The Berlin Fellowship Program 2024 in Germany presents a cutting-edge opportunity to address increasing concerns around digital security. With global connectivity at an all-time high, the misuse of communication technology has created new vulnerabilities. This fully funded, six-month fellowship in Germany is structured to address and mitigate cyber threats. During the program, participants explore tools to protect privacy and identify the critical weaknesses that contribute to serious data breaches.
Initiated by the Berlin State Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises, the Berlin Fellowship Program 2025 is a dedicated initiative for journalists, funded entirely to foster digital security expertise. Reporters Without Borders Germany invites journalists from conflict and crisis regions to Berlin to receive vital training on digital security, aiming to protect them from digital threats such as surveillance and hacking, which can obstruct their work.
The program has a dual approach. First, journalists learn practical techniques to safeguard against evolving digital threats. In the next phase, they collaborate with an expert training team to create their own training framework. Equipped with this framework, the participants return to their home countries as trainers, sharing their newfound skills with fellow journalists.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany has already empowered numerous journalists globally, especially those facing life-threatening risks for their impartial reporting in conflict zones. The RSF scholarship provides tools to realistically assess threats, reinforcing that while “Absolute Security” is unattainable, effective and well-constructed security strategies are achievable.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Organization: Reporters Without Borders Germany
- Funded By: Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Public Enterprises
- Duration: 6 months
Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: €1,000 for each participant
- Visa Processing Assistance: Visa arrangements handled by the program
- Travel Costs: All travel expenses to and from Berlin are covered
- Public Transport: Free daily public transportation during the fellowship
- Accommodation: The organization provides and covers the cost of accommodation
- Insight into Reporters Without Borders Activities: Access to the global efforts of RSF Germany in journalism and human rights
Check Out Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2025-26 | Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to professional journalists, bloggers, media professionals, and citizen journalists
- Applicants should be facing digital threats in their home regions
- Interest in learning digital security and a commitment to training other journalists on their return
- Willingness to return to their home country after the program
- Proficiency in English
- Adequate experience in journalism
Application Process
- Send signed applications and required documents via Signal Messenger Service at +491636743853.
- Applicants with Proton Mail can send applications to rsf.digitalfreedom[at]protonmail.com (ProtonMail offers free end-to-end encrypted email).
- Complete and save the online application and questionnaire in PDF format.
- Send completed PDF files to one of the above addresses.
Deadline to Apply: Applications must be submitted by Monday, November 25th, 2024, at 23:59 (CET).