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Do you consider yourself to be in the middle of your career as a journalist who needs to step outside the 24-hour news revolver and see the inside story of a project which can alter your career or your newsroom? The University of Oxford is now admitting to its Reuters Institute Fellowship 2026-27. It is a fully-funded prestigious opportunity that is an invaluable professional training that enables professional journalists get a chance to undertake high level research, meet their peers all over the world and explore the most burning issues that are facing the media industry today.
The fellowship is located at the heart of the UK and provides an access to facilities of Oxford of a world class, a monthly stipend and travel costs. This program provides an intellectual incubator to the future of the media leaders, be it an AI thought leader, climate reporting, or newsroom leader, whatever one would be interested in.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Organization | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ) |
| Host University | University of Oxford |
| Fellowship Level | Professional / Mid-Career Fellowship (Non-Degree) |
| Coverage | Fully Funded (Stipend, Travel, Fees, Visa) |
| Eligibility | Minimum 5 Years of Journalism Experience |
| Deadline | February 13, 2026 |
Detailed Description
The Journalist Fellowship Programme is among the most successful schemes in the world to the practicing journalists. Located at the University of Oxford, it enables around 30 fellows annually to spend three or six months away out of their newsrooms.
The fellows are placed in the Reuters Institute of the fellowship where they take weekly seminars and networking and have a one-on-one mentorship. Every fellow is a Personal Project, which is a piece of research or a strategic plan that resolves an issue of interest to his or her newsroom or to the industry in general. You are not a student, you are a researcher, bringing ideas on the global media discussion and being a member of the Green Templeton College.
Benefits
The Reuters Institute Fellowship is designed to remove financial barriers, allowing journalists from all economic backgrounds to participate. Benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: A living allowance of £2,000 per month to cover accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
- Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare to and from the UK is covered.
- Visa Fees: The program covers the costs associated with obtaining a UK visa.
- Oxford Access: Full access to the Bodleian Libraries and University of Oxford resources.
- Global Networking: Connection to a diverse cohort of journalists from over 100 countries.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicants to receive 2026-27 cohort will be required to meet:
- Professional Experience: Five years of experience in journalism (including freelancers).
- Career Stage: Aims at individuals in middle-level careers (reporters, editors, producers, etc).
- Employment Status: You should be a working journalist and will go back to the industry after the fellowship.
- English Proficiency: You have to be fluent in speaking and writing English to the extent that you are able to engage in heated debates and seminars.
- Exclusions: PR professionals, public affairs or corporate communications people are excluded.
Required Documents
All documents must be uploaded in PDF format (maximum 25MB each):
- Project Statement (1 page): Outlining your research idea and how you will execute it.
- Project Summary (150 words): A concise “elevator pitch” of your proposal.
- Motivation Statement (1 page): Explaining why you need this fellowship now and what you will do afterward.
- Curriculum Vitae (2 pages): Detailing your education and career history (links to work samples are encouraged).
- Two Reference Letters: Professional recommendations from people who know your work well.
Application Process
- Preparation: You need to write your project proposal and motivation letter on the RISJ guidelines.
- Selection of Term: Select the term you desire (October 2026, January 2027 or April 2027).
- Online Portal: Reuters Institute Application Portal (typically by SurveyMonkey Apply).
- Submission: Complete personal details form and append all required PDFs.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are able to be interviewed (typically through Zoom).
Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026-27 academic year is Friday, February 13, 2026, at 23:59 (UK Time). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official website below:
FAQs
1. Who can apply for this fellowship?
Mid-career journalists with significant professional experience from any country can apply.
2. Do I need an academic background to be selected?
No, this is a professional fellowship designed for working journalists, not academic researchers.
3. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes, it provides a stipend, travel support, and accommodation support for selected fellows.
4. What topics can I research during the fellowship?
Applicants may choose media-related topics such as digital journalism, misinformation, media ethics, press freedom, audience engagement, etc.
5. Do I need English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)?
Not always, but applicants must demonstrate strong English writing and speaking skills.
6. Can freelancers apply?
Yes, freelance journalists with verifiable professional experience are welcome.
