Application Period: October 13, 2025 (12:00 PM UTC+2) – November 17, 2025 (12:00 PM UTC+1)
Duration: 18 months
Location: Berlin and Bonn, Germany
Organization: Deutsche Welle (DW)
About the Program
Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, invites applications for its prestigious Journalism Traineeship Program. Designed for highly motivated individuals from around the world, the program offers a unique opportunity to receive comprehensive, cross-media journalism training at one of the world’s most respected international media organizations.
The DW traineeship is widely recognized as one of Europe’s most competitive and high-quality journalism programs. Over an 18-month period, trainees gain in-depth experience across television, radio, and digital platforms while participating in international reporting projects and professional seminars led by experienced media trainers.
Program Overview
The DW Journalism Traineeship equips participants with the practical and theoretical skills required for the fast-changing world of global journalism. The program combines classroom-based learning with real newsroom experience, ensuring trainees can apply their knowledge immediately.
Key features of the program include:
- Comprehensive Training: Six months of seminars and workshops focusing on storytelling, multimedia reporting, data journalism, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality and AI-driven content production.
- Cross-Media Experience: Exposure to DW’s editorial work across television, online, and radio platforms.
- International Placements: Opportunities for assignments at DW’s offices in Berlin and Bonn, as well as placements at foreign bureaus in Washington, Brussels, and other global locations.
- Collaborative Projects: Participation in innovative international multimedia projects that address pressing global issues.
- Mentorship: Guidance from accomplished media professionals and trainers with extensive industry experience.
- Competitive Trainee Salary: Trainees receive remuneration throughout the 18-month program.
DW trainees have a strong record of success in journalism, with many receiving international recognition, including awards such as the CNN Journalism Award and the Grimme Prize. Graduates of the program frequently continue their careers with DW or other leading media outlets worldwide.
Candidate Profile
The traineeship seeks individuals who are passionate about journalism, creativity, and storytelling. Applicants should demonstrate curiosity about global affairs, an ability to think independently, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced, international environment.
DW welcomes:
- Aspiring journalists with prior experience in media or communications.
- Professionals from other disciplines—such as law, economics, political science, the natural sciences, or technology—who wish to transition into journalism.
Applicants must be open-minded, innovative, and able to generate original ideas for reporting on complex topics in accessible and engaging ways.
Language Requirements
The DW traineeship has a bilingual focus. Candidates are expected to have strong language proficiency according to one of the following profiles:
- Native speakers of a DW program language (from the list below) with excellent English skills (C1/C2) and good German proficiency (B1/B2).
- Native or proficient English speakers (C1/C2) with good German proficiency (B1/B2).
- Native or proficient German speakers (C1/C2) with excellent English skills (C1/C2).
DW broadcasts in 32 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Hausa, Hindi, Kiswahili, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian, among others.
Applicants must hold a university or college degree or have completed a recognized apprenticeship.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Deutsche Welle promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization. The traineeship is open to applicants from all nationalities and backgrounds. DW welcomes candidates regardless of ethnicity, cultural or social origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.
The organization actively seeks to achieve gender parity across all departments and maintains an inclusive environment that values varied perspectives and experiences.
Application Process
Applications for the DW Journalism Traineeship 2025 will open on October 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM (UTC+2) and close on November 17, 2025, at 12:00 PM (UTC+1).
DW’s selection process is rigorous and includes three phases:
- Online application and submission of work samples.
- Virtual or in-person assessments and interviews.
- Final selection of candidates for the 2026 intake.
Successful applicants will begin the 18-month traineeship in September 2026.
Contact Information
For questions and additional information, interested applicants can contact:
Ramón García-Ziemsen
Head of Journalistic Training
Email: [email protected]
Mariama Kouotou
Assistant, Journalistic Training
Tel: +49 228 429-2242
Email: [email protected]
About Deutsche Welle
Deutsche Welle (DW) is Germany’s international media organization, delivering independent news and information in 32 languages across television, radio, and digital platforms. With a mission to foster understanding and dialogue between cultures, DW reaches audiences in more than 190 countries and plays a vital role in promoting democratic values and freedom of expression worldwide.
Through its DW Akademie, the organization is also one of the world’s leading centers for international media development, journalism training, and knowledge transfer.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the traineeship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
