The DW Akademie Journalism Scholarship offers qualified media professionals from developing and emerging countries an opportunity to study for a Master of Arts (MA) in International Media Studies in Germany.
The programme is offered in cooperation with Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (H-BRS), the University of Bonn and Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie.
The master’s programme combines journalism, media development, communication studies and media management. It is designed for graduates and professionals who want to improve their knowledge and practical skills in journalism and the wider media industry.
The programme is included in the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scheme. Eligible applicants from selected countries can apply for scholarship support.
About the International Media Studies Programme
International Media Studies is a full-time master’s programme taught in English. It lasts four semesters and begins in the winter semester.
The programme combines academic study with practical media experience. Its subject areas include:
- Journalism and media practice.
- Media and development cooperation.
- Communication studies.
- Media management and media economics.
- International media issues.
- Media-based projects and research.
The programme is particularly suitable for people with experience in journalism, broadcasting, online media, print media and communication-related work.
The course is designed for up to 30 students each year. However, admission to the master’s programme does not automatically guarantee a DAAD scholarship.
DW Akademie Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD EPOS scholarship provides financial support to selected applicants admitted to the programme. The confirmed benefits include:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly scholarship | €992 per month |
| Programme fees | €6,000 in total, waived for scholarship holders |
| Living expenses | The monthly scholarship helps cover living costs, including accommodation |
The programme charges €1,500 per semester, making the total programme fees €6,000. Scholarship recipients receive a waiver of these fees.
Accommodation is not guaranteed as free university-provided housing. Students can seek accommodation in student residences or on the private market. The university provides assistance with finding suitable accommodation.
Applicants should check the latest DAAD award conditions for any additional allowances that may apply to their circumstances.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should distinguish between the general admission requirements for the master’s programme and the additional conditions for DAAD EPOS scholarship applicants.
General admission requirements
For admission to International Media Studies, applicants generally need:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent university qualification.
- At least one year of professional experience in a media-related field after completing their first degree.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency.
- A written application and CV in English.
The university requires applicants to have relevant professional experience gained after their first degree. Experience obtained before completing the degree should not automatically be counted towards this requirement.
Additional requirements for DAAD scholarship applicants
Applicants seeking DAAD EPOS funding must meet the scholarship scheme’s additional conditions. These include:
- A relevant university degree.
- At least two years of professional experience after obtaining the first degree.
- A strong academic record.
- Nationality from a country eligible under the DAAD EPOS scheme.
- A professional background and future plans that fit the development-related purpose of the scholarship.
The EPOS scheme is intended for professionals who can apply their postgraduate training to development-related work in their home countries.
Applicants should also check the current DAAD EPOS country eligibility rules and the course-specific selection requirements before applying.
English-language requirement: Important clarification
There is a difference between the English-language information published on the official programme pages.
- The English-language H-BRS programme page lists B2 English proficiency.
- The DAAD International Media Studies listing specifies C1 English proficiency.
- The German-language H-BRS programme page also lists C1.
Because the official pages do not present the same language level, applicants should confirm the required English certificate and level directly with the programme before submitting an application. Do not assume that meeting B2 automatically satisfies the requirement for DAAD scholarship selection.
Programme Duration and Study Location
The International Media Studies master’s programme lasts four semesters. According to the DAAD programme description, students complete the first three semesters in Germany.
During the fourth semester, they return to their home countries to complete their master’s thesis and the final colloquium. The programme begins in the winter semester, with introductory activities taking place in September.
Application Deadline for the 2027 Intake
The current H-BRS and DAAD programme pages list the following application period for the winter semester: 15 November 2026 to 15 February 2027.
Applicants with international bachelor’s degrees submit their applications through uni-assist, according to the H-BRS application instructions.
The DAAD EPOS deadline document for the previous 2026/2027 intake listed 15 March 2026 for International Media Studies. That was the deadline for the previous intake and should not be presented as the 2027 deadline.
Applicants seeking DAAD scholarship funding should still read the latest course-specific instructions carefully to confirm the required documents and submission procedure.
How to Apply for the DW Akademie Scholarship
Applicants interested in the programme should begin by checking their academic qualifications, professional experience and English-language requirements.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official H-BRS International Media Studies page and read the admission requirements.
- Check the DAAD International Media Studies listing to understand the scholarship opportunity and its conditions.
- Confirm that your country is eligible for DAAD EPOS funding.
- Prepare your degree certificate, academic transcript, CV, proof of professional experience and other required documents.
- Confirm the accepted English-language level and certificate with the programme office.
- Follow the official application instructions and submit your application through the stated application route before the deadline.
The general H-BRS application route for applicants with international bachelor’s degrees is uni-assist. Scholarship applicants must also follow the specific DAAD EPOS instructions provided for this programme.
Submitting an application does not guarantee admission or scholarship selection. The programme and scholarship selection processes are competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DW Akademie Journalism Scholarship?
It is a DAAD-supported scholarship opportunity for eligible applicants seeking admission to the International Media Studies master’s programme in Germany. The programme is offered in cooperation with Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, the University of Bonn and DW Akademie.
How much does the DW Akademie scholarship pay?
The DAAD EPOS scholarship provides €992 per month to selected master’s students. Scholarship recipients also receive a waiver of the programme fees, which total €6,000.
How long is the International Media Studies programme?
The programme lasts four semesters. Students complete the first three semesters in Germany and the final semester, including their master’s thesis, in their home country.
How many years of work experience are required?
General admission requires at least one year of professional experience in a media-related field after the first degree. DAAD scholarship applicants need at least two years of professional experience after their first degree.
What is the English-language requirement?
The official programme pages differ. H-BRS’s English-language page lists B2, while the DAAD programme listing and H-BRS German-language page list C1. Applicants should confirm the required level and accepted certificates with the programme office.
What is the application deadline for the 2027 intake?
The current H-BRS and DAAD programme pages list 15 November 2026 to 15 February 2027 for the winter semester. Applicants should follow the latest course-specific instructions, particularly when applying for DAAD scholarship funding.
Does the scholarship provide free accommodation?
The scholarship provides a monthly payment to help cover living expenses, including accommodation. It does not guarantee free university-provided housing. Students can seek accommodation in student residences or on the private market.
Where can I apply for the scholarship?
Visit the official H-BRS International Media Studies page and the DAAD programme listing for the application instructions and scholarship information. Applicants with international bachelor’s degrees use the uni-assist route for the general university application.
Conclsuion
The DW Akademie International Media Studies Scholarship is an opportunity for qualified media professionals to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany with DAAD financial support.
Before applying, make sure you meet the relevant academic and professional requirements. Pay particular attention to the two-year work-experience requirement for scholarship applicants, confirm the English-language level with the programme, and check the latest application instructions.
