Journalists working in war zones, authoritarian states, or digital crisis regions often face an invisible enemy: cyber threats. The Berlin Fellowship Program 2025, hosted by Reporters Without Borders Germany, offers a fully funded six-month Training Program in Germany to equip these journalists with critical digital security skills. This initiative supports professionals facing surveillance, censorship, or online attacks—empowering them to defend not only themselves but the broader community of press freedom advocates worldwide.

Backed by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, the fellowship provides hands-on technical training and capacity building. Participants will also create tailored training modules to share digital safety strategies in their home regions, multiplying the program’s impact.

If you are a journalist facing digital risk and committed to spreading knowledge, this is your chance to become a digital resilience leader on a global stage.

Program Details

Host Country:
Germany

Host Organization:
Reporters Without Borders Germany (RSF Germany)

Funded By:
Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises

Program Duration:
6 Months (Start date to be confirmed for early 2025)

Program Focus Areas:

• Digital security for journalists

• Secure communication

• Surveillance protection

• Training module development

Benefits

Selected fellows of the Berlin Fellowship Program 2025 will receive comprehensive support throughout their stay in Germany:

• Monthly stipend of €1,000

• All travel expenses to and from Berlin covered

• Free accommodation arranged by RSF Germany

• Public transport pass for unlimited travel within Berlin

• Visa processing assistance and legal support

• Participation in specialized digital security workshops

• Access to RSF Germany’s international network of journalists and experts

• Opportunity to co-develop training concepts and resources for wider regional use

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this Fully Funded Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a professional journalist, blogger, media worker, or citizen journalist

• Currently face digital threats, surveillance, or censorship in their home country

• Demonstrate a strong interest in digital security and willingness to train others

• Must intend to return home after the program and implement acquired skills

• Proficient in spoken and written English

• Have relevant experience and a track record in journalism or media work

This Fellowship is especially ideal for individuals working under authoritarian regimes, conflict zones, or countries with weak internet freedoms.

How to Apply

Follow the steps below to apply for the Berlin Fellowship Program 2025:

1. Visit the official RSF Germany website and download the two required documents:

   • Application Form (PDF)

   • Fellowship Questionnaire (PDF)

2. Fill out both documents completely on your computer. Sign the application where required.

3. Save the completed and signed forms as two separate PDF files.

4. Submit your application using secure communication tools only:

   • Via Signal Messenger: Send your documents to +49 163 6743853

   • Via ProtonMail: Email the documents to rsf.digitalfreedom[at]protonmail.com

   • Note: Applications sent via insecure methods (like Gmail or unencrypted platforms) will not be considered.

5. You can register for a free ProtonMail account if you don’t already have one. It’s a secure, encrypted email service recommended by RSF.

6. Ensure that all files are submitted before the deadline.

Application Deadline

Monday, November 25, 2024 at 23:59 (CET)

Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.