Every year, Reporters Without Borders Germany invites journalists from countries with restricted freedom of the press and information to Berlin for our fellowship program. These temporary relocations strengthen our fellows’ safety through heightened international visibility and networking. Training in digital security, work on journalistic projects, as well as peer support and networking with German news outlets and civil society stakeholders are key components of our programs.
Beginning with the 2026 fellowship cycle, there will be only one yearly RSF fellowship program offered in Berlin. By combining elements of previously hosted programs we aim to offer a more diverse range of topics to our fellows.
THE 2026 FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
The 2026 call for applications opens on Dec. 15th, 2025; deadline is Jan. 15th, 2026.
Berlin Fellowship Program: Empowering Journalists in the Digital Field
Reporters Without Borders Germany offers journalists from countries with restricted freedom of the press and information the opportunity to take a break in Berlin and complete a training program in digital security.
Deyda Hydara Fellowship
A special fellowship program for journalists in acute danger was launched in November 2023: The Deyda Hydara Fellowship, named after the Gambian journalist and RSF correspondent who was murdered in 2004.
Rest & Resilience Fellowship (2015 - 2025)
Founded in 2015 by Reporters Without Borders Germany and taz Panter Foundation, the Rest & Resilience Fellowship invites journalists from countries with limited press freedom to Berlin for six months to rest, learn, and strengthen their journalistic work.
Reporting Fellowship (2021 - 2025)
Reporters Without Borders Germany offers two reporting fellowships each year to media professionals who are exposed to particular professional challenges, to focus on a sensitive journalistic project during their time in Berlin.
Photo credits: © Anke Phoebe Peters / RSF; © Kyaw Sie / taz Panter Stiftung; © Veronika Weiß / RSF; © RSF; © Prisca Martaguet / RSF; © Veronika Weiß / RSF