Deadline: 13-Feb-2026
The Thomson Reuters Foundation offers the Journalist Fellowship Programme to support mid-career journalists in exploring journalism in depth, gaining new insights, and advancing their professional development. Fellows receive the opportunity to take a temporary break from their newsroom duties to focus on research, study, and projects that impact their careers, their newsrooms, and the wider media industry.
Fellowship Overview
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Duration: Fully funded fellowships for three or six months (one or two academic terms).
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Funding: Most fellows receive a stipend covering living and travel costs.
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Eligibility: Open to mid-career journalists from all media formats worldwide; special focus on journalists from the Middle East region researching professional standards, journalistic ethics, and potential improvements in regional journalism practice.
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Oxford Climate Journalism Network Fellowships: A specific three-month opportunity for journalists working on climate change, sustainability, or environmental topics.
Fellowship Experience
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Fellows engage in personal research, seminars, networking events, and peer discussions to enhance understanding of the journalism profession and industry trends.
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Fellows become part of the Reuters Institute at the University of Oxford, benefiting from world-class study facilities, research centers, and global networks.
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Fellows work on a project with direct impact on their career and newsroom, drawing on research, expert consultations, and industry insights.
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The Oxford location provides access to major UK news organizations, including The Guardian, Financial Times, and BBC.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following PDF documents (max. 25 MB each) via the online portal:
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Project Statement (1 page): Outline the idea, key readings, and potential interviews or consultations.
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Project Summary (150 words): Concise overview of the project idea.
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Motivation Statement (1 page): Explain readiness for the fellowship and intended use of the project post-fellowship.
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Curriculum Vitae (2 pages): Career and education history, with optional links to published work.
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Two Letters of Reference (1 page each): Include referee’s full name, job title, relationship to the applicant, and contact information.
Selection
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Approximately 30 Journalist Fellows are selected each year from around the world.
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Selection is based on professional experience, the quality and relevance of the project idea, and the potential impact on the applicant’s newsroom and journalism practice.
Conclusion
The Journalist Fellowship Programme provides mid-career journalists with an unparalleled opportunity to deepen expertise, conduct impactful research, and network with global peers while gaining exposure to world-class journalism research and practice at Oxford. Fellows return to their home newsrooms equipped to apply insights, raise professional standards, and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of journalism in their region.
For more information, visit Thomson Reuters Foundation.