RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026 in Germany. International applicants from around the world are welcome to apply. This fully funded fellowship is offered by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises, and there is no fee to submit an application. The program is designed to support journalists working in the digital sphere, with a strong focus on digital security training and capacity building.
RSF requires fellows to fully participate in all program activities and commit an average of 20–25 hours per week to trainings, courses, and events. Due to this workload, participants will not be able to continue a full-time editorial role during the fellowship, although the schedule may allow short breaks that can be adjusted for travel or professional needs. The program aims to equip journalists with digital self-protection skills so they can share this knowledge within their professional networks. After completing the fellowship, participants are expected to organize at least one training or workshop in their home country.
The RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026 in Germany is currently open for applications. This six-month fully funded fellowship, offered by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), welcomes international journalists and will take place from June to November. The program is designed to train and support journalists in digital security and self-defense, helping them address risks and enhance their personal and professional safety.
RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026 Details
| Offered by: | Berlin Senate Department |
| Duration: | 6-Month Programs |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Germany |
| Last date: | 15 January 2026 |
Financial Benefits
- Travel Expenses: The program pays for round-trip transportation to Berlin.
- Visa Cost: Help with any visa-related issues and expenses.
- Accommodations: Throughout the fellowship, a fully furnished apartment in Berlin will be given.
- Living Stipend: To help with living expenses, a monthly allowance will be provided.
- Insurance: There will be health insurance.
- Transportation: A Berlin public transportation pass will be given.
- A co-working facility at a media center in Berlin.
- Social and touristic activities.
Documents Required
- Online Application Form
- Academic Transcript
- Degree Certificates
- A valid Passport
- A detailed CV
- Contact information for two professional references
Eligibility Criteria
- Professional journalists, bloggers, media workers, and citizen journalists who deal with digital dangers including hacking, surveillance, doxing, or impersonation are eligible for the fellowship.
- Applicants must want to improve their digital security knowledge and skills.
- Applicants must be able to impart what they’ve learned to colleagues back home.
- Applicants must have prior teaching or knowledge-transfer experience.
- Applicants are totally dedicated to taking part in the program, including a weekly commitment of 20 to 25 hours throughout the training phase.
- Since all program activities will be performed in English, fluency in the language is necessary.
- Applicants must have previously worked as a journalist, either professionally or as a citizen.
- Participants must be determined to return to their home region after completing the fellowship in Germany.
- Although prior knowledge is not necessary, journalists should have a keen interest in learning about digital security. It suffices to have a basic understanding of computers and smartphones.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026 in Germany for International Students is 15th January 2026.
How to Apply for RSF Berlin Fellowship Program?
All candidates must fill out an online application and attach the necessary files.
