Admissions

Application process

It's not an easy choice! But in three rounds, we select the twelve up-and-coming journalists from hundreds of applicants.

01.2012 DW Akademie Volontariat Bewerbung

Being selected for DW's bilingual (German-English) international journalism traineeship is a three-stage process. In the initial round, all candidates fill in their online applications including work samples via our online application system. It is important that the work samples are in one of the DW program languages. You are also welcome to upload the work samples in different languages, if they belong to the DW program languages. We expect your work samples in your native language and/or in English and/or German - depending on your language skills. A certified translation of your work samples is not necessary.

We do not accept applications that exceed the deadline or those which have been sent by mail, email or social media.

We select 50-60 applicants for the second round. They are then invited to an online assessment center, which takes place in mid-May. This is where we can get a better sense of their creativity, team spirit and language skills. The candidates complete various tasks including a general knowledge test, a writing test and a camera test to show whether they can present information in a natural, concise and accurate way. DW editors who are native speakers of the languages judge the candidates' language proficiency.

We select approximately 20 candidates and inform each one of our decision that they made it into the last round. Then these final candidates meet with DW's directors, chief editors and top journalists and convince them of their talents in a panel interview.

Application process

First steps when applying

Before you apply, make sure you fulfill the requirements. You can find a list in the FAQs under: "What are the requirements for the bilingual international traineeship?" Then make sure you have all the necessary documents at hand. You can find a list in the FAQs under "Which documents do I need for the online application?"
Application process

Getting started with the application

To ensure your application process runs smoothly, go to "How can I apply to the traineeship?" and "What do I need to check before applying online?" in the FAQs. You can then start, but be aware that you can only apply online. We will activate the link on our website when we begin accepting applications. We will only consider applications submitted via the application portal.
Application process

After submitting your application

After you've successfully filled out your online application, we will send you a confirmation email containing further information and application tasks. Please check your email inbox, and if necessary, your spam folder. We will also let you know via email whether you have made it to the next round. Learn more in the FAQs under "How does the application and selection process work?"
Application process

Almost there: Final steps

In mid-May, successful candidates so far take part in our online assessment center and undergo several tasks and interviews. Find out more about how the process works under "How does the application and selection process work?" And then it's a matter of waiting until you find out whether you've been accepted or not. But don't worry – if you didn't make it this time, you can try again next year!

Author: Jennifer Pahlke