Asia / Germany

The German-Asian Programme was founded in 1995 at the suggestion of the Federal Foreign Office on the occasion of the “Asia-Europe Summit” in Bangkok. For many years, journalists from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the countries of Southeast Asia were supported.

In 2023 and 2024, the programme was reoriented to focus on exchanges between Japan and Germany. This shift reflected geopolitical developments and the evolving priorities of German economic and security policy. The emphasis was on topics such as economic and security policy, environmental and energy policy, and new technologies.

We are currently evaluating the relaunch of the programme for fall 2026. A decision regarding its implementation is expected to be made by the end of April.

Timeline

The programme begins in early June with an introductory event in Berlin. Afterwards, the Japanese fellows begin their placements at their host media in Germany. The German fellows will go to Japan for their two-month stay by mid-September.

Application

Applications are open to Japanese and German journalists aged between 28 and 45 who regularly work as freelancers, trainees or editors for German or Asian newspapers, radio or TV stations or online editorial offices. A very good knowledge of English is expected. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory. For more details on the application procedure, please refer to the current call for applications (pdf).

Scholarship

Fellows of the programme receive a one-time payment of 4,000 euros. This amount is intended to cover travel expenses, food and accommodation as well as the cost of health insurance. Payment by the host media is not to be expected.

Fellows of the German-Japanese Programme 2024 in Berlin

Research Tour 2017 of the German-Asian Programme

Alumni ↓

Programme partners ↓

Asia / Germany

Dates

Contact

Timeline

Application

Scholarship