Journalism fellowships 2026/2027 are opening across major universities, news organisations, and journalism institutes, offering journalists opportunities to develop their skills, investigate important issues, build innovative media projects and work alongside some of the industry’s leading professionals.
Some of these journalism fellowships are fully funded or paid, while others provide substantial stipends, professional placements, research opportunities, mentorship and access to international journalism networks.
For journalists planning their next career move, the 2026–2027 application season is particularly important. Several major programs have already announced their 2027–28 deadlines, while others are scheduled to open later in 2026.
This guide focuses on opportunities with officially confirmed 2026 or 2027 information, and each fellowship includes a direct official application or program page.
Journalism Fellowships 2026/2027 – Quick Summary
| Fellowship | Best For | 2026/27 Status | Deadline | Funding/Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship | Mid-career journalists | 2026–27 cycle closed; next applications open Jan. 2027 | January 2027 opening | Most fellows fully funded; £2,000 monthly stipend |
| RJI Professional Innovation Fellowship | Journalism innovation, technology and product development | Opens Nov. 2, 2026 | Jan. 8, 2027 | $75,000 Individual / $100,000 Emerging Technology |
| NABJ Scholarships & Opportunities | Black journalists and journalism students | 2027 opportunities to monitor | Varies | Scholarships and professional support |
| New York Times Newsroom Fellowship | Early-career journalists | 2027–28 cycle expected late 2026 | To be announced | Paid, one-year newsroom program |
| John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship | Mid-career U.S. and international journalists | 2027–28 opens fall 2026 | To be announced | $130,000 stipend + health coverage |
| Knight-Wallace Fellowship | Experienced journalists | Opens October 2026 | Dec. 1, 2026 international / Feb. 1, 2027 U.S. | $85,000 stipend + $5,000 relocation |
| NYU Journalism Fellowships & Annual Programs | Early-career, investigative, local and specialist journalists | Multiple programs | Varies | Depends on program |
7 Journalism Fellowships Opening in 2026–2027 With Funding, Stipends and Career Opportunities
1. Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship 2026/2027
The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship at the University of Oxford is one of the most established journalism fellowships for experienced working journalists.
It is designed primarily for mid-career journalists who want to step away from their normal newsroom responsibilities, study the changing journalism industry and develop an individual project.
The program is open internationally, including applicants from Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America and Latin America. Applicants generally need at least five years of journalistic experience, although the Institute can consider equivalent expertise in exceptional circumstances.
Current 2026/2027 application status
There is an important update for applicants.
The Reuters Institute’s official website currently states that applications for fellowships beginning in October 2026, January 2027 or April 2027 are closed. Applications will reopen in January 2027.
Therefore, applicants should not rely on older articles claiming the 2026/27 application is still open.
What does the Reuters Fellowship provide?
Most fellows are fully funded. Successful funded fellows receive:
- Tuition/fees covered
- £2,000 monthly stipend
- Travel to and from the UK
- Visa costs
- Access to Oxford’s academic and journalism environment
- Seminars and networking
- Time to develop a personal journalism project
The program is not a traditional academic degree. It is designed for practising journalists who intend to return to journalism after the fellowship.
Who can apply?
You generally need:
- At least five years of journalism experience
- Professional journalism/newsroom experience
- A plan to return to journalism
- Ability to participate in discussions in English
- A strong project idea
A university degree is not the central requirement for this practitioner-focused fellowship.
Direct official site: Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship – Official Page
Next application opening: January 2027.
2. RJI Professional Innovation Fellowship 2027
The Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) Professional Innovation Fellowship is one of the most interesting opportunities for journalists, consultants, researchers and innovators who want to solve a real problem in journalism.
And there is a major correction to the deadline circulating online.
The correct 2027 deadline is January 8, 2027
RJI states that applications for the 2027 Professional Innovation Fellows open on November 2, 2026, with the first-round application deadline on January 8, 2027.
The fellowship begins June 28, 2027, with an in-person kickoff at RJI.
What makes this journalism fellowship different?
Instead of simply studying journalism, fellows are expected to build something useful for journalism.
Projects can include:
- Journalism technology
- Digital tools
- Newsroom resources
- Products
- Programs
- Emerging technology solutions
- Resources addressing gaps in journalism
The final product must be free and accessible to journalists, newsrooms and the public.
RJI Individual Fellowship
The Individual Fellowship provides:
$75,000 stipend
The money is paid to the individual in three payments based on completion of project deliverables.
Emerging Technology Fellowship
There is also an Emerging Technology Fellowship for projects where emerging technology is essential to solving a journalism problem.
This fellowship provides:
$100,000 stipend
It also begins June 28, 2027 and follows the eight-month fellowship structure.
The fellowship is remote, although fellows travel to RJI for several activities, with travel covered.
Importantly, you do not have to live in the United States to apply. RJI says applicants can be located anywhere in the world.
Direct official application/program page: RJI Professional Innovation Fellowships
Application opens: November 2, 2026
Deadline: January 8, 2027
Start: June 28, 2027
3. NABJ Scholarships and Journalism Opportunities 2026/2027
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) provides scholarships and professional development opportunities for Black journalism students and professionals.
However, applicants should be careful with websites that publish one blanket “NABJ Fellowship 2027 deadline.”
NABJ operates multiple scholarship and funding opportunities, and deadlines can differ by program.
The organization’s scholarship policy explains that its scholarship program supports education and training and that scholarship funds can help cover educational expenses including tuition, fees, books, supplies and required equipment.
NABJ also operates chapter grants, although these are grants to NABJ chapters rather than individual journalism fellowships. The current chapter-grant deadlines are February 15 and October 15, subject to availability.
Who should monitor NABJ opportunities?
These opportunities can be particularly relevant to:
- Journalism students
- Black journalists
- Emerging journalists
- Journalism professionals
- Students seeking financial support for journalism education
Because the 2027 individual scholarship deadlines vary, applicants should check the official NABJ opportunities page rather than relying on an old February deadline from a previous cycle.
Direct official NABJ site: National Association of Black Journalists – Scholarships
2027 deadline: Varies by scholarship/program.
4. New York Times Newsroom Fellowship 2027–2028
The New York Times Newsroom Fellowship is a paid, year-long professional program for emerging journalists.
Unlike an academic fellowship, this is a full-time newsroom work program. Fellows work as journalists and receive training, feedback and professional development while contributing to The New York Times newsroom.
The Times describes the program as a one-year paid work program designed to develop the next generation of journalists.
Fellows can work in areas such as:
- Reporting
- Editing
- Visual journalism
- Photography
- Design
- Audience
- Other newsroom functions
The 2026–27 cohort began in 2026, and current information indicates that applications for the next cycle are expected to open in late 2026. NYU’s journalism fellowship directory also currently lists the Newsroom Fellowship as opening in late 2026.
Important deadline warning
Do not publish November 19, 2026 as the confirmed deadline for the 2027–28 fellowship.
That date belongs to the previous recruitment cycle. The next cycle’s official deadline has not yet been confirmed in the sources reviewed.
This is important because many scholarship websites recycle the previous year’s deadline and present it as a new one.
Who is it for?
The fellowship is aimed at early-career journalists and provides professional newsroom experience rather than an academic degree.
Direct official early-career page: The New York Times – Early Career Opportunities
2027–28 application: Expected late 2026; monitor the official page for the confirmed opening and deadline.
5. John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship at Stanford 2027–2028
The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship (JSK) at Stanford University is designed for journalists who want to develop as leaders and innovators in journalism.
It accepts both U.S. and international journalists, including journalists working for news organizations and independent journalists or contractors.
Applicants need at least five years of full-time professional journalism experience, excluding college internships.
2027–28 application status
The official Stanford page confirms that applications for the 2027–28 fellowship will open in fall 2026.
The exact deadline should therefore be taken from the official application portal once the cycle opens.
Fellowship benefits
JSK provides substantial financial support.
The current program information confirms:
- $130,000 stipend
- Stanford health insurance
- Health coverage for fellows, spouses and children
- Full-time fellowship experience
- Residence at Stanford
- Coaching
- Weekly cohort meetings
- Professional development
- Journalism innovation work
The $130,000 figure is confirmed by Stanford’s information about its current fellowship class.
Who is not eligible?
The fellowship does not accept applicants working primarily in:
- Public relations
- Public information
- Content marketing
- Corporate communications
- Academic positions
It is also not designed to fund book projects, reporting projects or business accelerators.
Direct official application page: John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships – Stanford
2027–28 opening: Fall 2026.
6. Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship 2027–2028
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship at the University of Michigan is one of the strongest options for experienced journalists seeking time away from daily newsroom deadlines to pursue an ambitious journalism project.
The program welcomes journalists working in many areas, including:
- Reporting
- Editing
- Data journalism
- Visual journalism
- Audio
- Engagement
- Design
- Development
- Journalism entrepreneurship
- Organizational change
Applicants need at least five years of journalism experience. International journalists are eligible.
2027–28 deadlines
The official deadline information is already available:
International journalists: December 1, 2026
U.S. journalists: February 1, 2027
Applications open in October 2026.
This makes Knight-Wallace one of the most important journalism fellowships for international journalists to prepare for now.
Funding
The current Knight-Wallace program provides:
- $85,000 stipend
- $5,000 relocation support
- Health insurance costs covered
- Support with housing
- Access to University of Michigan resources
- Journalism project development
- Private seminars
- Professional workshops
- International travel as part of the program
The fellowship is an eight-month program running approximately from late August through April.
Important application rule for international journalists
International applicants must use the international application process.
Wallace House specifically warns that international applications submitted through the U.S. application portal will not be considered.
Applicants should also note that Wallace House requires applicants to write their application materials themselves and states that applicants should not use AI to prepare their submissions.
Direct official application page: Knight-Wallace Fellowship – Apply
International deadline: December 1, 2026
U.S. deadline: February 1, 2027
Opening: October 2026
7. NYU Journalism Fellowships and Annual Programs
New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute maintains a broad list of journalism fellowships and annual programs.
This is important because there is not one single “NYU Journalism Fellowship 2027.” Several separate fellowships, residencies, internships and professional programs appear in the Institute’s opportunities directory.
Current listings include opportunities connected to:
- Investigative journalism
- Local and regional journalism
- Science journalism
- Public-service journalism
- Early-career journalism
- International journalism
- Business journalism
- Journalism and AI
- Newsroom fellowships
The NYU directory is updated as new deadlines become available.
Some current opportunities worth watching
The NYU listing currently includes:
- McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism: For working journalists with at least five years of experience. The current listed deadline is October 12, 2026.
- Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Fellowship: A 12-week journalism fellowship for journalists with professional media experience. The current listed deadline is September 20, 2026.
- Open Notebook Fellowship: For early-career science journalists. NYU currently lists applications as opening in September 2026.
- Report for America: A two-year program, with an optional third year, for early-career journalists. NYU currently lists the next deadline as February 2027.
Direct official NYU fellowship directory: NYU Journalism – Fellowships & Annual Programs
Because these are separate programs, applicants should always open the individual fellowship’s official page before submitting an application.
Journalism Fellowships 2026/2027: Which One Should You Apply For?
The best journalism fellowship depends heavily on your experience.
If you have 5+ years of journalism experience
Prioritize:
- Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship
- John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship
- Knight-Wallace Fellowship
- McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism
These programs are designed for experienced journalists who want professional development, deeper research, leadership growth or time to pursue ambitious projects.
If you are interested in journalism technology
The RJI Professional Innovation Fellowship should be high on your list.
It is particularly attractive if you have an idea for a tool, product or technology that could solve a real journalism problem.
The 2027 RJI cycle offers up to $75,000 for the Individual Fellowship and $100,000 for the Emerging Technology Fellowship.
If you are an early-career journalist
Look closely at:
- New York Times Newsroom Fellowship
- NYU-listed early-career opportunities
- Report for America
- Relevant NABJ opportunities
- Open Notebook, if you work in science journalism
If you are an international journalist
Several major programs are open to international applicants.
The strongest opportunities in this list include:
- Reuters Institute
- John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship
- Knight-Wallace Fellowship
- RJI Professional Innovation Fellowship
- New York Times Fellowship, subject to the specific work authorization requirements of the current cycle
However, eligibility is not the same across programs, so international applicants should carefully check visa and work authorization rules before applying.
How to Apply for Journalism Fellowships 2026/2027
Winning a journalism fellowship is highly competitive, so preparation should begin before the application opens.
1. Prepare a strong journalism CV
Your CV should quickly show:
- Years of journalism experience
- News organizations worked with
- Reporting specialties
- Major stories
- Awards
- Investigations
- Published work
- Leadership experience
- Digital and multimedia skills
Keep it focused on journalism rather than unrelated employment.
2. Build a strong portfolio
Most competitive journalism fellowships want evidence that you can actually do journalism.
Prepare your strongest:
- Articles
- Investigations
- Videos
- Podcasts
- Photography
- Data journalism
- Multimedia projects
- Published research
Do not simply submit everything you have ever produced. Select work that demonstrates your strongest abilities.
3. Develop a fellowship project
For programs such as Knight-Wallace, Reuters and JSK, your proposed project can be one of the most important parts of the application.
A strong project should explain:
What is the problem?
Why does it matter?
What do you want to investigate or build?
Why are you the right journalist to do it?
How will the fellowship help you achieve it?
4. Watch deadlines carefully
The deadlines are not the same.
For example:
- Knight-Wallace international — December 1, 2026
- RJI — January 8, 2027
- Knight-Wallace U.S. — February 1, 2027
- Reuters next cycle — opens January 2027
- JSK — opens fall 2026
- New York Times — expected late 2026
- NYU opportunities — different deadlines
Do not wait until the final day.
FAQs
What are the best journalism fellowships for 2026/2027?
Some of the strongest programs include the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship, John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship, Knight-Wallace Fellowship, RJI Professional Innovation Fellowship and New York Times Newsroom Fellowship.
The right choice depends on your career level and specialization.
Which journalism fellowships are fully funded?
The Reuters Institute says most of its Journalist Fellows are fully funded, including fees, a £2,000 monthly stipend, travel and visa costs.
Knight-Wallace provides an $85,000 stipend and $5,000 relocation support.
JSK provides a $130,000 stipend and health coverage.
RJI provides substantial project funding, including $75,000 for its Individual Fellowship and $100,000 for its Emerging Technology Fellowship.
Can international journalists apply for journalism fellowships?
Yes. Several major fellowships accept international journalists.
Reuters explicitly welcomes journalists from around the world.
Knight-Wallace has a dedicated international application route, while JSK also accepts international journalists.
However, applicants must check the individual fellowship’s visa and work authorization requirements.
Do I need a journalism degree to apply?
Not necessarily.
Many professional journalism fellowships prioritize journalism experience, published work, leadership and the quality of your proposed project rather than a specific journalism degree.
For example, Reuters is a practitioner-focused fellowship, while JSK requires professional journalism experience rather than a specific academic degree.
Which journalism fellowship pays the most?
Among the programs covered here, the current published figures include:
- JSK: $130,000 stipend
- RJI Emerging Technology: $100,000
- Knight-Wallace: $85,000
- RJI Individual: $75,000
- Reuters: £2,000 monthly stipend for successful funded fellows
These figures should not be compared as simple salaries because the programs have different durations, purposes and benefit structures.
What is the best journalism fellowship for African journalists?
African journalists can consider programs such as the Reuters Institute, JSK and Knight-Wallace, all of which have international participation.
The Reuters Institute specifically identifies Africa among the regions from which its journalists come.
Knight-Wallace also has a formal international application route.
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