A joint initiative by the Nordic Journalist Center (NJC) and IRMI Ukraine, in partnership with the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX), supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers

The Nordic Journalism Center (NJC, Denmark) and IRMI Ukraine invite Ukrainian photojournalists to apply for the Nordic-Ukrainian Photojournalism Program 2026 — a professional training and mentorship initiative designed to strengthen photojournalism skills among reporters and photojournalists working for regional, local, and hyperlocal media across Ukraine.

We are looking for 14 participants to join a structured program that combines foundational training in Lviv with an advanced one-week residency at the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX) in Aarhus — one of the world’s leading photojournalism schools — and continues with collaborative documentary work back in Ukraine. The program culminates in a bilingual photo book.

About the Program

The program is built on a partnership between NJC and IRMI Ukraine that began with a joint study trip to Denmark in February 2025. It brings together Ukrainian journalists/photojournalists and experienced Nordic photojournalists for a training journey that moves from fundamental skills to editorial mentorship and collaborative storytelling.

Training will be delivered in three stages: a three-day fundamental workshop in Lviv, and a one-week advanced program at DMJX in Aarhus (13–19 September 2026). Participants will finally engage in collaborative work in Ukraine alongside senior Nordic photojournalists.

The program is led by experienced trainers from DMJX and IRMI and award-winning photojournalists from leading Nordic outlets, including World Press Photo laureates. Participants will receive a basic book on photojournalism ahead of training to prepare for the program.

Who Should Apply

To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Currently employed by or regularly contributing to a regional, local, or hyperlocal Ukrainian officially registered media outlet
• At least one year of practical journalism experience
• Active use of photography — on a camera or smartphone — as part of current reporting practice
• Working knowledge of English sufficient to follow training sessions and discussions in Denmark
• Ukrainian citizenship and a valid travel document. Male applicants must hold a valid permit to travel abroad. Please note that the program is not in a position to assist with obtaining such permits.
• Availability to attend and be actively engaged in all programme activities.
• A personal or editorial camera available for use throughout the program
• Currently based in Ukraine

Priority will be given to journalists working in or near frontline, de-occupied, or conflict-affected regions, and to those who have had limited access to professional development opportunities due to the war.

What the Program Covers

Selected participants will receive:

• Full training in Lviv (accommodation and meals covered)
• International travel, accommodation, and meals during the Aarhus program
• Training and Mentorship from award-winning Nordic photojournalists
• Participation in editorial workshops and media visits in Denmark
• Preparatory reading materials ahead of training
• Involvement in a collaborative publication and/or exhibition project
  
  

Participants are expected to bring a published photo story of their own to the Denmark program (minimum 15 images in JPG format), and to arrive with at least one preliminary story idea on the theme of “The New Ukraine: Reconstruction and Resilience” — exploring human, mental, physical, and community recovery across Ukraine.

How to Apply

Please complete this online application form by 6 July 2026:

https://forms.gle/tmZFEkFmya5sh8RS6

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a brief online conversation as part of the selection process.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a joint NJC/IRMI selection committee. Applicants will be assessed on their professional background, the strength of their published visual work, motivation, and the relevance of their outlet to the program’s objectives. Only selected participants will be informed directly following the review.

Questions?

For any questions about the program or the application process, please contact IRMI Ukraine at irmi.ukraine@gmail.com or the Nordic Journalist Center at kontakt@njc.dk