IJP German-Southern African Journalists Fellowship 2027

Once a year the IJP Southern African-German Journalists' Programme, known as the Federal President Horst Köhler Fellowship, lets journalists from Southern Africa and Germany swap newsrooms. Southern African fellows work at a German media outlet of their choice and produce content for their home newsroom, so that issues from Southern Africa reach German audiences.

Who can apply

The call is open to journalists from Southern Africa, meaning SADC member states and one other country named in the call for applications. You must be between 25 and 40 years old, regularly work for a media organisation and have above average English skills. Candidates submit their documents in digital form only, by 20 January 2027.

What the fellowship offers

The programme starts with an introductory conference in Berlin so that participants can get to know their host country. After that, fellows work for several weeks with media houses and carry out their own research. Applicants state a preferred outlet, and IJP chooses the final location together with each fellow. The Southern African fellows receive a fixed payment of EUR 3,500, which is expected to cover most travel, accommodation and living costs. No further payments are made, and the host media does not pay for the work. To receive the full grant, fellows write a report of at least three pages and provide copies of their published work after returning home.

Timing

The fellowship for Southern African fellows is planned for July and August 2027, still to be confirmed. The application deadline is 20 January 2027.