Deadline: 17-Mar-2026
The Jefferson Fellowship Grant Programme 2026 offers mid-career and senior journalists from New Zealand a fully funded, three-week international reporting and study opportunity focused on “New Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating AI’s Impact on Societies and Economic Security in the Asia-Pacific Region.” The fellowship provides travel to Hawai‘i, Tokyo, and Seoul, professional exchange opportunities, and support for producing journalistic content. Applications close on 17 March 2026.
Overview
The Jefferson Fellowship Grant Programme is designed to:
-
Support full-time journalists in New Zealand with at least five years of professional experience
-
Offer an international journalist-to-journalist exchange through the Asia Media Centre
-
Enhance understanding of AI’s societal and economic impact in the Asia-Pacific
-
Encourage reporting that informs the public on Indo-Pacific cultures, trends, and issues
The 2026 programme is hosted by the East-West Center and covers Hawai‘i, Tokyo, and Seoul from 25 October to 12 November 2026.
Why It Matters
AI technologies are rapidly shaping societies, economies, and media landscapes in the Asia-Pacific. This fellowship:
-
Equips journalists with firsthand insights into regional developments in AI
-
Promotes accurate, informed, and culturally aware reporting
-
Strengthens public understanding of AI’s impact on economic security and social systems
-
Fosters professional exchange and networking among journalists in the region
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
-
Be full-time journalists employed in a New Zealand newsroom
-
Have a minimum of five years of professional journalism experience
-
Hold New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency
-
Be in good health and able to travel internationally
-
Demonstrate how the fellowship theme aligns with their reporting areas
Preference is given to candidates who can clearly show how the knowledge gained will benefit their audience through reporting, analysis, and public engagement.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship is fully funded, covering:
-
Programme fees and participation costs
-
Return economy airfares to Hawai‘i, Tokyo, and Seoul
-
Accommodation and per diem expenses
-
Visa-related costs and travel insurance
Selected fellows will gain exposure to regional media practices, participate in briefings, reporting assignments, and professional discussions, and engage with fellow journalists.
Fellowship Requirements
Selected fellows must:
-
Submit a 1,000–1,500 word paper before the programme
-
Prepare a 10–15 minute presentation based on their paper
-
Actively participate in professional discussions with other fellows
-
Produce journalistic content during and after the fellowship, including print, broadcast, blogs, and social media
-
Report back to the Asia Media Centre with a web story of 700–800 words and accompanying photos
-
Engage with New Zealand journalists and relevant stakeholders post-programme
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
-
Ensure full-time employment in a New Zealand newsroom
-
Verify at least five years of professional journalism experience
-
Check citizenship or permanent residency status
Step 2: Prepare Application
-
Complete the application form with personal and professional details
-
Include a clear statement connecting your reporting focus to the fellowship theme
-
Outline how insights gained will inform your audience
Step 3: Submit Application
-
Submit your application by email to the Asia Media Centre by Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Step 4: Selection Process
-
Applications reviewed by a selection panel
-
Shortlisted candidates notified by the last week of March for an online interview
-
Successful candidate advised in April 2026 and forwarded to the East-West Center for final approval
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Failing to demonstrate clear connection between reporting focus and fellowship theme
-
Submitting applications past the 17 March 2026 deadline
-
Omitting required documentation or application materials
-
Not showing potential for content production and audience engagement
-
Ignoring eligibility criteria for citizenship, residency, or full-time employment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the duration of the fellowship?
Three weeks, from 25 October to 12 November 2026.
2. Who can apply for the fellowship?
Full-time journalists in New Zealand with at least five years of professional experience, and New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
3. What costs are covered by the fellowship?
Programme fees, return economy flights, accommodation, per diem, visas, and travel insurance.
4. Are there content production requirements?
Yes, fellows must produce articles, reports, blogs, or social media content during and after the programme.
5. What locations will the fellowship cover?
Hawai‘i, Tokyo, and Seoul.
6. When is the application deadline?
Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
7. How are fellows selected?
Applications are reviewed by a selection panel, with shortlisted candidates interviewed online and final approval granted by the East-West Center.
Conclusion
The Jefferson Fellowship Grant Programme provides a unique opportunity for New Zealand journalists to gain international exposure, strengthen expertise in AI and societal issues, and produce high-quality reporting for public engagement. Applicants with strong alignment to the 2026 theme and a commitment to sharing insights with their audiences are encouraged to submit their applications before 17 March 2026.
For more information, visit Asia New Zealand Foundation.
