The 28th German-Northern European Programme of IJP (International Journalists' Programmes) sends journalists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to work for six to eight weeks at a German media outlet. Each fellow receives a single payment of €3,800, the fellowship runs from April to June 2027, and the application deadline is 15 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official call and its PDF so you can check eligibility, documents and dates in one place.
What Is the German-Northern European Programme?
The programme sees itself as a forum for dialogue between the five Nordic and three Baltic states and Germany. It was launched in 2000 with the five Nordic countries, and since 2015 it also includes Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The programme thrives partly on the continuing interest of Germans in the political systems and social developments of Northern Europe, and on the growing interest of Northern Europeans and Balts in Germany as a major trading partner and a cultural and political source of inspiration.
📰 Up to 22 fellowships in total: eleven German journalists travel to one of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries, and eleven Nordic and Baltic journalists visit a German editorial office.
🧭 Participants experience the host country from a correspondent's perspective, exchange knowledge and network within their field.
🏛️ Participants from the Northern countries meet opinion leaders and decision makers in Germany, the largest country in the European Union.
Who Can Apply?
🎂 Journalists between 18 and 45 years old.
✍️ Freelancers, trainees or editors working for print, radio or TV media (employed or freelance).
🌍 Based in one of the eight countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania.
🗣️ German is not a prerequisite. A working knowledge of English is expected.
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How the Fellowship Works
The fellowship is closer to a fellowship rather than a scholarship: you work in a newsroom and deliver journalistic output. The timeline is:
🎤 Introductory conference: a four-day meeting at the start (spring 2027, 14 to 16 April 2027 in Vilnius).
📰 Placement: six to eight weeks at a host media outlet. IJP chooses the host outlet in consultation with the fellows, taking account of their interests, qualifications and wishes.
🏁 Final conference: 7 to 9 June 2027 in Berlin, where participants submit their journalistic work and a field report of at least three pages.
🤝 After the programme, fellows are encouraged to stay connected through the IJP alumni network.
Programme Dates
🗓️ Fellowship 2027: April to June.
🎤 Introductory conference: 14 to 16 April 2027, Vilnius.
🏁 Final conference: 7 to 9 June 2027, Berlin.
📩 Application deadline: 15 November 2026.
✅ Selection: by a committee until 15 December 2026.
What the Fellowship Pays
💶 Each fellow receives a single payment of €3,800 to cover part of travel expenses, accommodation and personal expenses during the stay in Germany.
🧾 Additional costs must be paid by each fellow.
💼 Payment for work in Germany is up to the individual host media outlet and cannot be guaranteed.
🏦 The programme is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), the foreign ministries of the Nordic countries and a close circle of private sponsors.
What to Include in Your Application
Send one PDF document containing:
📄 A CV including a photograph.
✉️ A letter of recommendation from an editor supporting your application.
📚 Four written samples of your work (TV and radio journalists send a comprehensive list of contributions).
💬 A short motivation letter, including your preferences for host media outlets and host regions in Germany (for example Munich).
The application is addressed to: IJP e.V., German-Northern European Programme, Mr. Vassilios Theodossiou.
Participating Countries
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇫🇮 Finland
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇳🇴 Norway
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇹 Lithuania
About IJP
🌐 IJP is a German non-profit organisation offering sponsored exchange programmes for early and mid-career journalists between Germany and more than 40 other countries and regions, including the United States, Northern Europe, the Netherlands, Türkiye, Latin America, East Asia, Southern Africa and the Middle East.
Contacts
👤 Applicants from Germany and the Nordic countries: Vassilios Theodossiou, phone +49/(0)511/646 800 52 (email in the Links section)
👤 Applicants from the Baltic countries: Dr Ulrich Brümmer, phone +49/(0)172/6380 976 (email in the Links section)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can apply?
Journalists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can apply for the Nordic and Baltic side of the programme.
Do I need to speak German?
No. German is not a prerequisite. A working knowledge of English is expected.
How old can I be?
Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old.
How much does the fellowship pay?
Each fellow receives a single payment of €3,800 for part of travel, accommodation and personal expenses. Additional costs are paid by the fellow, and work compensation depends on the host outlet.
How long is the placement?
Six to eight weeks at a host media outlet, after a four-day introductory conference.
Where is the host outlet?
IJP chooses the host outlet in consultation with the fellows. In your motivation letter you can state your preferred outlets and host regions in Germany.
How do I apply?
Send one PDF with your CV and photograph, a letter of recommendation from an editor, four writing samples and a short motivation letter by email to the programme address listed in the Links section, addressed to Mr. Vassilios Theodossiou.
When will I hear back?
The selection committee decides until 15 December 2026.
Find more opportunities like this in the Fellowships section on Youth Works Hub.
Deadline
⏳ 15 November 2026
Links
🔗 Official programme page: https://ijp.org/en/austauschprogramme/notherneurope/
📑 Call for applications (PDF): https://ijp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IJP_German-Northern-European-Programme-2027.pdf
📧 Application email (send your PDF here): theo@ijp.org
📧 Contact for Baltic applicants: bruemmer@ijp.org
