Who can apply: journalists aged 25 to 40 from Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Journalists from other African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, aren’t eligible. See the related opportunities at the end.
The International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP), a German non-profit, is accepting applications for the Southern African Journalists’ Fellowship Programme 2027, also called the Federal President Horst Köhler Bursary. Up to five young journalists from Southern Africa and Kenya will spend two months working in a German newsroom, researching stories for their home media, with a fixed bursary of €3,500.
Applications are open from 1 November 2026 to 20 January 2027.
At a Glance
| Organiser | International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP), Germany |
| Places | Up to 5 journalists from Southern Africa and Kenya |
| Duration | 2 months in Germany, planned for July and August 2027 (to be confirmed) |
| Bursary | €3,500 fixed payment |
| Age | 25 to 40 |
| Language | Strong English required. German is an advantage but not required. |
| Deadline | 20 January 2027 |
About the Programme
The fellowship begins with an introductory conference in Berlin for all delegates. Fellows then join a German media outlet of their choice, working with the newsroom day to day while researching and producing stories for their home media. IJP chooses the final placement in discussion with each fellow, based on the preferences in their application.
The programme aims to build understanding between Germany and Africa and give Southern African journalists a platform in German media. It’s named after former German President Horst Köhler, a long-time advocate for closer German-African relations.
Benefits
- A fixed bursary of €3,500, meant to cover most travel, accommodation and living costs
- Two months’ work experience in a German newsroom
- An introductory conference in Berlin
- Time to research and publish stories for your home media
- Membership of IJP’s worldwide alumni network, with invitations to alumni events
Note: no further payments are made, so you’ll need your own funds for any extra costs. You won’t be paid for work done for the host media. To receive the full bursary, you must submit a report of at least three pages and copies of your published work after returning home.
Eligibility
- A journalist from one of these countries: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe or Kenya
- Aged 25 to 40
- You regularly work for a media organisation. Freelancers can apply.
- Strong English. IJP’s website asks for above-average English skills.
- Able to take two months’ leave from your job
Documents Required
- A full CV with a passport photo, covering your education, work experience and English and German language skills. Include any certificates, such as TOEFL or Goethe-Institut.
- An 800-word essay answering:
- Why would you like to work in Germany?
- What three research topics will you pursue during the fellowship?
- What role do you expect to play at your home media in future?
- How will you spend the bursary?
- Two work samples: articles, or scripts and online links for TV and radio journalists
- A reference from your editor-in-chief or head of department. Freelancers can use a senior journalist. The letter must also guarantee your leave of absence for the programme.
How to Apply
- Read the official call for applications on IJP’s website (link below).
- Prepare your CV, essay, two work samples and reference letter.
- Email your documents to [email protected] between 1 November 2026 and 20 January 2027. Applications are digital only.
Official IJP Southern Africa programme page · Official 2027 call for applications (PDF)
Programme contact: [email protected]
Tips
- Make your three research topics specific, such as German-African trade, migration or climate partnerships, and show how they’ll serve your audience at home.
- Ask for your leave letter early. The reference must guarantee your leave, and editors may need time to agree.
- Pick strong work samples that show original reporting.
- Budget carefully. €3,500 has to cover two months in Germany, including flights.
