CFAs: IJP Fellowship of the German-Polish Programme

The IJP Fellowship – German-Polish Programme provides early-career journalists from Germany and Poland a two-month cross-border editorial exchange to enhance professional skills, correspondent-style reporting, and long-term networking. Fellows receive a €4,000 grant to support travel, accommodation, and living expenses during the placement. Applications close on 30 March 2026, with placements beginning in October 2026.

About the IJP Fellowship

The IJP Fellowship aims to:

• Strengthen cross-border collaboration between German and Polish journalists

• Promote correspondent-style reporting from the host country

• Facilitate guest editorial work in German or Polish media

• Support professional networking and long-term cooperation

• Develop shared journalistic perspectives and dialogue across borders

Fellows gain hands-on editorial experience, follow current political, social, and cultural developments, and learn journalistic practices unique to the host country.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be journalists, bloggers, or documentary filmmakers from Germany or Poland

• Be aged 22–35

• Work regularly as freelancers, journalists, or editors for newspapers, radio, television, or online media

• Have workable English skills (fluency in German or Polish not required)

Fellowship Benefits

• Two-month placement at a German or Polish host media organisation

• One-off grant of €4,000 covering:

  • Travel expenses

  • Accommodation and food

• Introductory conference in October 2026 before the start of placement

• Alumni network access for ongoing professional exchange

How to Apply / Application Process

1. Prepare Required Documents

   • Curriculum vitae

   • Letter of motivation

   • Letter of recommendation from an editor

   • Two samples of published work

   • Preferences for host organizations or regions

2. Submit Application

   • Application must be submitted by 30 March 2026

3. Selection Process

   • Evaluated based on journalistic experience, motivation, quality of published work, and fit for host placement

   • Selected candidates participate in the introductory conference, followed by an eight-week placement

4. Participation

   • Work as a short-term correspondent for your home editorial office or as a guest editor in the host medium

   • Engage in cross-border reporting, professional networking, and collaborative journalism

   • Continue participation in alumni activities after placement

H2: Key Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize experience in cross-border or international reporting

• Showcase editorial skills and published work

• Highlight interest in correspondent-style assignments

• Demonstrate ability to collaborate and network during the fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

Journalists, bloggers, and documentary filmmakers aged 22–35 from Germany or Poland working regularly in editorial media.

2. What does the €4,000 grant cover?

Travel, accommodation, and food during the two-month placement.

3. Is fluency in German or Polish required?

No, but applicants must have workable English skills.

4. What is the duration of the fellowship?

Two months, starting with an introductory conference in October 2026.

5. How are applications evaluated?

Based on professional experience, motivation, published work quality, and suitability for host placement.

6. Can applicants choose their host organization?

Yes, applicants can indicate preferences for host organizations or regions.

7. Is participation in the alumni network mandatory?

While not mandatory, participation is encouraged for ongoing professional networking and exchange.

Conclusion

The IJP Fellowship 2026 offers early-career journalists from Germany and Poland a unique opportunity to gain international editorial experience, strengthen cross-border reporting skills, and build a long-lasting professional network. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, professional growth, and long-term collaboration between German and Polish media professionals.