Deadline: 22-Jun-2026
The Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence supports aspiring and mid-career journalists in Kosovo to produce high-quality investigative stories on important public issues. The programme selects 10 journalists aged 18–35 and provides a €2,000 bursary, editorial mentorship, and publication opportunities through established BIRN platforms.
The fellowship focuses on topics including corruption, transparency, public services, human rights, environmental issues, and media accountability.
What Is the Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence?
The Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence is a professional development programme designed to strengthen investigative journalism skills and support public interest reporting.
The fellowship helps journalists:
- Research complex issues
- Produce long-form investigative stories
- Receive expert editorial guidance
- Increase visibility through publication opportunities
The programme is organised by BIRN Kosovo.
Main Objectives of the Fellowship
The fellowship aims to:
- Improve investigative journalism quality
- Support independent reporting
- Encourage accountability and transparency
- Strengthen media professionalism
- Increase coverage of important social issues
The programme provides practical support for journalists investigating topics that affect communities and public life.
Key Focus Areas
Corruption and Public Procurement
Journalists may investigate issues related to:
- Public sector corruption
- Government contracts
- Procurement processes
- Accountability systems
The goal is to promote transparency in public institutions.
Public Spending and Transparency
Stories may focus on:
- Government budgets
- Use of public funds
- Financial accountability
- Public resource management
Environment
The fellowship supports reporting on:
- Environmental challenges
- Climate-related issues
- Natural resource management
- Public environmental policies
Healthcare and Education
Journalists can explore:
- Access to healthcare
- Education systems
- Public service quality
- Institutional challenges
Human Rights and Inclusion
The programme encourages reporting on:
- Minority communities
- Women’s rights
- Workers’ rights
- LGBTI+ rights
- Social inequalities
Media Financing and Cooperation
The fellowship also covers topics related to:
- Media funding
- Media independence
- Interethnic media cooperation
- Information access
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
Financial Support
Each fellow receives:
€2,000 bursary
The funding supports the production of a long-form investigative article.
Editorial Mentorship
Participants receive guidance from experienced investigative journalism editors.
Mentorship may include support with:
- Research methods
- Story development
- Verification
- Writing structure
- Final editing
Publication Opportunities
Selected work may be published through established BIRN platforms, including:
- KALLXO.com
- Prishtina Insight
Publication opportunities help fellows reach wider audiences.
Who Is Eligible?
The fellowship is open to journalists who:
- Are aged 18–35
- Have at least three years of professional journalism experience
- Work in broadcast, online, public, or private media
Applicants may work in:
- Albanian-language media
- Serbian-language media
- Minority-language media
Priority Groups
The programme encourages applications from:
- Women journalists
- Non-majority communities
- Underrepresented groups
Selection targets include:
- At least 50% women fellows
- Minimum of two fellows from non-majority communities
Required Fellowship Output
Each selected fellow must produce:
One original investigative article
The article may be written in:
- Albanian
- Serbian
- English
Fellows can choose the media outlet where their work will be published.
How the Fellowship Works
Step 1: Submit an Application
Applicants provide:
- Personal information
- Professional background
- Journalism experience
Step 2: Present Previous Work
Applicants must submit:
- Published article sample
- Link or PDF copy of previous work
This helps demonstrate reporting ability.
Step 3: Develop an Investigation
Selected fellows identify and research a public interest topic.
The investigation should:
- Address an important issue
- Include evidence-based reporting
- Provide public value
Step 4: Receive Editorial Support
Fellows work with experienced editors to improve:
- Research quality
- Story structure
- Accuracy
- Impact
Step 5: Publish the Investigation
Completed stories may be published through BIRN platforms or another selected outlet.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Copy of personal identification
- CV or resume
- Published work sample
- Employer permission letter if required
- Other relevant supporting documents
Why This Fellowship Matters
Investigative journalism plays an important role in:
- Holding institutions accountable
- Informing citizens
- Exposing public interest issues
- Supporting democratic processes
The Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence helps journalists develop the skills needed to produce impactful reporting.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Choosing a Topic Without Public Interest
Investigations should matter to communities.
Tip: Select topics involving accountability, rights, or public impact.
Weak Previous Work Samples
Selection depends partly on journalism experience.
Tip: Submit your strongest investigative or analytical work.
Unclear Investigation Plans
A strong idea needs direction.
Tip: Explain what you want to investigate and why it matters.
Ignoring Evidence and Sources
Investigative reporting requires verification.
Tip: Consider available documents, interviews, and data sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence?
Journalists aged 18–35 with at least three years of professional experience can apply.
How many journalists will be selected?
The fellowship will select 10 journalists.
How much financial support is provided?
Each selected fellow receives a €2,000 bursary.
What topics can fellows investigate?
Topics include corruption, public spending, environment, healthcare, education, human rights, and media issues.
Is editorial support included?
Yes. Fellows receive professional mentorship from experienced investigative journalism editors.
Can journalists from minority communities apply?
Yes. The programme encourages applications from non-majority communities and minority-language journalists.
What must fellows produce?
Each fellow must complete one original investigative article in Albanian, Serbian, or English.
Conclusion
The Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence provides journalists with financial support, mentorship, and publication opportunities to produce meaningful investigative stories.
By strengthening investigative reporting skills and supporting diverse voices, the programme contributes to greater transparency, accountability, and informed public discussion in Kosovo.
For more information, visit BIRN.
