Call for The RSF Berlin Fellowship 2026 is open now!!!
The RSF Fellowship Program is designed to provide a safe space for journalists. Fellows will be able to take time off from their daily obligations to recover from their difficult working conditions. They will learn new skills to better protect themselves by taking part in a comprehensive safety training program.
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The core philosophy of the fellowship is built on the reality that modern journalism is no longer just a battle of words, but a battle of data and physical resilience. For journalists operating in environments where the rule of law is fragile and press freedom is actively suppressed, the simple act of reporting can lead to digital stalking, judicial harassment, or physical violence. What makes this program unique is its intensive focus on digital self-defense. In a landscape where spyware like Pegasus and sophisticated phishing attacks are used to track sources and expose sensitive investigations, technical literacy is a journalist’s strongest armor. The fellowship transforms participants into experts in encryption, secure communication, and risk assessment. However, the program acknowledges that safety is not just technical; it is also psychological.
Furthermore, the fellowship serves as a bridge between isolated media landscapes and the global journalistic community. By bringing together a cohort from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds—ranging from Southeast Asia to Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America—it fosters a unique peer-to-peer exchange. This environment allows fellows to share tactics, build cross-border solidarity, and realize that while their local challenges may differ, their struggle for a free press is a shared global endeavor.
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Participation in the program also carries a forward-looking responsibility. The goal is not just to protect one journalist, but to create a ripple effect of safety. By the end of their stay in Berlin, fellows are equipped not only to protect themselves but to return to their home countries and professional networks as trainers. They become the primary defense for their newsrooms, teaching their colleagues how to navigate the digital world safely, thereby strengthening the infrastructure of independent journalism worldwide. Ultimately, the RSF Berlin Fellowship is a testament to the idea that information is a public good, and those who provide it must be protected at all costs. It offers a rare moment of respite, a chance to retool, and a platform to build a more resilient future for international journalism.
Location:
GermanyBenefits
- Visa and travel expenses and Assistance with all visa-related matters.
- A furnished studio apartment in Berlin for the duration of the fellowship
- A monthly stipend for living expenses
- Travel, health insurance and Public transportation costs within Germany
- Travel to networking events and/or journalism conferences
- A co-working space in a Berlin media hub ,Touristic and social activities
- Opportunities to meet with relevant stakeholders of German civil society and policy fields
Eligibilities
- Must be a professional journalist, blogger, or citizen journalist and currently working or based in a country or region with restricted freedom of press and information.
- Must have a proven interest in improving personal and digital security to protect their journalistic work.
- Must be available to reside in Berlin for the full duration of the program from June to November 2026.
- Must be able to commit approximately 20 to 25 hours per week for training sessions, workshops, and program activities.
- Must be willing and able to return to their country of residence or professional network after the fellowship to act as a “multiplier” by conducting at least one digital security workshop.
- Must possess a sufficient level of English proficiency to actively participate in professional trainings and communicate with international peers.
Application Process
- Register and complete the official online application form through the RSF Germany Application Portal.
- Please be prepared to submit the following Documents :
- A completed online application form
- A scan of your passport
- CV
- Contact information for two professional references
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
Application ClosedOfficial link
