DW Journalism Traineeship 2028–2029: Paid 18-Month Programme

Deutsche Welle is recruiting for its bilingual journalism traineeship starting in January 2028 and ending in June 2029. Applications are currently open even though the programme starts later.

Deadline: 17 November 2026, 12:00 noon GMT+1 (German time)
Location: Bonn, Berlin, and editorial placements

Who can apply?

Candidates need a completed degree or apprenticeship, initial journalism experience, and the language combination described by DW. Good German is required alongside excellent English or an eligible native language. Creativity, social-media skills, and teamwork are important.

What the opportunity offers

Trainees receive a salary and practical experience across television, radio, and online reporting. Training combines seminars, newsroom placements, and multimedia projects. Consult DW for current employment and pay terms.

Training and newsroom experience

• The full-time bilingual programme begins 3 January 2028 and ends June 2029, based at DW’s Bonn and Berlin broadcasting centres.
• Training combines practical blocks, newsroom assignments and seminars with experienced journalism trainers.
• Learn to develop ideas and produce content for television, radio and digital formats, alongside technical production skills.
• Explore digital storytelling, data journalism and virtual reality, and develop original projects.
• Placements include DW editorial departments and an international bureau, with potential locations including Brussels, Washington, Jakarta, Jerusalem, Riga or Delhi.
• The programme pays a training salary and offers the prospect of a continuing DW contract after completion.

Applicant profile

• A completed university or college qualification or apprenticeship. Technology, IT, science, politics, economics and law are especially relevant, while other professional backgrounds are also welcomed.
• Initial journalism experience, creativity, social-media knowledge, teamwork and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Native command of a DW language with excellent English and good German; alternatively, native English with good German or native German with excellent English.

Mandatory application tasks

Register on the careers portal during the application window. The confirmation email supplies a questionnaire and video-application instructions. Complete both and upload them to your profile before the deadline; registration alone is insufficient. Submit the complete application online rather than by email.

Application window

The portal opens 13 October 2026 at 12:00 GMT+2 and closes 17 November 2026 at 12:00 GMT+1. Allow time to produce the mandatory video and questionnaire before submitting.

How to apply

Apply online through DW’s career portal. Registration is followed by a questionnaire and video tasks that must also be completed before the deadline. Email applications are not accepted.

Official details and application ↗