We are looking for young people who are passionate about journalism and naturally curious. We seek individuals who want to test their journalistic talent, develop their skills, and pursue a successful career in journalism.

We’re looking for those who look forward to diverse journalism seminars across Germany during semester breaks, who want to experience different newsrooms through internships, and who aim to work as freelancers regularly. We value those who engage in volunteer work and contribute to society, and who share our values. When reviewing applications, we pay special attention to the following criteria:

• Journalistic potential: You should be well‑versed in the German media landscape and demonstrate strong writing skills. Ideally, you’ve already gained journalistic experience—e.g., with a school newspaper, internships, or freelance work. Your submitted samples should preferably have been published in a professional medium, such as a local newspaper.
• Intellectual ability: Your grades in school and university should be good to very good. You are curious, ask questions, and are open to topics beyond your academic field.
• General and political engagement: You regularly volunteer to support others—whether in political, social, religious, or cultural contexts.
• Personality: You are motivated, communicate effectively, and strive to achieve your self‑set goals in both study and life. Tell us what has shaped you, how you’ve overcome challenges, and what you aim to accomplish.
• Christian democratic values: You treat all people with respect, care for the environment, and remain open to other cultures and religions. In your journalistic work, you adhere to ethical principles, research thoroughly, protect your sources, and report fairly and balanced. You understand the importance of press freedom for a functioning democracy and actively support it.

All further important information about the application process can be found in the final dropdown section titled "Apply now".

JONA Stands for Hands‑On Training!

You’ll learn how to identify a compelling topic, find the right protagonists, and craft a story for publication. Industry professionals guide you from concept through research to final publication. We partner with media outlets across Germany and address media ethics, media law, and market dynamics—everything you need to prepare for a career in journalism. Internships help you gain even more real‑world experience.

JONA Stands for Community!

JONA gives you the chance to meet and network with fellow journalists while still studying. We also offer optional journalism courses abroad, where intercultural teams collaborate on projects—in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s international offices. JONA is about shared experiences, camaraderie, and lifelong friendships.

JONA Stands for Responsibility!

Democracy needs journalism to function. Quality journalism is vital to a free, pluralistic society. Guided by our Christian democratic values, we support and nurture tomorrow’s journalists. We help you develop a principled approach, discover and hone your talents, and pursue your career with integrity. We expect our applicants to engage in volunteer work and take joy in actively shaping society.

JONA Stands for Non‑Material and Financial Support!

Our scholarship includes both practical seminars and financial assistance. The funding is provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The basic scholarship can be up to €855 per month, depending on your own or your parents’ financial situation. All recipients also receive a monthly study allowance of €300, regardless of parental income.

Study abroad stays can be funded for up to two semesters. The scholarship does not need to be repaid.

Recipients of the basic scholarship may apply for a health and nursing insurance supplement of up to €137 per month. Additionally, those with at least one child under 14 may receive a childcare allowance of €160 per child per month.

Simultaneous funding from the Konrad Adenuer Foundation and BAföG or other public sources is not permitted. For further details, see our funding guidelines.

What Will I Learn in JONA?

The Journalism Scholarship Program (JONA) prepares you for a media career alongside your studies through hands‑on and theory courses. If you’re asking: What skills do I need in media? How do I start a career in journalism? And how do I excel as a journalist? — then you’re in the right place! We cover research, writing, audio, and video equally. The training also strengthens your social skills and personality. In short: you learn everything you need to succeed in journalism.

Which Trainers Lead the Seminars?

All of our trainers have many years of professional experience in renowned newsrooms. In the seminars, they teach theory and practice in a collaborative atmosphere.

How Much Time Is Required?

The program runs alongside your studies for about three years, requiring significant commitment during semester breaks. In addition to roughly 20 seminar days per year, you must complete a total of 16 weeks of internships and maintain regular freelance journalism work.

What Does the Program Cost?

Nothing! You receive both practical training and financial support. During your standard study period, each scholar receives a €300 monthly study allowance plus funding aligned with BAföG rates, currently up to €812 per month. A small fee covers accommodation and meals during seminars, and travel expenses are reimbursed.

Who Can Apply?

Students of all disciplines (and high school graduates starting university in the next possible semester) with strong grades, volunteer experience, shared values, and initial media experience. You should not have exceeded the 4th semester of your Bachelor’s or equivalent.

What Technical Equipment Do I Need?

You need a powerful laptop and a modern smartphone for JONA. You’ll receive all relevant details in the first seminar—please wait for that before purchasing. We’re happy to advise on financing options.

I’m interested but haven’t completed a journalism internship yet. Can I still apply?

Yes. It’s important that you have some experience—this can include a school newspaper, university radio, or freelance work. If you have an internship planned, you can list it in your application.

What Does “Working Regularly for a Professional Outlet” Mean?

JONA’s semester‑break seminars boost your knowledge and skills. However, we also expect you to build routine in writing, audio recording, or video production through regular freelance work—approximately one contribution per week. Of course, longer projects require more research and time, and we understand that during exam periods you may pause freelancing and take vacations. On average, we expect you to produce about three to four pieces per month. You’ll find it becomes easier over time, which will also benefit your JONA seminars.

For administrative questions about your application, please email: zoe.kiosse@kas.de.

For content‑related questions about the scholarship and seminar program, please contact: anca.specht@kas.de or felix.franke@kas.de.

If you experience technical issues with the KAS application portal, please seek assistance at: campus.fachadmin@kas.de.

Click here to apply!