve prospects for future journalism roles.
The traineeship does not automatically guarantee permanent employment after completion.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:
– Be a native speaker of one of DW’s programme languages with excellent English and good German; a native English speaker with good German; or a native German speaker with excellent English.
– Hold a university degree, college qualification, or completed vocational training.
– Have some initial journalism experience.
– Demonstrate creativity, curiosity, and a strong interest in international affairs.
– Possess social media skills and an understanding of digital communication.
– Be able to work independently and collaboratively under tight deadlines.
Applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds, including technology, science, politics, economics, and law, are welcome to apply if they meet the requirements.
Required Documents
Candidates should prepare:
– A current CV in Europass format.
– A second CV in a format of their choice.
– University diploma, degree certificate, or vocational training certificate.
– Up to three samples of their work, such as articles, videos, audio recordings, or social media content.
Applicants must be the authors of the work samples they submit. All materials should follow the programme’s language and submission requirements.
After registering on the application portal, candidates must also complete a questionnaire and a video application task. These are mandatory parts of the application.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
1. Review the eligibility requirements and prepare the required documents.
2. Select up to three strong samples of original journalistic work.
3. Register through the official Deutsche Welle careers portal.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Check the confirmation email for the questionnaire and video task.
6. Upload all required documents and complete the additional tasks before the deadline.
Applications must be submitted online. Incomplete applications or documents sent by email will not be accepted.
Application Deadline
The application period runs from October 13 to November 17, 2026. The application portal is scheduled to close at noon German time on November 17.
Applicants should begin early because the questionnaire, video task, and supporting documents require preparation.
Conclusion
(Apply Now) The Deutsche Welle International Journalism Traineeship 2027/28 is an excellent opportunity for aspiring journalists seeking paid professional training in Germany. Participants can develop multimedia reporting skills, gain practical newsroom experience, and build international professional networks.
Candidates with strong language skills, initial journalism experience, and a passion for storytelling should prepare their applications and submit them before the deadline.