Deutsche Welle is accepting applications for its 2028 Journalism Traineeship in Germany. The 18-month paid programme offers multimedia journalism training, international newsroom placements and career development. Apply by 17 November 2026.
Background & Programme Description
Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, is inviting applications for its DW Traineeship 2028, an 18-month journalism training programme based in Bonn and Berlin.
The programme is designed to prepare participants for careers as multimedia reporters and editors through practical experience in television, radio and online journalism. Trainees receive a salary and combine newsroom placements with structured training, seminars and journalism projects.
Participants will explore areas such as digital storytelling, data journalism and virtual reality. They may also undertake placements with DW editorial departments and one of its international bureaus in locations including Brussels, Washington, Jakarta, Jerusalem, Riga or Delhi.
The traineeship begins on 3 January 2028 and ends in June 2029. Applications are open from 13 October to 17 November 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Deutsche Welle (DW) |
| Programme | DW Journalism Traineeship 2028 |
| Field | Journalism and Multimedia Reporting |
| Locations | Bonn and Berlin, Germany |
| Duration | 18 months |
| Start date | 3 January 2028 |
| End date | June 2029 |
| Salary | Paid traineeship; exact amount not specified |
| Languages | English, German and an applicable native-language requirement |
| Application opens | 13 October 2026, at 12 noon GMT+2 |
| Application deadline | 17 November 2026, at 12 noon GMT+1 |
| Official information | Deutsche Welle Careers |
Tasks and Programme Benefits
The DW Traineeship combines professional journalism education with practical experience across different media platforms.
Journalism Training and Practical Experience
Participants will develop skills in reporting, editing and producing content for television, radio and online formats. Training covers the process of developing story ideas, researching information and turning ideas into finished media products.
The programme also includes seminars led by experienced trainers, newsroom placements and opportunities to produce original journalism projects.
International Placements
Trainees may gain experience in DW editorial departments in Bonn and Berlin and in one of the broadcaster’s international bureaus. Listed locations include Brussels, Washington, Jakarta, Jerusalem, Riga and Delhi.
These placements are intended to provide exposure to journalism across different countries, audiences and reporting environments.
Salary and Career Development
DW states that trainees receive a training salary, although the exact amount is not provided in the supplied advertisement.
The programme offers practical training, editorial experience and opportunities to build professional networks. Following successful completion, participants may have the prospect of an ongoing contract with DW, including work opportunities internationally. Continued employment is not guaranteed by the information provided.
Qualifications and Eligibility
DW is seeking creative, curious and committed applicants with an interest in journalism and an ability to work in a multicultural media environment.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be a native speaker of one of DW’s languages with excellent English and good German; alternatively, be a native English speaker with good German or a native German speaker with excellent English.
- Have completed a university degree, college degree or apprenticeship.
- Have some initial journalism experience.
- Demonstrate creativity and an interest in media and storytelling.
- Have social media expertise.
- Be able to work under deadlines and contribute effectively to a team.
Candidates from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds are encouraged to consider applying. DW specifically welcomes people with backgrounds in fields such as technology, IT, science, politics, economics and law, as well as other professions.
The organisation promotes diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion. It welcomes applications regardless of nationality or background, subject to the programme requirements.
Additional Information
Applications are accepted online only during the specified recruitment period.
Application window: 13 October 2026 at 12 noon GMT+2 to 17 November 2026 at 12 noon GMT+1.
After registering on the application portal, candidates will receive a confirmation email containing additional tasks and attachments. These include completing a questionnaire and producing a video application. Both are mandatory for a valid application and must be uploaded to the applicant’s profile before the deadline.
DW advises applicants to allow sufficient time to complete these tasks. Applications submitted by email will not be processed, and incomplete submissions will not be considered.
How to apply: Visit the Deutsche Welle website and navigate to its careers section to locate the DW Traineeship 2028 vacancy. The application link is scheduled to be available only during the specified application period.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the DW Traineeship 2028?
It is an 18-month journalism training programme offered by Deutsche Welle, combining practical newsroom placements, seminars and multimedia reporting experience.
2. Where is the DW Traineeship based?
The main training locations are Bonn and Berlin, Germany. The programme may also include a placement in one of DW’s international bureaus.
3. Is the DW Traineeship paid?
Yes. DW states that trainees receive a salary, but the exact amount is not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
4. When does the programme begin?
The traineeship starts on 3 January 2028 and runs until June 2029.
5. What qualifications are required?
Applicants must have completed a university degree, college degree or apprenticeship. Initial journalism experience, social media expertise and the required language skills are also expected.
6. Do applicants need to speak German?
Yes. The stated language combinations require good German alongside either excellent English for native German speakers or native-language and English skills for other eligible language combinations.
7. What does the application process involve?
Applicants must register online, complete a questionnaire and produce a video application. These tasks must be submitted before the application deadline.
8. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 17 November 2026 at 12 noon GMT+1, according to the supplied announcement.
9. Can applicants from different professional backgrounds apply?
Yes. DW welcomes candidates from a range of backgrounds, including technology, science, politics, economics, law and other fields, provided they meet the programme’s requirements.
10. Does completing the traineeship guarantee employment?
No. DW indicates that participants may have the prospect of an ongoing contract after the traineeship, but the supplied information does not guarantee employment.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The DW Traineeship 2028 is a useful opportunity for aspiring journalists seeking structured training and international media experience. Its combination of paid training, practical work across television, radio and online platforms, and international placements may appeal to candidates with strong language skills and an interest in multimedia reporting.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the language requirements and allow enough time to complete the mandatory questionnaire and video application before the deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares career and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Deutsche Welle and does not recruit on the broadcaster’s behalf. Applicants should confirm all requirements and application instructions through the official DW careers platform.
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