Applications are now open for the RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026 in Germany. This fully funded fellowship is offered by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in partnership with the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises. The program supports journalists by strengthening their digital security and self-defense skills.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Organization: Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- Offered By: Berlin Senate Department
- Duration: 6 Months
- Program Period: June to November 2026
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: All
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Application Fee: No application fee
Program Focus
- Digital security and self-defense training for journalists
- Protection against hacking, surveillance, doxing, and impersonation
- Capacity building to enable fellows to train peers in their home countries
- Networking with international journalists and media professionals
Participants are expected to commit 20–25 hours per week to fellowship activities. Maintaining a full-time editorial schedule during the program is not possible.
Financial Benefits
- Round-trip travel expenses to Berlin
- Visa assistance and related cost support
- Fully furnished accommodation in Berlin
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance coverage
- Berlin public transportation pass
- Access to a co-working space at a media center
- Social, cultural, and touristic activities
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to professional journalists, bloggers, media workers, and citizen journalists
- Applicants facing or interested in understanding digital threats
- Strong motivation to learn and improve digital security skills
- Ability and willingness to share knowledge after returning home
- Prior journalism experience (professional or citizen journalism)
- Fluency in English (program language)
- Basic understanding of computers and smartphones
- Commitment to return to home country after the fellowship
- Full availability for the program duration
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Updated CV
- Valid passport
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (if applicable)
- Contact details of two professional references
How to Apply
- Apply through the official online application portal
- Upload all required documents
- No application fee is required
Application Deadline
- 15 January 2026