Deutsche Welle (DW) is inviting applications for its 2028/2029 International Journalism Traineeship, an 18-month paid training programme designed for aspiring journalists and professionals interested in building careers in international media. The programme offers participants an opportunity to develop practical journalism skills, gain experience working with an international broadcaster, and explore innovative approaches to reporting and storytelling.

The traineeship combines theoretical instruction with practical newsroom experience, covering areas such as television presentation, multimedia storytelling, data journalism, artificial intelligence tools, radio production and digital journalism. Participants will attend seminars and workshops led by experienced trainers while gaining hands-on experience in DW’s editorial departments in Bonn and Berlin, Germany, as well as one of its international bureaus.

Selected trainees will receive a monthly salary throughout the 18-month programme. During the first six months, participants will earn €2,196 per month before tax. This increases to €2,374 per month before tax during the second six months and €2,473 per month before tax during the final six months.

The programme is structured around six months of theoretical and practical seminar modules, nine months of placements within DW’s editorial departments and international bureaus, and a one-month elective internship. Training is conducted in both German and English, with opportunities to develop original content for television, radio and online platforms. Participants will also explore emerging journalism trends, including virtual reality and digital storytelling, and work on projects that encourage innovative approaches to news production.

Placements may take place in DW’s major editorial teams in Bonn and Berlin, as well as international bureaus in Brussels, Washington, Jakarta, Jerusalem, Riga or Delhi. These placements provide trainees with exposure to different media environments and international reporting practices. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants may also have the prospect of securing an ongoing employment contract with Deutsche Welle.

To be eligible, applicants should be native speakers of one of DW’s working languages with excellent English and good German language skills, native English speakers with good German language skills, or native German speakers with excellent English language skills. Candidates must have completed a university degree, college qualification or apprenticeship. Applicants with backgrounds in journalism, technology, information technology, science, politics, economics, law and other professional fields are encouraged to apply, particularly if they are interested in transitioning into journalism.

Applicants should have some initial journalism experience, a creative mindset, social media expertise, strong teamwork abilities and the capacity to work effectively under tight deadlines. DW is seeking open-minded individuals who can think critically, generate original ideas and contribute to the future of international journalism.

The application process involves several selection stages, including submitting creative ideas and completing an online assessment. Only 12 candidates will be selected for the traineeship.

The programme begins in January and runs for 18 months. Interested candidates should consult the official Deutsche Welle website for the application deadline, detailed eligibility requirements and instructions for submitting an application.

Host Institution: Deutsche Welle (DW)

Programme Location: Bonn and Berlin, Germany, with placements at selected international bureaus.

Duration: 18 months.

Salary: €2,196–€2,473 per month before tax, depending on the training period.

Opportunity Type: Paid journalism traineeship.

Eligible Applicants: International applicants who meet the language, educational and experience requirements.

Number of Positions: 12.

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