IJP George Weidenfeld Fellowship for Journalists (Germany, UK)

Deadline: 15-Jun-2026

The IJP George Weidenfeld Fellowship offers British and German journalists the chance to work in each other’s countries, gaining first-hand experience of the media landscape, politics, and society. The programme supports early and mid-career journalists in building international networks, enhancing professional skills, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

About the Fellowship

The IJP George Weidenfeld Fellowship enables journalists from the United Kingdom and Germany to experience their host countries as correspondents. Participants gain insight into the political, economic, and social environment while working in professional editorial offices abroad, fostering personal and professional development.

The fellowship is organized by the German non-profit International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) and is in its 32nd edition. Established in 1995 to promote journalistic exchange between Germany and the UK, it has operated under the name of Lord George Weidenfeld since 2000 and is supported by the respective ambassadors in Berlin and London.

Objectives

• Provide hands-on experience in the media environment of another country

• Promote mutual understanding and professional exchange between UK and German journalists

• Enable participants to report for their home media organisations while gaining new editorial perspectives

• Facilitate international networking and knowledge exchange within journalism

Fellowship Details

• Target participants: UK journalists aged 18–40 working in print, radio, or television

• Stipend: €3,800 for travel, accommodation, and personal expenses during the stay in Germany

• Work compensation: Depends on host organisation; not guaranteed

• Language requirement: None; applicants with little or no knowledge of German are encouraged to apply

• Duration: As per host editorial arrangements and programme guidelines

How the Exchange Works

• Participants work within editorial offices in the host country

• Fellows continue to report for their home media organisations

• Exposure to different journalistic practices, editorial processes, and media environments

• Opportunities to build professional networks and gain international experience

Who Can Apply?

• Early to mid-career UK journalists aged 18–40

• Professionals in print, radio, or television media

• Applicants with minimal or no German language skills are welcome

Why It Matters

The fellowship provides journalists with:

• A deeper understanding of the host country’s political, economic, and social landscape

• Hands-on experience with international media practices

• Opportunities for networking and collaboration with journalists abroad

• Development of cross-cultural reporting skills and professional growth

How to Apply

1. Prepare a professional portfolio and relevant work samples

2. Submit a fellowship application to IJP, including personal and professional information

3. Highlight your interest in international exchange and reporting experience

4. Await selection by the IJP panel for participation in the 32nd edition

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to submit relevant work samples or portfolio

• Not demonstrating interest in international journalistic exchange

• Overlooking the stipend coverage and additional cost responsibilities

• Assuming prior knowledge of German is required

FAQs

1. Who is eligible? UK journalists aged 18–40 working in print, radio, or television.
2. Is knowledge of German required? No, applicants with little or no German are encouraged to apply.
3. What does the stipend cover? Travel, accommodation, and personal expenses; additional costs are the participant’s responsibility.
4. Can participants earn additional income? Work compensation depends on the host organisation and is not guaranteed.
5. What is the programme’s main purpose? To provide international experience, foster professional exchange, and enhance cross-cultural understanding in journalism.
6. How long is the exchange? Duration depends on host editorial arrangements and programme guidelines.
7. Who organises the fellowship? The German non-profit International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) under the patronage of UK and German ambassadors.

Conclusion

The IJP George Weidenfeld Fellowship offers UK journalists a unique opportunity to gain international reporting experience, develop professional networks, and deepen understanding of Germany’s media, political, and social landscape. By participating, fellows enhance their journalistic skills, cultural insight, and career prospects in a global context.

For more information, visit IJP.