DW Paid Traineeship 2028–29 in Germany | Up to €2,473/Month
Overview
The Deutsche Welle traineeship is an 18-month paid journalism program based in Bonn and Berlin, Germany, running from January 2028 to June 2029. The bilingual program brings together international participants to gain professional experience through theoretical and practical seminar modules, editorial placements in Berlin and Bonn, a foreign bureau placement, and a one-month elective internship. Trainees participate in innovative projects focusing on fields such as mobile reporting, multimedia storytelling, data journalism, social media journalism, and virtual reality.
Who can apply
The program is open to aspiring and creative journalists from around the world with no age limit. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are welcome, including individuals interested in switching to journalism from fields like law, economics, science, or technology and IT. Applicants must have an interest and experience working in journalism, along with good German language proficiency and excellent English language skills.
Requirements
Applicants must have completed a university or college degree, completed an apprenticeship, or graduated from a journalism school prior to the start of the program. The multi-level application process requires candidates to submit digital copies of educational certificates, up to three work samples of published or broadcasted work such as videos, audio recordings, written articles, or social media posts, a letter of motivation, a current CV in Europass format and another in a freely chosen format, and a copy of a passport and residency permit for non-EU citizens currently living in an EU country. Additional optional documents include language skill proof, internship certificates, employment references, and letters of recommendation.
What you get
Selected participants receive a monthly salary before tax that increases over the course of the 18-month program. Trainees are paid 2,196 Euros per month for the first six months, 2,374 Euros per month for the next six months, and 2,473 per month for the final six months.
How to apply
Candidates must register an email address on the online application portal to receive a confirmation email detailing the next steps and application tasks. The first round requires completing the online application form, uploading educational proof, submitting up to three work samples, answering application questions creatively, and providing all mandatory tasks such as questionnaires and an application video without sending documents by email. Shortlisted candidates advance to a second round featuring an online assessment center with a timed writing test, a guided discussion with tutors, and creating a TikTok video. Successful candidates in the third round are informed of their selection and meet with directors, editors-in-chief, and senior journalists.
Key dates
The program begins in January 2028 and concludes in June 2029. The application deadline is November 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM CET.