Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany Berlin Fellowship Program 2025 | Funded

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany is now accepting applications for the 2025 Berlin Fellowship Program for Digital Security for Journalists.

This unique six-month program offers six journalists from crisis regions a chance to develop essential digital security skills while spending time in Berlin, from May to October 2025.

Program Overview

During their time in Berlin, fellows will take part in a comprehensive digital security training designed specifically for journalists. This break from their high-risk environments will allow them to learn critical skills to protect themselves and their sources from digital threats like hacking, surveillance, and online harassment.

Supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises, this program aims to equip journalists to act as “digital self-defense” advocates in their communities.

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Program Topics

The fellowship covers:

• Holistic security for journalists, bloggers, and media professionals at risk
• Risk assessment and operational security planning
• Online identity management, with anonymization tools for investigative journalism
• Secure communication and conferencing tools for interviews
• Password, account, and social media data protection
• Device security for phones and computers
• Website security for media sites under attack
• Safe storage and encryption for sensitive media files
• Information verification and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
• Understanding and addressing online threats, such as doxing and impersonation

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows will receive:

• Travel expenses, with full visa support
• Accommodation in Berlin for the duration of the program
• Monthly stipend of €1,000
• Health insurance and a public transportation pass
• Networking opportunities with German journalists and insights into RSF Germany’s work in press freedom and human rights

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Eligibility Requirements

Ideal candidates are journalists, bloggers, and media professionals who:

• Face digital threats like hacking, surveillance, or online harassment
• Want to strengthen their digital security knowledge to better protect themselves and their sources
• Are committed to sharing their digital security skills with colleagues back home
• Have experience in teaching or knowledge-sharing (preferred)
• Work on topics like climate, corruption, labor rights, or migration (preferred)

Applicants should have strong English skills (program language) and be willing to return home after the fellowship.

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must:

1. Be fluent in English, as all sessions are conducted in English
2. Have experience in journalism (professional or citizen)
3. Be fully available to participate in all program activities, roughly 20-25 hours per week
4. Show a strong interest in learning digital security, though prior expertise isn’t required

Application Deadline

Apply by Monday, November 25, 2024, at 23:59 CET. The program runs from early May to the end of October 2025, with travel details provided to selected participants.

Apply here