Brief Information
The RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded international fellowship by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany, designed to empower and protect journalists working under high-risk conditions.
The program offers advanced digital security training, psychosocial support, and professional networking in Berlin.
This prestigious fellowship provides a safe space for journalists to recover, upskill, and strengthen resilience in the digital field.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: RSF Berlin Fellowship Program 2026
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Location / Type: On-site, Berlin, Germany
- Duration: June – November 2026
- Target Group: Working journalists (staff, freelance, citizen journalists)
- Organizer: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany
- Funding / Benefits: Fully funded (stipend, accommodation, travel, insurance)
- Time Commitment: Approx. 20–25 hours per week
Table of Contents
Overview
The RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 is a flagship protection and empowerment program for journalists from countries with restricted freedom of the press. Hosted in Berlin, the fellowship allows participants to temporarily step away from unsafe working environments while gaining critical skills to protect themselves and their sources.
From June to November 2026, fellows will take part in an intensive, hands-on training program focused on digital self-defense, safety, and resilience. The RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 also emphasizes peer-to-peer learning, enabling journalists from different regions and professional backgrounds to exchange experiences and best practices.
Beyond training, the fellowship offers deep exposure to the work of Reporters Without Borders as a global human rights organization. Participants will engage with German media professionals, civil society actors, and policy stakeholders, strengthening their international professional networks.
Eligibility
Applicants for the RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a journalist
- Open to staff journalists, freelancers, and citizen journalists
- Work in independent media only (no government or politically affiliated outlets)
- Journalists facing significant risk due to their journalistic work
- Strong interest in digital security and journalist safety
- Willingness to share knowledge after the fellowship by conducting at least one workshop in their home region
- Commitment to return to their country or region of residence after the fellowship
- Fluent English (program conducted entirely in English)
Priority consideration is given to investigative journalists working on:
- Human rights
- Climate crisis
- Corruption
- Labor rights
- Migration
Application Details
Applications for the RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 are submitted online.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: December 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Shortlist Interviews: Mid-March 2026 (virtual)
- Final Selection: End of March 2026
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload:
- Completed online application form
- Passport scan
- CV
- Contact details of two professional references
During the application, candidates will be asked to explain:
- Threats or persecution related to their journalistic work
- Digital threats they currently face
- How digital security training will improve safety for themselves, colleagues, and sources
For broader context on global press freedom, you may consult Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index:
https://rsf.org/en/index
FAQ
Is the RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers visa support, travel, accommodation, monthly stipend, insurance, and local transportation.
Do I need advanced digital security skills to apply?
No. A strong interest in digital safety is required, but advanced technical expertise is not necessary.
Can journalists from any country apply?
Yes, provided they are at significant risk due to their journalistic work and can demonstrate the possibility of returning after the fellowship.
Is it possible to work full-time during the fellowship?
No. Maintaining a full-time editorial workload during the RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 is not possible due to program intensity.
Official Link
👉 Apply now or learn more about the RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 via the official website:
Official Source: https://www.reporter-ohne-grenzen.de/fellowship-programs/call-for-applications
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