The Deutsche Welle (DW) Traineeship 2028 is an exciting opportunity for aspiring journalists, media professionals, and graduates interested in building an international career in journalism. Organized by DW, Germany’s international broadcaster, this 18-month bilingual journalism training programme combines professional instruction with practical newsroom experience.

The programme begins on January 3, 2028, and runs until June 2029. Trainees will receive a salary while gaining hands-on experience in television, radio, online journalism, and multimedia storytelling at DW’s broadcasting centres in Bonn and Berlin, Germany.

The DW Traineeship welcomes creative candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are passionate about journalism, current affairs, and international communication.

Benefits of the DW Traineeship 2028

The DW Journalism Traineeship provides participants with professional training and practical experience in an international media organization.

Key benefits include:

• Monthly salary: Trainees receive a salary throughout the 18-month programme. The official announcement describes it as a training salary; applicants should consult the current vacancy information for the applicable remuneration.
• Professional journalism training: Learn reporting, research, interviewing, and editorial production from experienced journalists.
• Multimedia experience: Develop practical skills in television, radio, online journalism, digital storytelling, and data journalism.
• International exposure: Gain opportunities to work with DW editorial teams in Germany and placements at international bureaus.
• Career development: Build professional networks and develop the skills needed for a career in international journalism.
• Future employment prospects: Successful completion may lead to opportunities for ongoing employment with DW, depending on the organization’s requirements and available positions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Educational qualification: A completed university degree, college degree, or vocational qualification or apprenticeship.
2. Language proficiency: Candidates must meet one of the specified language combinations: native proficiency in a DW programme language with excellent English and good German; native English with good German; or native German with excellent English.
3. Journalism experience: Some initial experience in journalism or related media activities is expected.
4. Creativity: Applicants should demonstrate curiosity, original thinking, and the ability to develop compelling stories.
5. Social media skills: Familiarity with social media content creation and digital communication is desirable.
6. Teamwork: Candidates must be able to collaborate effectively and work under deadlines.

Applicants from fields such as technology, science, politics, economics, law, healthcare, and other professions are also encouraged to consider the programme if they meet the requirements and have an interest in journalism.

What Will Trainees Learn?

Selected trainees will participate in practical seminars, newsroom placements, and editorial projects. They will learn how to develop story ideas, conduct research, produce content for television and radio, and create digital news formats.

The programme also explores emerging journalism practices, including data journalism, virtual reality, and digital storytelling. Placements may take place in DW editorial departments in Bonn and Berlin and at selected international bureaus, subject to programme arrangements.

Required Documents and Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications through the official DW careers portal during the application period.

To apply:

1. Visit the official DW Traineeship 2028 vacancy page.
2. Review the eligibility criteria and application instructions.
3. Register in the online application portal.
4. Complete the application and required questionnaire.
5. Prepare and upload the mandatory video application and any other requested materials.
6. Submit all required documents before the deadline.

Important: Completing the questionnaire and video application is mandatory. Applicants should begin early because these additional tasks can take considerable time. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.