Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany invites journalists from countries with restricted press freedom to apply for the 2026 RSF Berlin Fellowship Program. Applications open December 15, 2025 and close on January 15, 2026.
This annual fellowship provides a safe, supportive, and skill-building environment in Berlin, enabling journalists at risk to recover, learn, and strengthen their digital and personal security.
About the Fellowship Program
Running from June to November 2026, the RSF Berlin Fellowship offers a six-month program designed to support journalists who face threats, digital attacks, or challenging working environments.
Fellows will benefit from:
Core Components
- Comprehensive digital security training, including individualized risk assessments
- Workshops on safety, resilience, and self-care for journalists covering sensitive topics
- Peer-to-peer exchange within a diverse cohort
- Insight into RSF’s global human rights work
- Networking opportunities with German newsrooms and media professionals
- Engagement with civil society and policy stakeholders in Germany
- Holistic psychosocial support
The program requires a commitment of 20–25 hours per week. While breaks can be arranged for personal or work travel, participants cannot maintain full-time editorial responsibilities during the fellowship.
Fellows are expected to share their knowledge by conducting at least one digital security workshop in their home region after completing the fellowship.
What RSF Provides
RSF covers all major costs associated with the fellowship, including:
- Visa and travel expenses
- Assistance with all visa processes
- Furnished studio apartment in Berlin
- Monthly living stipend
- Health and travel insurance
- Public transportation within Germany
- Travel to conferences and networking events
- Coworking space in a Berlin media hub
- Cultural, touristic, and social activities
The fellowship begins in early June 2026 and ends in November 2026.
Eligibility & Requirements
The fellowship is open to working journalists (staff, freelance, or citizen journalists) with at least three years of professional experience. RSF strongly encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.
Expectations
- Openness to sharing experiences and challenges within a diverse cohort
- Commitment to delivering at least one training workshop post-fellowship
- Ability to return to the country or region of residence after the program
- Fluency in English (program language)
Additional Notes
- Applicants must work in independent, non-governmental media
- Journalists covering human rights–related issues (e.g., corruption, climate, labor rights, migration) will receive favorable consideration
- Applicants must explain their experiences of threats, digital risks faced, and how digital security training would improve their safety and that of colleagues or sources
Digital Security Training Focus
Fellows will develop practical skills in:
- Operational security and risk assessments
- Online identity management & anonymization tools
- Secure communication and conferencing tools
- Account, password, and social media security
- Device security for mobile & desktop
- Website and data protection against attacks
- Secure file storage, encryption & backup
- OSINT tools and methods
- Countering online violence, gender-based harassment, and digital abuse
No advanced digital skills are required—only basic proficiency with computers and smartphones.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online.
Applicants must prepare:
- Completed application form
- Passport scan
- CV
- Contact information for two professional references
Deadline: January 15, 2026, 23:59 CET
Applications open December 15, 2025.
Selection Process
- Eligible applications are reviewed after the deadline
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview by mid-March 2026
- Final decisions will be made by the end of March 2026
Due to high application volume, RSF cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Partners & Support
The RSF Berlin Fellowship Program is run in partnership with taz Panter Stiftung and funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, with support from RSF Germany’s donors and members.
Applicants interested in the related Rest & Resilience Fellowship from taz Panter Stiftung are encouraged to apply via the foundation’s separate portal.
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