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 bilateral exchanges between Japan and Germany. This shift reflects geopolitical developments and the evolving priorities of German economic and security policy. The emphasis is on topics such as economic and security policy, environmental and energy policy, new technologies, and demographic challenges.
The programme offers up to 10 fellowships in total. While up to five participants from Japan will be based at a German editorial office, German fellows travel to Japan for primarily for research, complemented by a short-term placement at a Japanese media outlet.
Timeline
The programme starts with a joint four-day introductory meeting with all fellows in Berlin. After the introduction meeting, the Japanese fellows will start their placements at their respective German host media outlets. IJP chooses the host medium in consultation with the fellows. Within three months of completing the programme, participants must submit their published journalistic work along with an illustrated personal report of at least five pages.
Application
Applications are open to journalists between the ages of 28 and 40 who work as freelancers, reporters or editors in Japan. German language skills are not a prerequisite for a successful application. An excellent working knowledge of English is expected and will be tested during a Zoom meeting before the selection committee will make a final decision. Further details on the application process can be found in the current call for applications.
Scholarship
Each scholar will receive a lump sum of Euro 4,200 to cover part of their travel expenses, accommodation and personal expenses as well as qualified health insurance for a visit abroad. Additional costs are expected to be paid by each fellow personally. There will be no payment for the work at their host media outlet.
