The 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program, hosted by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany, offers a fully funded, six-month fellowship for journalists, bloggers, and media professionals from crisis areas to strengthen their digital security skills. Running from May to October 2025 in Berlin, this program is tailored to equip participants with essential digital self-defense techniques specifically designed for journalists.
Selected fellows will engage in comprehensive training that covers critical aspects of digital security, enabling them to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their sources. Upon completing the program, participants are encouraged to act as advocates for digital security in their home countries, spreading the knowledge gained to protect the press.
Funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises, the fellowship underscores a strong commitment to freedom of the press and journalist protection worldwide. The program welcomes applications until November 25, 2024, at 23:59 CET.
The fully funded fellowship for journalists is a valuable opportunity for journalists facing digital threats, providing them with the skills, resources, and networks to carry out their vital work safely and effectively. Don’t miss the chance to develop crucial digital security skills and connect with a network of media professionals in Berlin!
Quick Overview of Berlin Fellowship Program 2025
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Organization: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany
- Deadline: November 25, 2024, at 23:59 (CET)
- Programs: Comprehensive training in digital security for journalists
- Value:
- Travel costs covered
- Visa assistance
- Accommodation provided in Berlin
- Monthly allowance of €1,000
- Health insurance paid
- Public transportation in Berlin covered
- Age Limit: No specific age limit
- Eligibility: Professional journalists, bloggers, media professionals, and citizen journalists exposed to digital threats
Perks of Reporters Without Borders Fellowship in Germany 2025
- All travel expenses to and from Berlin are covered.
- Visa assistance provided.
- Free apartment in Berlin for six months.
- Monthly stipend of €1,000 for living expenses.
- Health insurance included.
- In-depth training in digital security topics.
- Learn from experienced trainers specializing in digital self-defense for journalists.
- Insights into the activities of RSF Germany.
- Meet and connect with German journalists and civil society actors.
- Free use of public transportation within Berlin.
- Equip yourself to train other journalists in your home country.
Benefits of Fully Funded Fellowships for Journalists 2025
- Gain crucial skills in digital security to protect yourself and your sources.
- Stay updated on the latest tools and techniques in digital self-defense.
- Enhance your professional profile with specialized training.
- Open doors to collaborations with international media organizations.
- Improve your teaching and knowledge transfer skills.
- Experience personal growth by living abroad and adapting to a new environment.
- Empower fellow journalists in your home country by sharing your new skills.
- Contribute to safer journalism practices in crisis areas.
Topics Covered in the Digital Security Training Fellowship for Journalists
The fellowship’s digital security training includes:
- Holistic Security Basics: Tailored for journalists and citizen journalists facing high risks.
- Operational Security: Covers risk assessments and security planning.
- Identity Management: In-depth training in managing online identities securely.
- Data Protection: Focus on account security and device security for both computers and mobile phones.
- Digital Violence: Strategies to counter online gender-based violence, doxing, and impersonation.
- Open Source Intelligence: Techniques for verifying online information.
Eligibility Criteria of the Journalism Fellowships in Berlin 2025
- Must be a professional journalist, blogger, media professional, or citizen journalist.
- Adequate experience working in journalism is required.
- Currently facing digital threats such as surveillance, hacking, doxing, or impersonation.
- Strong desire to learn in-depth about digital security for journalists.
- Willingness to pass on acquired knowledge to colleagues back home.
- Ideally have some experience in teaching or knowledge transfer (preferred but not mandatory).
- Must have a very strong command of the English language (program conducted entirely in English).
- Able and willing to fully participate in all program activities (approximately 20 to 25 hours per week during training).
- Must show willingness to return to your home region after the fellowship.
Important Dates of the Digital Security Training Program in Germany 2025
- Application Deadline: November 25, 2024, at 23:59 (CET)
- Fellowship Start Date: Beginning of May 2025
- Fellowship End Date: End of October 2025
- Travel Dates: Exact travel dates to and from Berlin will be communicated to selected participants.
How to Apply to the Media Professionals Fellowship in Berlin
- Update your resume or CV highlighting your journalism experience.
- Write a motivation letter expressing your interest in digital security training.
- Visit the online application form.
- Provide all required personal and professional information.
- Ensure all details are accurate and complete.
- Attach your resume/CV and motivation letter.
- Double-check all information before submitting.
- Submit before the deadline on November 25, 2024.
- After submitting, check your email (including your spam folder) for a confirmation link.
- If you do not receive a link, try registering with a different email address.
Required Documents for RSF Fellowship in Germany 2025
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your journalism experience and any teaching or knowledge transfer activities.
- Motivation Letter: Explain your interest in the program and how you plan to use the knowledge gained.
- Proof of Experience: Any documents or links showcasing your work as a journalist or media professional.
- Language Proficiency: While formal certificates are not required, you must demonstrate strong English skills.
Country-Specific Criteria for Berlin Fellowship Program 2025
- Applicants must be willing to return to their home country after the fellowship.
- Positive consideration for journalists working on topics like climate crisis, corruption, labor rights, or migration.
- Journalists from all countries are encouraged to apply, especially those from crisis areas.
For more information please visit the official Reporters Without Borders (RSF) website.
