IJP Southern African German Journalists’ Programme 2027 in Germany (€3,500 Bursary)

Applications are open for the IJP Southern African German Journalists’ Programme 2027, also known as the Federal President Horst Köhler Bursary. The programme offers young journalists from Southern Africa an opportunity to spend two months working with a media organisation in Germany, gaining international professional experience and developing a deeper understanding of German society, politics, culture and the media landscape.

The fellowship is organised by International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP), an organisation that promotes international exchange and professional connections among journalists. Through this initiative, IJP seeks to strengthen relations between Germany and Africa by encouraging journalists to explore issues affecting both regions and share their findings with audiences in their home countries.

About the IJP Southern African German Journalists’ Programme

The Southern African German Journalists’ Programme is a long running initiative designed to encourage mutual understanding and stronger professional relationships between Africa and Germany.

The programme responds to concerns about the growing political and cultural distance between Africa and Europe. It provides journalists with an opportunity to experience the media environment of another country, investigate relevant issues and develop stories that help audiences understand different perspectives.

The bursary is named in honour of former German Federal President Horst Köhler, who was a strong advocate for closer relations between Germany and Africa. His commitment to recognising Africa’s historical transformations and growing global significance is reflected in the objectives of the programme.

During the fellowship, selected Southern African journalists will spend two months in Germany. Participants will be integrated into the daily operations of a host newsroom while also researching stories for publication through their home media organisations.

The programme begins with an introductory conference in Berlin, where participants become familiar with their host country and meet other fellows. Journalists will also have the opportunity to indicate their preferred German media outlets, although the final placement will be determined by the IJP organisers in consultation with each participant.

Fellowship Benefits

The programme provides financial assistance and practical professional development opportunities for selected journalists.

Key benefits include:

• €3,500 bursary: Each selected Southern African delegate receives a fixed payment intended to cover most travel, accommodation and living expenses.
• Two month international placement: Fellows gain practical experience working within a German media organisation.
• Newsroom experience: Participants become involved in the daily activities of their host newsroom while developing their own journalistic projects.
• International networking: Fellows interact with German journalists and other participants from Southern Africa.
• Professional development: The exchange offers opportunities to improve reporting skills, expand professional knowledge and gain new perspectives on international journalism.
• Research opportunities: Participants can investigate political, economic, cultural and social issues relevant to Germany and Africa.
• International exposure: Fellows can produce stories for their home media while developing professional relationships that may support future collaborations.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for young journalists from Southern Africa and Kenya who are actively working in the media industry.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 25 and 40 years old.
• Be a journalist from a SADC member state or Kenya.
• Regularly work for a media organisation.
• Demonstrate a strong command of English.
• Have an interest in international journalism, research and reporting on issues connecting Germany and Africa.

Eligible countries include Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as Kenya.

Application Documents

Applicants must prepare a complete application package in digital format. The required documents include:

1. Comprehensive CV

A detailed curriculum vitae should include education, professional experience and language skills in English and German. Applicants should also include a passport photograph and relevant language certificates, if available.

2. An 800 word essay

Applicants must write an essay addressing the following questions:

• Why would you like to work in Germany?
• What are the three research topics you plan to pursue during the fellowship?
• What role do you expect to play at your home media organisation in the future?
• How do you plan to spend the bursary?

3. Two journalistic work samples

Applicants must submit two representative articles they have written.

Television and radio journalists should provide scripts and online links to their published work. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s reporting ability and professional experience.

4. Journalistic reference

A reference letter from the applicant’s editor in chief or head of department is required.

How to Apply

Eligible journalists can apply by preparing the required documents and submitting them directly to IJP by email.

1. Confirm your eligibility: Check that you meet the age, nationality and professional experience requirements.
2. Prepare your CV: Develop a comprehensive CV containing your education, work experience, language skills and passport photograph.
3. Write the 800 word essay: Address all four questions provided by IJP, explaining your motivation, proposed research topics, future career plans and intended use of the bursary.
4. Select your work samples: Prepare two representative journalistic articles. Television and radio journalists should provide scripts or online links.
5. Request a reference letter: Obtain a journalistic reference from your editor, head of department or a senior journalist if you work as a freelancer. Ensure that the letter explicitly confirms your leave of absence.
6. Submit your application: Send all documents in digital format to office@ijp.org with the subject line identifying the Southern African Journalists’ Programme 2027.