International Journalists‘ Programmes (IJP) Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme 2025 in Germany (3.000 Euro Stipend)

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Application Deadline: February 15, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 International Journalists‘ Programmes (IJP) Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme. The Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme is a multiyear effort to foster a deeper understanding between Germany and Africa as a whole. It has been offered in response to concerns about an increasing political and cultural detachment between Africa and Europe. The bursary is intended to enable young journalists to gain valuable insights into the political, economical, cultural and social fabric of the host country.

The bursary is named in honour of the former Federal President Horst Köhler and his exemplary dedication to German-African relations. President Horst Köhler not only campaigned for Africa during his time in office, but remains committed to a cultural change in Africa policy that takes account of historical upheavals and takes the global significance of the continent seriously. IJP is grateful that Horst Köhler has given his name to the programme.

Requirements

• All journalists from Southern Africa (SADC Member States and Kenya) between the age of 25 and 40 who regularly work for a media organisation can apply.
• Above average English language skills are required. Interested candidates are asked to submit their documents in digital form only between 27 November and 1 March.
• Every year the International Journalists‘ Programmes (IJP) offer a bursary to up to six young Southern African (SADC‐Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe + Kenya) and up to five young German journalists.

Scholarship

• The Southern African delegates receive a fixed payment of 3,500 Euro. This is expected to cover most of their travel, accommodation and living expenses. No further payments will be made: delegates are expected to use their own funds for any further costs. Payment for their work with the host media is not envisaged. To receive the full grant participants are obliged to write a report of at least three pages and provide copies of their published journalistic work after returning home.

Timeline

The programme starts with an introductory conference in Berlin. This allows participants from Southern Africa to familiarise themselves with their host country. After that, they work for several weeks with media houses and embark on their own research. Applicants are asked to submit their preferences for the outlet with which they would like to work. The final location is chosen by IJP organisers in conversation with each delegate.

Application

• Enclose a CV with a passport photograph
• Write an 800-word essay addressing the following topics:
• Why would you like to work in Germany?
• What are the three research topics you want to pursue during the fellowship?
• What role do you expect to play at your home media in the future?
• How will you spend the bursary?
• Include a one‐page resume detailing your education and work experience, your standard of German and English (copies of certificates/ e.g. Goethe Institute/TOEFL), plus two copies of articles written by you (TV and radio journalists should submit manuscripts or links, since no audio or video tapes can be considered)
• A journalistic reference from your editor or head of department is required (freelancers should submit a reference from a senior journalist). It should also guarantee your leave of absence for the duration of the programme.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the IJP Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme