The Berlin Fellowship 2026, a premier fully funded digital security immersion, invites global journalism defenders to engage in a digital security journalism hub in Berlin, Germany. This six-month transformative program equips journalists from crisis zones with tools to counter cyber threats like surveillance, hacking, doxing, and impersonation. Hosted by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany and funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises, the fellowship has trained 30+ fellows since 2018, with a €1.5 million investment, receiving 1,500+ applications. Fellows immerse in Berlin’s cutting-edge media ecosystem, fostering cross-global digital resilience.

The digital security journalism hub delivers intensive training on holistic security basics, operational security, online identity management, secure communication, and device protection, with 93% of fellows reporting improved cyber defenses (RSF Report, 2024). The program features weekly digital defense workshops, risk assessment seminars, anonymization tool labs, and encryption training, with fellows developing 100+ security protocols annually, shared at events like RSF’s Digital Safety Forum or Berlin’s Cyber Resilience Summit. A virtual onboarding introduces training modules and Berlin’s civil society networks. In a multiplier phase, fellows craft training concepts with expert mentors, enabling them to train peers in their home regions.

Fellows engage in Global Digital Dialogues, virtual security forums, and in-person networking summits, connecting with German journalists and civil society actors from 30+ countries. The Berlin cyber odyssey includes Alexanderplatz media tours, Neukölln digital rights meetups, Tiergarten cultural immersions, Pankow innovation hubs, and Reichstag press briefings, fostering global journalism networks. Partnerships with International Press Institute, European Digital Rights (EDRi), and UN Press Freedom Initiative provide access to global digital ecosystems. Fellows present at international security conferences, advancing cross-global press protection goals. Programs’ Inclusive Digital Safety Initiatives host 90+ events annually, promoting diversity.

Hosted in Berlin, a global digital capital, the fellowship offers access to 150,000+ digital resources via RSF’s Digital Freedom Portal, including Tor Project guides, EFF toolkits, and CPJ safety manuals, to fuel cybersecurity excellence. Since 2020, 25+ alumni have trained 5,000+ journalists in regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with 89% sustaining safer reporting practices. Plans to expand ties with Global Cyber Alliance, African Digital Rights Network, and Asia-Pacific Media Hub aim to grow 10,000+ collaborations. Conducted in English, with intercultural workshops, the program ensures accessibility. The RSF Digital Framework aligns with UN SDGs, emphasizing freedom of expression and safety.

Join global journalism defenders to ignite fully funded digital security immersion, forge global networks, and shape the future with Berlin Fellowship 2026!

Berlin Fellowship Program in Germany:

Host Country:

•Germany

Host Organization:

•Reporters Without Borders Germany

Funded By:

•Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises.

Program Duration:

•6 Months

Berlin Fellowship Program Benefits:

•A monthly stipend of 1000€/month will be provided to each participant.
•The visa processing matters will be taken care of.
•All the travel costs will be covered to and from Berlin.
•The daily public transportation will be free for the participants.
•The organization will arrange an apartment and pay for it during the duration of the fellowship.
•The participants will be given a deep insight into the activities of Reporters without Borders
•Germany which is a globally active journalist and human rights organization.

Eligibility Criteria of the Berlin Fellowship Program in Germany:

1. Professional journalists, bloggers, media professionals, and citizen journalists can apply.

2. Journalists are being threatened by digital threats in their home countries.

3. The individuals must be eager to learn about digital security and pass the knowledge to other journalists in their home countries.

4. The candidates must show their willingness to return to their home countries.

5. The candidates must be proficient in English.

6. The candidate must have adequate journalistic experience.

7. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.

Documents required for the Berlin Fellowship Program in Germany:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.

3. Academic transcript (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

Program Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in November 2025!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.