CFAs: German-Northern European Journalists Programme

Deadline: 15-Nov-2026

The German-Northern European Journalists Fellowship Programme enables journalists aged 18–45 from Germany, the Nordic countries, and the Baltic states to complete an eight-week placement at a media outlet in a partner country. Up to 22 journalists are selected annually, and each participant receives €3,800 as partial support for travel, accommodation, and living expenses.

About the Journalists Fellowship Programme

Established in 2000, the German-Northern European Journalists Fellowship Programme promotes professional exchange and dialogue among journalists from Germany, Northern Europe, and the Baltic region. The initiative allows participating journalists to work within another country’s media environment while developing a deeper understanding of its political, economic, social, and cultural context. Approximately half of the selected participants come from Germany, while the other half come from Nordic and Baltic countries.

Participating Countries

The programme connects journalists from the following countries: Participants complete their placement in an eligible partner country rather than their usual country of professional activity. Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to:

- Strengthen cooperation among European journalists - Promote professional and cultural exchange - Improve knowledge of partner countries - Support independent international reporting - Build lasting relationships among media professionals - Increase understanding of regional political and economic developments - Encourage cross-border journalism - Develop new professional skills - Create an active alumni network - Support balanced and informed media coverage Number of Participants Up to 22 journalists are selected annually.

The intended distribution is:

- Approximately half of the participants from Germany - Approximately half from the Nordic and Baltic countries The final number may depend on the quality of applications, host capacity, and programme resources. Programme Structure The fellowship combines an introductory conference, an eight-week media placement, a final meeting, and alumni engagement. Three-Day Introductory Conference The programme begins with a three-day introductory conference held in either a Nordic capital or Berlin.

The conference allows fellows to:

- Meet other participants - Learn about the programme structure - Discuss regional media issues - Prepare for their placements - Establish professional connections - Exchange information about their countries and media systems

Participants should be available for the full introductory conference

Eight-Week Media Placement After the introductory conference, each fellow completes an eight-week placement at a media organization in a partner country.

Host organizations may include:

- Newspapers - Magazines - Broadcasting organizations - Digital media outlets - News agencies - Other professional editorial organizations The host outlet is selected in consultation with the fellow, taking account of professional interests, country preferences, language abilities, and available placements. Journalistic Work During the Placement Fellows are expected to participate actively in the host organization’s editorial environment.

Activities may include:

- Researching local or regional issues - Producing articles or reports - Observing newsroom processes - Working with local editors - Developing cross-border stories - Conducting interviews - Learning new reporting methods - Exploring political, economic, and cultural topics - Building professional networks The specific responsibilities will depend on the host organization and agreed placement plan. Final Meeting in Berlin At the end of the placement, participants reconvene in Berlin.

Fellows present:

- Their journalistic work - Key findings from the placement - Professional lessons - Observations about the host country - A detailed report of their experience The work and experience reports are compiled into a final programme publication. Alumni Network

Participants are encouraged to remain engaged after completing the programme

The alumni network can help former fellows: - Maintain cross-border professional contacts - Develop collaborative stories - Exchange regional expertise - Share professional opportunities - Support future fellows - Contribute to ongoing dialogue between participating countries Financial Support Each fellow receives a one-time payment of: The allowance is intended to help cover: - Travel - Accommodation - Food - Other living expenses during the placement Personal Contribution Requirement The €3,800 payment is partial support and may not cover all costs. Participants should expect to make a personal financial contribution, particularly where accommodation or travel costs are high. Before accepting a placement, applicants should consider: - Travel prices - Local accommodation costs - Food and transportation - Insurance - Visa or residence requirements, where applicable - Emergency expenses - Currency differences - Existing personal or professional financial commitments No Additional On-Site Remuneration No additional payment is provided for the journalistic work performed at the host media organization. Applicants should therefore prepare a realistic personal budget for the full eight-week placement and related programme activities. Who Is Eligible? The programme is open to journalists aged 18–45 from Germany, the Nordic countries, and the Baltic states.

Potential applicants may include:

- Freelance journalists - Journalism trainees - Editors - Reporters - Print journalists - Broadcast journalists - Digital journalists - Other eligible editorial professionals Applicants should have professional journalistic experience and the ability to participate fully in the programme.

Eligibility for German Applicants

The supplied application requirements specifically state that German applicants may be: - Freelancers - Trainees - Editors working for German media outlets Germa