Apply for International Journalists‘ Programmes (IJP) for Southern African Journalists.

Applications are now open for the 2026 IJP Southern African Journalists’ Fellowship Programme. The Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme is a multiyear effort to foster an understanding between Germany and Africa as a whole. 

It has been offered in response to concerns about an increasing political and cultural detachment between Africa and Europe. The bursary is intended to enable young journalists to gain insights into the political, economical, cultural and social fabric of the host country.

The bursary is named in honour of former Federal President Horst Köhler, whose exemplary dedication to German-African relations has left a lasting impact. President Horst Köhler was a passionate advocate for Africa, both during his time in office and beyond, championing a cultural shift in Africa policy that acknowledged historical transformations and the continent’s global significance.

Requirements

• Every year the International Journalists‘ Programmes (IJP) offer a bursary to up to six young Southern African (SADC‐Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe + Kenya) and up to five young German journalists.
• For two months the Southern African delegates will have the chance to work in Germany. They will be integrated into the day‐to‐day journalism of their host newsroom while also researching stories for their home media.

The Southern African delegates receive a fixed payment of 3,500 Euro. This is expected to cover most of their travel, accommodation and living expenses. No further payments will be made: delegates are expected to use their funds for any further costs. Payment for their work with the host media is not envisaged. 

To receive the full grant, participants are obliged to write a report of at least three pages and provide copies of their published journalistic work after returning home.

Application Requirements

1. All journalists from Southern Africa (SADC Member States + Kenya) between the ages of 25 and 40 who regularly work for a media organisation can apply.
2. Enclose a CV with a passport photograph
3. Write an 800-word essay addressing the following topics:
   o Why would you like to work in Germany?
   o What are the three research topics you want to pursue during the fellowship?
   o What role do you expect to play at your home media in the future?
   o How will you spend the bursary?

4.  Include a one‐page resume detailing your education and work experience, and your standard of German and English (copies of certificates, /e.g., Goethe Institute/TOEFL), plus two copies of articles written by you (TV and radio journalists should submit manuscripts or links, since no audio or video
tapes can be considered).

5. A journalistic reference from your editor or head of department is required (freelancers should submit a reference from a senior journalist). It should also guarantee your leave of absence for the duration of the programme.

Deadline: November 1st, 2025 until January 15th, 2026 

Send your application to office@ijp.org or visit the link for more details.