IJP German-Northern European Programme 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Nov 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
If you are a journalist seeking international exposure and cross-cultural professional experience, applications are now open for the IJP German-Northern European Programme 2026, organised by International Journalists’ Programmes (IJP) — a renowned non-profit organisation promoting media exchange and global understanding through journalism. This 27th edition connects journalists from Germany and eight Nordic and Baltic countries for a six- to eight-week fellowship experience.
📚 Fellowship Summary
Location: Germany and the eight Nordic/Baltic countries — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
Host Institution: IJP – International Journalists’ Programmes e.V.
Fellowship Type: Mid-career and early-career journalism fellowship
Target Group: Journalists (aged 18–45) working in print, radio, TV, or online media in Germany or in any of the participating Nordic/Baltic countries
Fields of Focus: Media, journalism, international reporting, political communication, cross-cultural exchange, and European affairs
Value & Coverage: Each fellow receives a stipend of €3,800 to partially cover travel, accommodation, and personal expenses during the exchange
Award Duration: 6–8 weeks (April – June 2026)
Application Deadline: 15 November 2025
Start Date: Introductory conference – 8–10 April 2026; Fellowship period through June 2026
Eligible To: Journalists from Germany, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
🌐 Fellowship Overview
The German-Northern European Programme was launched in 2000 to foster dialogue and understanding between Germany and the five Nordic countries, later expanded in 2015 to include the three Baltic states. The programme builds bridges between media communities, enhancing mutual knowledge of politics, economics, and culture.
Up to 22 journalists — half from Germany and half from the Nordic/Baltic region — participate annually. Fellows are placed at host media outlets in their partner regions, where they gain direct newsroom experience and insight into journalistic practices abroad.
📖 Purpose
The programme aims to:
Strengthen understanding between Germany and Northern Europe through professional media collaboration
Offer journalists the chance to report from a host country as foreign correspondents
Encourage the exchange of perspectives on political, social, and cultural issues
Build a lasting transnational network among emerging and experienced journalists
🧩 Programme Structure
Introductory Conference (8–10 April 2026): Held in a Nordic capital or in Berlin, this three-day event brings together all fellows for discussions with leaders from politics, business, and civil society, focusing on German-Northern European-Baltic cooperation.
Placement Period (April–June 2026): Fellows work for 6–8 weeks in a selected host media outlet abroad. Placement is determined by IJP in consultation with each fellow to match interests and experience.
Final Conference (3–5 June 2026): Fellows reunite in Berlin to present reports, share their experiences, and submit a three-page field report along with published contributions for final documentation.
After completing the fellowship, participants join the IJP Alumni Network, which connects more than 1,000 journalists worldwide across IJP’s 40+ country programmes.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
€3,800 fellowship grant to assist with travel, accommodation, and living costs
Unique opportunity to work in a foreign newsroom and gain international reporting experience
Participation in high-level discussions during the introductory and final conferences
Strengthened intercultural understanding and journalistic collaboration across Europe
Access to IJP’s international alumni network for ongoing professional growth
Insight into the media landscape, politics, and culture of the host country
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be aged between 18 and 45
Work as freelance, trainee, or staff journalists in print, radio, TV, or online media in one of the participating countries
Demonstrate a strong professional record and motivation for international reporting
Have good command of English (working knowledge required)
Note: German language skills are not mandatory for Northern European/Baltic applicants
📝 Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted by 15 November 2025 in one PDF file via email to theo@ijp.org (for Germany/Nordic countries) or bruemmer@ijp.org (for Baltic applicants).
The file should include:
Curriculum Vitae with photograph
Letter of recommendation from an editor supporting the application
Four samples of journalistic work (TV/radio applicants may submit a list of broadcasts)
Statement of preferred host media outlets or host regions in Germany (e.g., Munich, Hamburg, Berlin)
Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by the IJP selection committee, and successful candidates will be announced by 15 December 2025.
🗂️ Resources
👌🏻 Tips for Applicants
Highlight how your work contributes to international understanding, especially between your country and Germany.
Choose published samples that best showcase your journalistic voice and versatility.
Clearly articulate your interest in covering topics relevant to German-Nordic-Baltic relations, such as energy, environment, politics, or innovation.
Emphasise adaptability and curiosity—key qualities for success in a foreign newsroom.
Ensure your application is concise, complete, and professionally formatted in a single PDF file.
Prepare to produce a field report and article contributions during your stay, as these will form part of the official programme documentation.
Contact Information
For Germany & Nordic Countries:
Mr. Vassilios Theodossiou
📞 +49 (0)511 646 800 52
✉️ theo@ijp.org
For Baltic States:
Dr. Ulrich Brümmer
📞 +49 (0)172 6380 976
🤔 Why Apply
The IJP German-Northern European Programme 2026 is a gateway for journalists to deepen their understanding of European affairs, strengthen reporting skills, and build international networks. The programme offers a unique chance to experience journalism beyond borders — enriching perspectives on Europe’s shared challenges and opportunities.
