Apply for the IJP Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme 2027 - also known as the Federal President Horst Köhler Fellowship - a work-exchange fellowship for journalists from Southern Africa (SADC member states + Kenya) and Germany.
Organised by International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP), the fellowship lets Southern African journalists spend about two months in Germany: an introductory conference in Berlin, then several weeks embedded in a host newsroom while reporting for their home media. The goal is deeper mutual understanding and stronger coverage of German - African issues.
Deadline: 20 January 2027. Applications accepted digitally from 1 November 2026 to 20 January 2027. Fellowship period for Southern African fellows: July & August 2027 (tbc). This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official IJP materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - IJP Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | IJP Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme (Horst Köhler Fellowship) |
| Host Landmark | Brandenburg Gate / Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪 |
| Fellowship dates | July & August 2027 (tbc); intro conference in Berlin (tba) |
| Duration | ≈ two months in Germany (newsroom placement + own research) |
| Bursary | €3,500 fixed payment (travel, accommodation, living - most costs) |
| Eligible countries | SADC members + Kenya (Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya) |
| Age | 25 - 40 |
| Deadline | 20 January 2027 (window opens 1 November 2026) |
| Apply | Email documents to office@ijp.org · Official programme page |
What Fellows Do
- Join an introductory conference in Berlin to get oriented in Germany
- Work for several weeks inside a German host media organisation
- Research and publish stories for their home newsroom as correspondents
- Indicate preferred outlets; IJP confirms the final placement with each delegate
- After return: submit a report (≥3 pages) and copies of published work to receive the full grant
Benefits
- Fixed bursary of €3,500 toward travel, accommodation, and living costs
- Hands-on placement with German media (past hosts include Deutsche Welle, Tagesspiegel, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Handelsblatt, and others)
- Berlin introduction conference and networking across the IJP alumni community (3,000+ journalists worldwide)
- Platform to cover German - African stories and strengthen career networks
Note: No further payments beyond the €3,500 bursary; extra costs are self-funded. Host media do not pay for fellows’ work.
Eligibility
- Journalist from a SADC member state or Kenya, aged 25 - 40
- Regularly work for a media organisation
- Above-average English language skills (German is an advantage, not required)
- Able to take leave for the fellowship period (editor must guarantee leave of absence)
How to Apply
- Review the official IJP Southern Africa programme page and current call.
- Prepare digital application documents:
- Comprehensive CV with passport photograph (education, work, English/German skills; attach Goethe-Institut or TOEFL certificates if available)
- 800-word essay covering: why Germany; three research topics; future role at your home media; how you will use the bursary
- Two representative work samples (scripts and/or links for TV/radio)
- Reference from editor-in-chief or head of department (freelancers: senior journalist) that explicitly guarantees leave of absence
- Email everything to office@ijp.org between 1 November 2026 and 20 January 2027.
Programme head: Marco Vollmar - vollmar@ijp.org.
Official Links
IJP - Southern Africa | Federal President Horst Köhler Fellowship
International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP)
Email application: office@ijp.org
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027-2028
- True Story Award 2027 for Journalists
- EJN Virtual Media Workshops 2027
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
20 January 2027. Submit between 1 November 2026 and that date.
How much is the bursary?
€3,500 fixed payment intended to cover most travel, accommodation, and living costs. Extra expenses are self-funded.
Who can apply?
Journalists aged 25 - 40 from SADC countries and Kenya who regularly work for a media organisation, with strong English.
Where do fellows work?
In Germany - starting with a Berlin introduction conference, then a host newsroom placement for several weeks (July & August 2027, tbc).
How do I apply?
Email your documents to office@ijp.org. Details: ijp.org/en/programmes/southernafrica/.
