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DW Traineeship 2028–2029

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  • AI
  • Journalism
  • Media
DW Traineeship 2028–2029

Programme details

The DW Traineeship 2028–2029 is a bilingual German–English journalism training programme run by Deutsche Welle (DW) and DW Akademie in Germany. It is designed for aspiring reporters, multimedia storytellers and career changers who want to learn journalism inside an international broadcaster.

Rather than separating classroom study from newsroom work, DW alternates practice-oriented seminars with editorial placements. Trainees research, pitch and produce stories for television, radio and online audiences, developing reporting, production skills and editorial judgement alongside experienced journalists. Teaching covers TV presenting, mobile reporting, digital storytelling, data journalism, social media journalism, artificial intelligence tools and virtual reality.

The programme recruits 12 trainees and includes work at DW’s broadcasting centres in Bonn and Berlin, an international bureau placement and an elective internship. Participants contribute original story ideas to ongoing journalism projects and collaborate with colleagues from different language and cultural backgrounds.

Candidates are assessed through a multi-stage selection process that considers creativity, teamwork and language skills. The experience is designed to prepare participants for careers as multimedia reporters, editors and correspondents in international journalism.

Eligibility requirements

  • Applicants must have completed a university or college degree, an apprenticeship, or journalism school before the traineeship begins in January 2028
  • Applicants must meet one of DW's three bilingual language profiles: native or proficient speakers of a DW programme language with excellent English (C1/C2) and good German (B1/B2); proficient English speakers (C1/C2) with good German (B1/B2); or proficient German speakers (C1/C2) with excellent English (C1/C2)
  • Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in journalism, creativity, critical thinking and the ability to work collaboratively

Benefits

  • Gross monthly salary of €2,196 during the first six months
  • Gross monthly salary of €2,374 during months seven to twelve
  • Gross monthly salary of €2,473 during the final six months

Important dates

  1. Applications open at 12:00 noon CEST (UTC+2)

Required documents

  1. Letter of motivation

    Only in German or English. Maximum 700 words, Arial font, size 10, line spacing 1.5, with date and signature

  2. One current CV using Europassformat

    A current curriculum vitae prepared using the official Europass CV format

    View template (opens in a new tab)

  3. Another CV in a freely chosen format

    A second curriculum vitae in a format of your choice, submitted in addition to the Europass CV

  4. University diploma or training certificate(s)

    Digital certificates demonstrating academic, vocational or journalism school qualifications. Applicants still completing their qualifications may provide the final certificate before the traineeship begins

  5. Samples of your work

    Maximum three samples in video, audio, text or social media format. Samples must be your own work and in one or more DW programme languages. Published and unpublished work are accepted. Certified translations are not required

  6. Copy of your passport

    Required for non-EU citizens who are currently living in an EU country

  7. Residency permit

    Required for non-EU citizens who are currently living in an EU country

  8. Questionnaire

    Mandatory application task. DW sends the questionnaire and instructions by email after registration. Complete it and upload it to your applicant profile before the deadline

  9. Short, self-recorded application video

    Mandatory application task. Instructions are provided after registration. The completed video must be uploaded according to DW's instructions before the deadline

  10. Proof of your language skills according to the CEFR Optional

    Language proficiency certificates may be submitted if available. Certificates are not mandatory, but language skills are assessed during selection

  11. Internship certificate Optional

    Submit if available

  12. Employment references Optional

    Submit relevant professional references if available

  13. Letter of recommendation Optional

    In German or English, with official letterhead, an organisational stamp, signature and date

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