How can I apply correctly online for the traineeship?

We’re pleased you’ve decided to apply for the bilingual international internship at Deutsche Welle. There are a few things you need to remember to ensure your application runs smoothly.

Above all: Your application can only be submitted via our online application portal.

We do not accept applications sent by mail, email or social media.

• You can only apply between 13 October 2025 at 12:00 noon (German time) / (12 p.m. UTC+2) and 17 November 2025 at 12:00 noon (German time) / (12 p.m. UTC+1). The application link to our application portal will only be available during this period! Outside this period, our link is unavailable, and you cannot apply.

• Please also note that the application deadline cannot be extended. The application portal will no longer be accessible after 12:00 noon on 17 November 2025 (German time/CET).

• The application deadline is a fixed date and is not negotiable, as we advertise the Traineeship annually. We will only consider complete applications submitted via our application portal.

• Please only complete your application in Google Chrome.

• Please make sure that you write your e-mail address correctly because you can’t change it later. All further communication will be sent to the e-mail address you provided in the system when you registered. Please note that you can’t change your e-mail address later. Please check your spam folder regularly because some providers classify mails from our e-recruiting system as spam.

• After registering in our application portal, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing important information about the next steps in the application process. Please read this e-mail carefully.

• The confirmation e-mail includes several application tasks, such as completing a questionnaire and producing an application video. These tasks are mandatory for a valid application and must be uploaded to your profile before the application deadline. Please keep in mind that the tasks may be time-consuming, so we strongly encourage you to plan accordingly.It’s important that you answer all questions truthfully. Please read the instructions carefully and take enough time to answer the questions.

• You must complete the Questionnaire and Video Task and upload them to your applicant profile within the application period. Please make sure you allow enough time and do not leave your application until the last minute.

• Please do not send application documents, the questionnaire or the link to your video by email. These will be automatically and permanently deleted by the system.
  Videos that do not meet the specified requirements will also be deleted automatically.

• Please check your spam folder regularly because some providers classify mails from our e-recruiting system as spam.

• Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding the status of your application during the selection process. We kindly ask you to refrain from such requests.

• Please also note that we respond to inquiries only during office hours, and not outside these hours, on weekends, or on public holidays.

• If you encounter any technical issues during the application period, please provide a detailed description of the problem, along with relevant screenshots. The date and time must be clearly visible in the screenshots.

• We will let you know between March 9 – 13, 2026 whether you are invited to continue to the next round in the application process for the International Traineeship 2027 (the Online Assessment-Center is scheduled for the end of May 2026). Please check your e-mail regularly and your spam folder if necessary.

• For more information: You can find a detailed explanation of the application process with additional tips and advice in our FAQs.