IJP International Journalists Fellowship 2025

Omran Aburayya
12 hours ago
3 min read

If you're a young journalist from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, or Germany eager to gain international experience and deepen your understanding of cross-cultural reporting, the IJP International Journalists' Programmes Fellowship 2025 offers a unique opportunity. This prestigious program facilitates a two-month exchange, allowing participants to work within media outlets abroad, fostering dialogue and professional growth between the Middle East and Germany.

📝 IJP International Journalists Fellowship Summary

Location: Germany (for Middle Eastern fellows); Middle East (for German fellows)
Host Institution: International Journalists' Programmes (IJP)
Level: Early to mid-career journalists
Target Group: Journalists aged 21–37 from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Germany
Fields of Focus: Journalism, media, international relations, cross-cultural communication
Award Value: €5,000 (includes €1,000 travel allowance)
Duration: 2 months
Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
Program Start Date: October 29, 2025 (introductory conference)
Eligible To: Citizens of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Germany

🌍 Fellowship Overview

Established in 2005, the IJP Middle East Fellowship aims to strengthen journalistic ties and mutual understanding between Germany and the Middle East. Each year, up to five journalists from the Middle East and a select number from Germany participate in this exchange. Middle Eastern fellows spend two months working with German media outlets, while German journalists are hosted by media organizations in the Middle East.

The program begins with a three-day introductory conference in Berlin from October 29 to 31, 2025, bringing together all participants. Middle Eastern fellows then attend a short German language course before commencing their placements. Throughout the fellowship, participants engage deeply with the host country's media landscape, politics, culture, and society, enhancing their professional skills and cross-cultural competencies.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: A one-time grant of €5,000 to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Professional Experience: Placement in a host media outlet, providing firsthand experience in international journalism.
Networking Opportunities: Connections with fellow journalists, media professionals, and cultural institutions.
Language and Cultural Immersion: For Middle Eastern fellows, a German language course and immersion in German culture; for German fellows, exposure to Middle Eastern societies.
Alumni Network: Access to a vibrant community of over 3,000 IJP alumni worldwide, with opportunities for continued collaboration and professional development.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be citizens of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, or Germany.
Be aged between 21 and 37 years.
Be employed, in training, or working as journalists for media organizations.
Possess a strong command of English; knowledge of German is advantageous but not mandatory.
Demonstrate a keen interest in international affairs and cross-cultural journalism.

🗂️ Application Procedure and

To apply, candidates must submit:

A detailed curriculum vitae with a passport photo.
A recommendation letter from the head of department or editor-in-chief, confirming journalistic experience and granting leave for the fellowship duration.
Samples of journalistic work (optional but encouraged).

Submission

Applications should be sent via email to both freiling@ijp.org and office@ijp.org by June 15, 2025.

📅 Program Timeline

Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
Introductory Conference in Berlin: October 29–31, 2025
German Language Course: Early November 2025 (for Middle Eastern fellows)
Media Placement: November–December 2025
Final Report Submission: Upon completion, fellows are required to submit a report of at least three pages detailing their experiences and insights gained during the fellowship.