The IJP German-Middle Eastern Fellowship is an annual travel and work exchange for journalists from Germany and the Middle East. Participants begin together in Berlin before completing a two-month placement with a host media outlet in Germany or the Middle East.
The programme focuses on political and social issues, professional exchange, and lasting contacts between journalists in the two regions. Placements and implementation remain subject to the regional security and political situation.
Benefits & funding
- Each fellow receives a one-time €5,000 grant intended to cover a significant share of travel, food, and accommodation costs.
- Fellows must contribute toward their own costs, and host-media work carries no additional salary.
- Middle Eastern fellows may take a two-week intensive German course in Berlin at no cost.
- The core host-media placement lasts two months, with individual extensions possible.
Eligibility
- The programme serves journalists from Germany, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel.
- Middle Eastern applicants must be citizens of an eligible country, be 21 to 37 years old, and work as an employee, trainee, or journalist for an established media outlet.
- The German call is for regular employees, trainees, or editors working in German media; it says applicants should be 21 to 37 years old.
- Very good English is required. German is welcomed but not required for Middle Eastern applicants; Arabic or Hebrew is welcomed but not required for German applicants.
- No degree requirement is stated.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Eligible nationalities
Germany · Egypt · Jordan · Lebanon · Palestine · Israel
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Application process
- 1Prepare a detailed CV with a passport photo, a motivation letter, and an appraisal from a department head or editor-in-chief that confirms journalistic work and leave for the fellowship.
- 2Optionally include work samples and state a preferred media branch.
- 3Email the application to freiling@ijp.org and office@ijp.org; there is no application form.
- 4Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or conference call, with successful applicants notified by mid-August.
Program timeline
Application deadline
Jun 15, 2026
Successful candidates notified
Mid-August 2026
Introductory conference in Berlin
Oct 29, 2026 to Oct 30, 2026
Two-month host-media placement
November–December 2026
After the fellowship
Three-page experience report due