Deadline: November 17, 2026
Applications are open for the Deutsche Welle (DW) Traineeship 2028-2029. DW is looking for creative people, who are interested in a comprehensive, high-quality journalism program with an international broadcaster and who want to help shape the journalism of the future.
The 18-month paid journalism program is considered one of the most prestigious of its kind in Germany – and beyond. It covers a range of fields and skills, such as TV-moderation, multimedia storytelling, data journalism and working with AI-tools. The topics are explored in seminars and workshops at DW’s editorial offices in Bonn and Berlin, along with our regional bureaus across the globe.
Remuneration
- For the first six months of the program, trainees earn a pre-tax salary of 2,196 euros per month. This increases to 2,374 euros a month before tax for the following six months. For the final six months, trainees earn 2,473 euros per month before tax.
- Deutsche Welle’s traineeship is a full-time program. In exceptional cases, temporary employment outside of the program may be approved.
Eligibility
- They are looking for candidates from around the world who are interested in a comprehensive, quality journalism traineeship at an international broadcaster.
- Applicants should have journalistic experience or be passionate about switching to journalism from other professional fields such as law, business or science. Simply put: they’re looking for highly creative candidates and ones with expertise from other disciplines.
- They are especially interested in applicants who use and create content for social media channels.
- Applicants who can demonstrate extensive expertise in the journalistic application of artificial intelligence will be given preference. Relevant competencies include, among others, AI literacy, tool literacy, agentic AI, and vibe coding.
- Trainees learn the skills and tools that future journalists need: everything from mobile reporting, multimedia storytelling and data journalism to social media journalism and virtual reality – in seminars, workshops, DW’s editorial offices and DW foreign bureaus (Brussels/Washington). Trainees are constantly involved in innovative, international projects and after graduating often stay with DW, working as editors, reporters or correspondents.
Application
To qualify for one of the 12 coveted spots, applicants must complete a multi-level application process, submit creative ideas and take part in an online assessment.
For more information, visit Deutsche Welle (DW) Traineeship.
