The Young Media Makers Fellowship Program 2026–2028 by DW Akademie is a long-term capacity-building initiative designed for emerging media professionals in the Western Balkans. The program brings together 12 young media professionals for an intensive multi-year journey combining training, mentorship, study visits, and hands-on media innovation.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the fellowship equips participants with practical tools to create innovative media formats that engage young audiences — especially in rural areas.
What the Program Offers
The Young Media Makers Fellowship is a structured, long-term professional development experience running from May 2026 until the end of 2028.
The program includes:
- 12 modules combining online and in-person seminars
- Workshops on innovative media formats
- Mentoring support for media product development
- Regional and EU study visits
- Capacity building in Media Information Literacy, AI, and digital innovation
- Training in mobile journalism, TikTok and Instagram reporting, podcasting
- Sessions on sustainable business models, project management, and media consulting
The fellowship begins with a mandatory kick-off module in Belgrade from 30 May – 3 June 2026. Participation in all 12 modules is required, although limited flexibility may be granted in urgent circumstances.
Approximately half of the modules will be online, and the remaining sessions will take place in person within Western Balkan countries or in EU countries.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Across the Western Balkans, young audiences are increasingly engaging with media through digital-first platforms — yet access to high-quality, locally relevant content remains uneven, particularly in rural areas.
For media professionals, this shift presents both pressure and possibility. The ability to create engaging, sustainable, and youth-centered formats is becoming essential — not optional.
This fellowship matters because it offers something rare: time and structure to grow strategically.
Instead of a short-term workshop, participants engage in a multi-year learning journey. They gain space to test ideas, receive expert feedback, and strengthen both editorial and entrepreneurial skills. The program bridges creative production with leadership development — helping participants think beyond individual stories toward long-term media impact.
It also builds regional connections. By working alongside peers from neighboring countries and participating in study visits, fellows expand their professional networks and gain exposure to diverse media systems and approaches.
For professionals ready to move from executing content to shaping media ecosystems, the Young Media Makers Fellowship provides the tools, mentorship, and credibility to take that step.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to media professionals aged 25–35 from:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
Applicants must have experience in journalism, media-related work, content production, project management, or related fields. Experience working with young people is considered an advantage.
English is the working language of the entire program, and all applications must be submitted in English.
Applicants may apply even if they currently live outside their home country, provided they are citizens of one of the eligible countries and reside within the Western Balkans region.
Media Product Development Focus
A central component of the program is the development of a media product idea targeting young audiences in rural areas in the Western Balkans.
Applicants must submit a sketch (maximum 4,000 characters) outlining:
- The key problem or need affecting young people in rural areas
- The type of media product they intend to develop (podcast, social media format, video series, local platform, etc.)
- The target audience (age, location, interests) and engagement strategy
The fellowship aims to support implementation of selected ideas. However, concepts may evolve during mentoring and collaboration with fellow participants.
Fellows receive mentoring support and may receive limited financial or technical support from DW Akademie to help implement their projects.
Costs and Financial Support
Participation in the program is free of charge. DW Akademie covers:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Visa costs (if applicable)
Participants who successfully complete all modules will receive an official certificate from DW Akademie.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must:
- Complete the official Application Form (including a motivation letter of max. 3,000 characters and the media product idea sketch of max. 4,000 characters).
- Send their CV in English (PDF, max. 10 MB) to:
dw-akademie.western.balkans@dw.com
Subject line: “Application for Young Media Makers (your home country)”
Application Deadline
Sunday, 15 March 2026, 11:59 pm CET
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews via MS Teams between 27 March and 2 April 2026. Final decisions are expected by the end of April 2026.
If you are interested, learn more and apply on the official DW Akademie website.
Looking for more Opportunities? Visit the Opportunities for Youth website.
