2026 RSF Berlin Fellowship in Germany (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the 2026 RSF Berlin Fellowship in Germany, a prestigious fully funded six-month fellowship offered by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany. This international program is designed to support and protect journalists by strengthening their digital security and self-defense skills in an increasingly hostile media environment.

The fellowship will run from June to November 2026 in Berlin, providing selected journalists with intensive training focused on journalist safety, digital resilience, and protection against online threats such as surveillance, hacking, doxing, and impersonation. The program is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises, and no application fee is required.

RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 – Overview

Host Country: Germany
City: Berlin
Program Duration: 6 months
Fellowship Period: June – November 2026
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 15 January 2026

Financial Benefits

The RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 offers full financial support, including:

Round-trip international travel to and from Berlin
Visa support and coverage of visa-related costs
Fully furnished accommodation in Berlin for the entire fellowship period
Monthly living stipend to cover personal expenses
Comprehensive health insurance
Public transportation pass for Berlin
Access to a co-working space in a Berlin media hub
Participation in cultural, touristic, and social activities

Fellowship Focus Areas

The program is centered on empowering journalists through:

Digital security and online safety training
Protection against cyber threats and digital surveillance
Self-defense strategies for journalists working in high-risk environments
Knowledge-sharing and capacity-building for media professionals

Eligibility Criteria

The RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 is open to:

Professional journalists, bloggers, media practitioners, and citizen journalists
Applicants facing digital threats such as hacking, surveillance, doxing, or online impersonation
Individuals seeking to strengthen their digital security skills
Candidates committed to sharing acquired knowledge with colleagues in their home countries
Applicants with experience in training, mentoring, or knowledge transfer
Journalists able to commit 20–25 hours per week during the training period

Requirements

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

English Language Proficiency: All fellowship activities are conducted in English
Journalistic Background: Prior experience in journalism or citizen journalism is required
Post-Fellowship Commitment: Fellows must return to their home region after completing the program
Interest in Digital Security: Strong motivation to learn digital safety practices (advanced expertise not required)
Basic Technical Skills: Ability to use computers and smartphones confidently

How to Apply for the 2026 RSF Berlin Fellowship

Interested candidates must: