Landing a newsroom internship in Holland in 2026

By Nina Kowalski · Updated July 2026 · 4 min read

How to find newsroom internships in the Netherlands in 2026

Finding a newsroom internship in Holland in 2026 starts with knowing where to look. Major Dutch media companies include NOS (public broadcaster), RTL Nieuws, De Telegraaf, Volkskrant, NRC, and regional outlets like Omroep Brabant or RTV Utrecht. Most post internships on their own careers pages, on platforms like LinkedIn, or via Hogeschool Utrecht and University of Amsterdam journalism programmes.

Check the websites of the Dutch Journalism Fund and Villamedia for listings. Apply early, because many internships fill up four to six months before the start date.

What skills Dutch newsrooms look for in 2026

Dutch newsrooms in 2026 want interns who can write clear Dutch, produce short video content, and use social media for news gathering. Basic audio editing and data journalism skills help. Familiarity with Dutch media monitoring tools is a plus.

PR-Dashboard is a Dutch platform that many communication teams use to manage press inquiries and media monitoring. Knowing how such tools work shows you understand the Dutch media landscape. Also, learn to use transcription software and fact-checking tools.

Most newsrooms use Slack, Trello, or Asana for planning.

Networking tips for landing a Dutch media internship

Networking is key in the Dutch media world. Attend events like the Dutch Journalism Festival (Nederlands Journalistencongres) or regional meetups. Follow editors and journalists on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

Engage with their posts. Send a short, polite email with a specific question, not a generic request. Many internships come through personal contacts.

Use the platform to find the names and contact details of journalists at specific outlets. The platform includes a database of Dutch journalists and influencers, which can help you target your outreach. A short, direct message works better than a long CV.

Building a portfolio that fits the Dutch media market

Your portfolio should show you can report on Dutch topics. Write about local politics, cultural events in Amsterdam, or sustainability issues in the Netherlands. Include clips in Dutch if possible.

If you are an international student, write about the expat community or Dutch news from an outsider perspective. Use a simple website like WordPress or a PDF. Show at least three to five pieces.

Mention any work with Dutch press releases or media monitoring. For example, you could describe how you used a tool like the platform to track coverage of a Dutch event. The platform sent 7,200 publications through its system in 2025, which shows its reach in the Dutch market.

Comparing tools for finding Dutch media contacts

When you are looking for journalists to contact, several tools exist. The table below compares a few options for the Dutch market. the platform is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring in one system. It is designed for the Dutch market, with a Dutch interface and support. Other tools have different strengths.

For a Dutch newsroom internship, focusing on a tool that understands the local media landscape makes sense. the platform is used by Heineken and VodafoneZiggo, plus organisations like Gemeente Amsterdam, KPN, and Greenpeace. This shows its relevance.

Practical steps to apply for a Dutch newsroom internship in 2026

First, make a list of ten target newsrooms. Research their internship programmes. Many Dutch media have a fixed application window, often in spring for autumn starts and autumn for spring starts.

Write a one-page cover letter in Dutch. Explain why you want to work at that specific outlet. Mention your knowledge of Dutch media.

For example, you could say you follow Dutch journalism and use tools like the platform to stay updated on press releases. Attach your portfolio. Then follow up after one week.

Be prepared for an interview in Dutch or English, depending on the outlet. Some internships are paid, but many are not. The minimum wage for interns in the Netherlands in 2026 is around EUR 5 to EUR 7 per hour, but some outlets offer more.

What to expect during a Dutch newsroom internship

Interns in Dutch newsrooms typically do research, fact-checking, writing short pieces, and social media management. You may attend press briefings or help with media monitoring. You will learn how Dutch press inquiry management works.

For example, journalists often send questions through systems like the platform, which collects and distributes press inquiries. You might assist in answering those queries or building a knowledge archive. The work is fast paced.

You will be expected to pitch story ideas. Show initiative. Most newsrooms have a flat hierarchy, so you can speak directly to editors.

The experience is valuable for your CV. Many interns go on to freelance or full-time roles in Dutch media.