The DW traineeship is one of the most prestigious journalism training programs in Germany and beyond and gives you the skills needed to become a successful multimedia reporter and editor.
DW trainees receive a salary and gain hands-on experience in TV, online and radio with a combination of practical training blocks and newsroom placements.
Application Deadline:
17 November 2026 at 12:00 PM (GMT+1) (Application portal opened on 13 October 2026 at 12:00 PM GMT+2)
Tell Me About The Program:
The Deutsche Welle (DW) International Traineeship 2028 is a prestigious, 18-month paid journalism training program based at DW broadcasting centers in Bonn and Berlin, Germany. Designed to train future international multimedia reporters and editors, the traineeship combines rigorous practical seminars conducted by leading media trainers with hands-on newsroom placements across TV, radio, digital, and social media formats. Trainees gain experience exploring emerging media trends (such as data journalism, digital storytelling, and virtual reality) and undertake international placements in DW foreign bureaus—such as Washington, Brussels, Riga, Delhi, Jakarta, or Jerusalem. Upon completion, successful trainees have prospects of ongoing employment contracts with DW worldwide.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Journalism, Mass Communication, Political Science, Economics, Law, Technology/IT, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Humanities, and all other academic or vocational disciplines. (DW explicitly seeks applicants from diverse non-journalism backgrounds—such as IT specialists, lawyers, physicians, or pilots—provided they possess initial reporting experience).
Type:
Paid Professional Journalism Traineeship / Media Fellowship
Who can Apply?
- Educational Background: Completed university degree, college degree, or vocational apprenticeship.
- Language Proficiency:
- Native speaker of a DW broadcasting language with excellent English (C1/C2) and good German (B1/B2) skills; OR
- Native English speaker with good German language skills; OR
- Native German speaker with excellent English language skills.
- Experience & Profile: Demonstrated initial journalistic experience, creativity, strong social media expertise, and the ability to work under tight newsroom deadlines within diverse, cross-cultural teams.
How are Applicants Selected:
Candidates undergo a competitive selection process based on their initial online registration, submission of a detailed background questionnaire, evaluation of reporting portfolio/examples, and a mandatory custom video application. Shortlisted applicants progress to formal selection interviews and assessments.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Global (open to applicants of all nationalities worldwide).
Where will the Program be Taken?
Deutsche Welle Headquarters in Bonn and Berlin, Germany, alongside foreign newsroom placements in DW international bureaus (e.g., Washington D.C., Brussels, Riga, Delhi, Jakarta, or Jerusalem).
How Many Fellows:
Select competitive international cohort awarded per traineeship cycle.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Salary & Compensation: Monthly training salary for the full 18-month duration.
- Professional Development: World-class multimedia journalism seminars and hands-on training with leading German and international media experts.
- International Mobility: Paid newsroom placements in Germany, Europe, and international DW overseas bureaus.
- Career Pathways: Prospect of an ongoing contract with Deutsche Welle upon successful completion of the traineeship.
How Long Will it Last:
18 months (January 3, 2028 to June 2029).
How to Apply:
- Access the official Deutsche Welle online career portal during the active application window.
- Register your account and complete the initial application form.
- Check your email for the automated confirmation message containing unique links and attachments for mandatory follow-up tasks.
- Complete the required questionnaire and produce/upload a custom video application according to the specific brief provided.
- Submit all required documents, questionnaire answers, and video files online before 17 November 2026 at 12:00 PM (GMT+1). (Note: Email submissions are strictly rejected).
