Applications open for Reporters Without Borders Berlin Fellowship Program

The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Fellowship Programme provides a fully supported, Berlin-based fellowship for journalists at risk, offering safety, professional development, and digital security training. It supports experienced independent journalists facing threats or persecution due to their reporting, helping them continue their work while strengthening press freedom worldwide.

The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Fellowship Programme is an intensive international fellowship designed to support journalists at risk who face threats, persecution, or serious pressure because of their professional work.

The programme enables journalists to temporarily relocate to Berlin, Germany, where they can work in a safe environment, strengthen their skills, expand professional networks, and deepen their understanding of global press freedom challenges.

What Is the RSF Fellowship Programme?

The RSF Fellowship Programme is a protection and capacity-building initiative for independent media professionals whose journalism puts them at risk.

Its core objectives are to:

Protect journalists facing threats or persecution
Strengthen professional and digital security skills
Support continued independent reporting
Promote freedom of expression and access to information
Foster international solidarity among journalists

The fellowship combines safety, financial support, training, and networking into a structured and supportive programme.

Fellowship Location and Duration

Selected fellows are hosted in Berlin, one of Europe’s key media and press freedom hubs.

During the fellowship period, participants are fully supported so they can focus on professional development and journalistic work without fear for their safety.

What Support Do Fellows Receive?

The RSF Fellowship Programme provides comprehensive financial, logistical, and professional support.

Fellows receive:

Visa support and assistance with procedures
Coverage of international travel costs
Accommodation in a furnished studio apartment in Berlin
A monthly stipend to cover living expenses
Travel and health insurance
Public transportation within Germany
Access to a co-working space in a Berlin media hub
Opportunities to attend journalism conferences and networking events
Participation in social and cultural exchange activities

This support structure ensures fellows can work independently while benefiting from a strong professional community.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to journalists at risk who meet specific professional and safety criteria.

Eligible applicants include:

Journalists with at least three years of professional experience
Staff journalists, freelance journalists, and citizen journalists
Media professionals working across all formats, including print, online, radio, television, and multimedia
Journalists working in independent media

Applicants must demonstrate that they face serious threats or persecution directly linked to their journalistic activities.

Geographic and Language Requirements

Journalists from any country may apply
Applicants must demonstrate the possibility of returning to their country of residence or permanent residency for visa purposes
The fellowship is conducted entirely in English, and applicants must be fluent to fully participate

Priority Profiles and Thematic Focus

RSF gives special consideration to journalists working on high-risk, public-interest topics, including:

Investigative journalism
Human rights reporting
Climate crisis and environmental issues
Corruption and accountability
Labour rights
Migration and displacement

Diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged.

Expectations and Responsibilities of Fellows

Selected fellows are expected to:

Actively engage with peers and programme activities
Share professional insights and experiences during the fellowship
Participate in training, networking, and exchange opportunities
Disseminate knowledge gained to colleagues in their home regions
Return to their country of residence or permanent residency after the fellowship ends

The programme emphasizes long-term impact beyond the fellowship period.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The RSF Fellowship Programme plays a vital role in defending press freedom and journalist safety.

It matters because it:

Provides immediate protection to journalists under threat
Strengthens digital and physical security skills
Supports independent media under pressure
Amplifies voices reporting on critical global issues
Builds international networks of solidarity and support

By investing in journalists, RSF helps safeguard the public’s right to information.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Overview

Applicants must submit a detailed application outlining both professional background and risk context.

A complete application typically includes:

Professional background and journalism experience
Description of threats or persecution faced due to reporting
Explanation of digital threats and security challenges
Justification of how digital security training will improve safety for the applicant, colleagues, and sources
Evidence of work in independent media
Confirmation of English language proficiency

Applications are assessed on risk level, journalistic merit, and alignment with RSF’s mission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting applications without clear evidence of risk
Failing to link threats directly to journalistic work
Providing vague or incomplete descriptions of digital security needs
Applying without meeting the minimum experience requirement
Underestimating the importance of English fluency

Clear, detailed, and well-documented applications are more competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for the RSF Fellowship Programme?

Journalists with at least three years of professional experience who face threats due to their reporting and work in independent media.

Is the fellowship open to freelance and citizen journalists?

Yes. Staff journalists, freelancers, and citizen journalists are all eligible.

Where is the fellowship hosted?

The fellowship takes place in Berlin, Germany.

What costs are covered by the programme?

Visa costs, travel, accommodation, monthly stipend, insurance, local transport, and professional workspace are covered.

What language is the fellowship conducted in?

The entire programme is conducted in English.

Are journalists from any country eligible to apply?

Yes, as long as they can demonstrate eligibility for visa purposes and eventual return to their country of residence.

Conclusion

The Reporters Without Borders Fellowship Programme offers a critical lifeline for journalists at risk, combining safety, professional development, and international solidarity. By providing comprehensive support in Berlin, RSF empowers journalists to continue their work, strengthen press freedom, and protect the public’s right to information under challenging conditions.