Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, has officially opened applications for the 2027–2028 DW Traineeship, one of the most prestigious and competitive journalism training programs in Europe. This bilingual, 18-month paid program offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multimedia platforms and international editorial environments in Bonn, Berlin, and beyond.

Applications are open from October 13, 2025 (12:00 p.m. CEST) to November 17, 2025 (12:00 p.m. CET). The program will run from January 2027 to June 2028.

Eligibility and Key Requirements

DW welcomes applications from talented individuals from around the world, regardless of nationality or age. The ideal candidate demonstrates intellectual curiosity, social awareness, and a commitment to journalistic integrity.

Academic and Professional Background

Applicants may come from a wide range of academic and professional disciplines, including but not limited to:

• • Journalism, media studies, or communications
  • Political science, economics, or international relations
  • Law, sociology, or history
  • Natural sciences, engineering, information technology, or data science

While prior journalistic experience is advantageous, it is not mandatory. DW also encourages applications from professionals in non-journalistic fields who demonstrate a strong motivation to transition into journalism.

Core Eligibility Criteria

• • Must have completed university-level education or equivalent professional experience.
  • Must possess excellent written and spoken English; proficiency in German is strongly preferred, as parts of the program are conducted bilingually.

• • Must demonstrate strong analytical skills, creativity, and open-mindedness.

• Must show the ability to work collaboratively in multicultural environments.
• There is no age limit for applicants.

Application Process

The DW Traineeship selection process is highly competitive and consists of multiple stages designed to assess creativity, communication skills, and journalistic potential.

Step 1: Online Registration

Applicants must register through DW’s official online application portal.

Upon registration, candidates will receive a confirmation email containing specific application tasks.

Step 2: Application Tasks

Applicants are required to complete and upload all mandatory materials before the deadline. These include:

• A detailed questionnaire outlining educational background and professional interests.
• A creative application video that reflects the applicant’s journalistic passion, originality, and storytelling ability.

DW advises applicants to allocate sufficient time for these tasks, as they may be time-intensive. Only applications submitted through the online system within the stated timeframe will be considered. Applications sent via email will not be processed.

Step 3: Assessment and Selection

Qualified candidates will undergo an online assessment and a multi-level evaluation process, including interviews and editorial tests. Approximately 12 candidates will be selected for the 2027–2028 cohort.

Due to the high number of applications, DW is unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding application status during the selection process. All shortlisted candidates will be notified directly via email.

Program Duration and Structure

The DW Traineeship runs from January 2027 to June 2028 and is structured as a full-time, paid training program. Trainees will receive a monthly stipend and gain access to DW’s modern facilities in Bonn and Berlin, as well as opportunities for international reporting through DW’s regional bureaus.

The program’s hybrid design combines classroom training, editorial work, and field reporting, ensuring that graduates emerge with the skills and experience needed to excel in today’s global media industry.

Conclusion

The DW Traineeship 2027–2028 offers a rare and valuable opportunity for aspiring journalists to develop their craft within one of the world’s leading international media institutions. Participants will gain firsthand experience in global news production, multimedia storytelling, and digital innovation — all while contributing to DW’s mission of promoting truth, dialogue, and democracy worldwide.