The Reuters Institute, an organisation dedicated to exploring the future of journalism worldwide through debate, engagement, and research, has opened applications for its 2026-2027 Journalists Fellowship Programme, beginning in October 2026, January 2027, or April 2027. The programme is one of the world’s leading schemes for practising, mid-career journalists to take some time out from their day jobs to explore journalism in depth. The majority of the journalist fellows are fully-funded, and they also receive a stipend to cover living and travel costs
Now more than 40 years old, the programme was established by the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) at the University of Oxford in 1983. TRF is a core funder of the programme and has sponsored dozens of fellows through the years.
Through personal research, seminars, networking events and discussions with peers, journalist fellows will further their understanding of journalism, the news industry and their place in it. While at Oxford, fellows will work on a project that will directly impact them, their career, the newsroom and the wider media industry. This programme is designed for working journalists and editors who will return to journalism after the fellowship.
Each year, the Reuters Institute accepts around 30 journalist fellows from around the world each of whom brings fascinating insights and a wealth of experience to the Institute. During the fellowship programme, fellows will be embedded in a cutting-edge institution that is shaping key media debates, as the Reuters Institute produces world-class research on the main challenges of the media industry. Fellows will be part of an institution with a global outlook, since journalist fellows come from all over the world and share ideas and experiences of working in different countries and different mediums.
Fellows will also be part of one of the world’s greatest universities, as Oxford offers unrivalled study facilities, leading research centres, extensive learning support, and a global reputation. Fellows will be just one hour from London by train, providing convenient access to some of the world’s leading news publishers like The Guardian, the Financial Times and the BBC.
Please note that fellowships last either three or six months, depending on the availability of funding. They begin in either October, January, or April, and the Institute’s calendar follows Oxford University’s term dates.
Most journalists on the programme are fully funded. Successful applicants will get their fees covered and receive a monthly stipend of £2,000, which will cover the cost of accommodation, food, and general living expenses. The Reuters Institute will also cover the cost of travel to and from the UK and any visa costs.
The Journalist Fellowships are open to journalists worldwide, including Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, North America, and Latin America. Prospective applicants must have a minimum of five years of journalistic experience or demonstrate an equivalent level of expertise. Freelancing is not a barrier to application. The Institute does not accept applications from those working in public affairs, public relations, or corporate communications.
English language proficiency is not tested, but fellows will be able to understand and join in discussions in English. Information on the university’s English language requirements can be accessed here.
Before applying, check the frequently asked questions on the Institute’s Fellowship Programme webpage. To apply, applicants need a one-page project statement, a 150-word summary of their proposed project idea, a one-page motivation statement, a two-page CV, and two letters of reference.
The deadline for applications is Friday, February 13, 2026, 23:59 (UK time).
For more information and to apply, please visit https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/our-journalist-fellowship-programme
