IJP 2025 Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme in Germany

The Southern African-German Journalists’ Programme is a multiyear effort to foster a deeper understanding between Germany and Africa as a whole. It has been offered in response to concerns about an increasing political and cultural detachment between Africa and Europe. The bursary is intended to enable young journalists to gain valuable insights into the political, economical, cultural and social fabric of the host country.

The bursary is named in honour of the former Federal President Horst Köhler and his exemplary dedication to German-African relations. President Horst Köhler not only campaigned for Africa during his time in office, but remains committed to a cultural change in Africa policy that takes account of historical upheavals and takes the global significance of the continent seriously. IJP is grateful that Horst Köhler has given his name to the programme.

• Table of Content
• About International Journalists' Programmes (IJP)
• Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme
• Requirements for Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About International Journalists' Programmes (IJP)

The International Journalists' Programmes (IJP) are a non-profit and economically as well as politically independent organisation for the promotion of young journalists. It was established in 1981. IJP are an association, registered in Germany at the local court in Koenigstein near Frankfurt/Main under reg. no. 8 VR 646. IJP are organised decentrally and have no administration. All programmes are organised by the members and board members of IJP, who themselves work as journalists or for media enterprises. The responsibility for the individual programmes lies by the respective coordinators... continue reading

Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme

Application Deadline	15 Feb 2025
Value	3,500 Euro
Country to study	Germany
Type	Fellowship
Sponsor	International Journalists' Programmes (IJP)
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme

The Southern African delegates receive a fixed payment of 3,500 Euro. This is expected to cover most of their travel, accommodation and living expenses. No further payments will be made: delegates are expected to use their own funds for any further costs. Payment for their work with the host media is not envisaged. To receive the full grant participants are obliged to write a report of at least three pages and provide copies of their published journalistic work after returning home.

Requirements for Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme Qualification

• All journalists from Southern Africa (SADC Member States and Kenya) between the age of 25 and 40 who regularly work for a media organisation can apply.
• Above average English language skills are required. Interested candidates are asked to submit their documents in digital form only between 27 November and 1 March.
• Every year the International Journalists‘ Programmes (IJP) offer a bursary to up to six young Southern African (SADC?Member States: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe + Kenya) and up to five young German journalists.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Southern African Journalists’ Bursary Programme

Timeline

The programme starts with an introductory conference in Berlin. This allows participants from Southern Africa to familiarise themselves with their host country. After that, they work for several weeks with media houses and embark on their own research. Applicants are asked to submit their preferences for the outlet with which they would like to work. The final location is chosen by IJP organisers in conversation with each delegate.

Application Deadline

February 15, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to International Journalists' Programmes (IJP) on ijp.org to apply

• Enclose a CV with a passport photograph
• Write an 800-word essay addressing the following topics:
• Why would you like to work in Germany?
• What are the three research topics you want to pursue during the fellowship?
• What role do you expect to play at your home media in the future?
• How will you spend the bursary?
• Include a one?page resume detailing your education and work experience, your standard of German and English (copies of certificates/ e.g. Goethe Institute/TOEFL), plus two copies of articles written by you (TV and radio journalists should submit manuscripts or links, since no audio or video tapes can be considered)
• A journalistic reference from your editor or head of department is required (freelancers should submit a reference from a senior journalist). It should also guarantee your leave of absence for the duration of the programme.

For more details, visit IJP Programme website