The RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026 offers a unique and timely opportunity to tackle the growing threats related to digital security. While communication technologies have turned the world into a global village, they are increasingly weaponized against the press. This 6-month fully funded fellowship in Germany is designed specifically to address these escalating cyber threats. During the program, participants master the tools needed to prevent privacy breaches and identify the vulnerabilities or “fault lines” that lead to them.
Funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises, this initiative is exclusively for journalists. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany invites journalists from war zones and crisis areas to Berlin for a fully funded stay to receive advanced training in digital security. Journalists from these regions are often the most vulnerable to threats such as surveillance and hacker attacks, which severely hinder their ability to report freely.
The fully funded fellowship creates a powerful multiplier effect. Once participants gain practical skills to shield themselves from emerging digital threats, they enter the second phase of the program. Working with a team of experienced professionals, fellows develop their own training concepts. Upon returning to their home countries, they transition from learners to trainers, sharing the skills acquired during the Berlin exchange with local colleagues.
The RSF Germany program has already supported numerous journalists worldwide who faced death threats due to their impartial work in critical areas. The fellowship teaches participants to accurately assess dangers, emphasizing that while “Absolute Security” does not exist, a well-constructed security plan is essential for survival and professional resilience.
Berlin Fellowship Program in Germany 2026:
Host Country:
- Germany
Host Organisation:
- Reporters Without Borders Germany
Funded By:
- Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises.
Program Duration:
- 6 Months
RSF Fellowship Timeline:
- The program runs from June 1, 2026, to November 30, 2026
Berlin Fellowship Program Financial Support:
- Round-trip airfare to and from Berlin.
- A furnished studio apartment in Berlin.
- A monthly grant to cover living costs.
- Free public transportation pass for Berlin.
- Assistance and coverage for visa fees.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay.
Benefits & Program Highlights:
- It gives you a safe space to finally switch off, recover from difficult working conditions, and take a break from your daily obligations.
- You receive practical, hands-on training in digital self-defense, which includes looking at your specific security risks.
- There is genuine support available for your mental health and overall well-being.
- You get the chance to connect with German media professionals, activists, and political figures.
- The program teaches you how to be a trainer, so you can share these safety skills with your colleagues when you go back home.
Eligibility Criteria of the Berlin Fellowship Program in Germany:
- Professional journalists and citizen journalists are welcome to apply, specifically those who are facing digital threats or restriction of press freedom in their home countries.
- You must have at least three years of professional journalistic experience to be considered.
- Since the entire program is conducted in English, you must be proficient in speaking and writing the language.
- You need to be eager to learn about digital security and committed to passing that knowledge on to other journalists in your home region.
- You must show a clear willingness to return to your home country or region after the fellowship ends.
How to Apply for Berlin Fellowship 2026 in Germany:
- Visit the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany website and look for the “Berlin Fellowship” page, then click the “Apply Now” button to open the secure portal.
- Before you start, make sure you have your CV in English, a scan of your passport, and the specific questionnaire filled out and saved as a PDF on your computer.
- You will also need to prepare a motivation statement explaining why you need this training right now.
- The form will ask for your personal details and allow you to upload your PDF files directly to the system.
- You do not need to get formal reference letters; just enter the names and email addresses of two professional references who know your work.
RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 Deadline:
- The last date to apply is Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 23:59 (CET).
Apply Now Official Link Join our WhatsApp Channel
