Call for Applications: Journalist Fellowship Programme

The Thomson Reuters Foundation Journalist Fellowship Programme offers mid-career journalists a fully funded opportunity to take time away from their newsroom work to develop an in-depth project, enhance professional skills, and engage with a global cohort of peers. Fellowships last three or six months at the University of Oxford and include a monthly stipend of £2,000, coverage of travel, and access to seminars, events, and mentorship. Applications are open for terms beginning October 2026, January 2027, and April 2027 for journalists with a minimum of five years’ experience.

Programme Overview

The Journalist Fellowship Programme provides mid-career journalists with the opportunity to step back from their day-to-day work to focus on professional development, research, and innovation in journalism.

The programme brings together around 30 fellows each year from across the globe, fostering exchange of ideas, perspectives, and best practices across different media landscapes. Fellows benefit from a cutting-edge institution that shapes major media debates and produces world-class research on challenges facing journalism today.

Location and Institutional Benefits

• University of Oxford: Access to libraries, research centres, study facilities, and learning support

• Proximity to London: Easy access to major media outlets including The Guardian, Financial Times, and BBC

• Engagement with academics, editors, and industry leaders through seminars, talks, and conferences

Fellowship Duration and Terms

• Duration: 3 or 6 months depending on funding and university term dates

• Start Dates: October 2026, January 2027, April 2027

• Fellows are expected to reside in Oxford during term time, with limited travel permitted

• Fellows must refrain from professional journalism work during the fellowship

Funding and Benefits

Most fellows are fully funded and receive:

• Monthly stipend: £2,000 for accommodation, food, and living expenses

• Coverage of travel to and from the UK

• Visa application costs

• Access to University of Oxford facilities, seminars, events, and mentorship

Programme Structure

1. Induction Week: Intensive seminars and discussions introducing fellows to programme goals and resources

2. Weekly Seminars: Led by distinguished journalists, editors, industry experts, and academics

3. Conferences and Talks: Engagement with wider intellectual topics including politics, international relations, cultural studies, and technology

4. Project Work: Each fellow develops a research or professional project relevant to their newsroom or the broader media industry

5. Symposiums: End-of-term public events, often held in London, featuring presentations and panel discussions

Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum of five years of professional journalistic experience (freelancing accepted)

• Must intend to return to journalism after the fellowship

• Must be able to participate fully in English in seminars and discussions

• Not eligible: Professionals in public affairs, PR, or corporate communications

Application Process

Required Documents

1. Project Statement (1 page) – Detailed description of the proposed fellowship project

2. Project Summary (150 words) – Concise overview of objectives and impact

3. Motivation Statement (1 page) – Explanation of why the fellowship is sought and expected outcomes

4. Curriculum Vitae (2 pages) – Professional background and relevant experience

5. Two Letters of Reference (1 page each) – Professional references supporting the application

Submission Guidelines

• Submit PDF documents via the online application portal

• Each file must not exceed 25 MB

• Incomplete applications will not be considered

• Deadline: Friday, 13 February 2026, 23:59 UK time

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly articulate the professional relevance of your project to journalism

• Demonstrate global awareness and understanding of cross-cultural media contexts

• Highlight career impact and potential benefits for your newsroom or media sector

• Ensure your CV and references showcase experience, reliability, and skills relevant to project goals

• Keep documents concise, clear, and within page limits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does the fellowship last?

Three or six months, depending on term dates and funding availability.

2. Is funding included?

Yes. Most fellows are fully funded, including a £2,000 monthly stipend and travel/visa costs.

3. Can freelancers apply?

Yes. Freelancers with a minimum of five years’ experience are eligible.

4. Are applicants required to speak English?

Yes. Fellows must be able to participate fully in English for seminars and discussions.

5. Can journalists in PR or corporate communications apply?

No. The programme only accepts professional journalists or editors returning to journalism.

6. Where is the fellowship based?

Fellows are based at the University of Oxford, with proximity to London for networking and public events.

7. When are the fellowship start dates?

October 2026, January 2027, and April 2027.

Conclusion

The Thomson Reuters Foundation Journalist Fellowship Programme offers mid-career journalists an unparalleled opportunity to step back from daily newsroom pressures, engage with a global network of peers, and develop in-depth projects that enhance their professional growth.

With full funding, academic resources, mentorship, and exposure to leading media institutions, the fellowship empowers journalists to deepen their expertise, contribute to industry debates, and return to their careers with strengthened skills and perspectives.