The Reuters Institute Journalism Fellowships 2026 in the United Kingdom represent one of the most respected and competitive professional development opportunities available to mid-career journalists worldwide.
Hosted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford, this fully funded fellowship has been carefully designed to strengthen the global media landscape by equipping experienced journalists with advanced research skills, deeper analytical capacity, and broader international perspectives.
Reuters Institute Journalism Fellowships 2026
Through this fellowship, selected participants are offered the rare privilege of stepping away from daily newsroom pressures to reflect, research, and reimagine journalism’s role in an era defined by rapid technological change, political polarization, declining public trust, and increasing threats to press freedom.
As a result, fellows are not only intellectually enriched but are also positioned to return to their home organizations as more thoughtful leaders, innovators, and change agents within the media sector.
Fellowship Summary Table
| Category | Details |
| Fellowship Name | Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship 2026 |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Host Institution | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford |
| Program Type | Professional/Mid-Career Fellowship |
| Study Level | Non-degree, Research-based Fellowship |
| Program Duration | 3 months or 6 months |
| Eligible Applicants | International Journalists |
| Work Experience Requirement | Minimum of 5 years in journalism |
| Monthly Stipend | £2,000 |
| Tuition & Program Fees | Fully covered |
| Travel & Visa Costs | Fully covered |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | 13 February 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
About the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship
The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship is a highly selective, non-degree program aimed at journalists who have already established themselves professionally and who demonstrate the potential to influence journalism beyond their immediate roles. Rather than focusing on traditional classroom learning, the fellowship emphasizes independent research, intellectual exchange, and professional reflection.
Fellows are encouraged to explore pressing issues affecting journalism at both local and global levels. These issues often include, but are not limited to, digital transformation, misinformation and disinformation, newsroom sustainability, audience trust, media regulation, artificial intelligence in journalism, and threats to editorial independence. Consequently, the fellowship serves as a bridge between academic research and real-world newsroom practice.
During their time in Oxford, fellows are integrated into a vibrant academic environment where ideas are rigorously examined and debated. Access is provided to world-class libraries, research centers, and experts across multiple disciplines. In this setting, journalism is examined not merely as a profession but as a vital public institution that shapes democratic societies.
Objectives of the Fellowship Program
The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship was established with several long-term objectives in mind. First, it aims to provide journalists with the intellectual space and institutional support needed to think critically about the future of their profession. By stepping outside daily production cycles, fellows are allowed to question existing norms and explore innovative approaches to journalism.
Second, the program seeks to foster a global network of media leaders who can learn from one another’s experiences. Since fellows are selected from diverse regions and media systems, cross-cultural exchange is naturally encouraged. As a result, journalism challenges are examined from multiple perspectives, leading to more inclusive and globally relevant insights.
In addition, the fellowship is intended to generate practical research outputs that can inform newsroom strategies, media policy, and public debate. Fellows are therefore expected to design research projects that have clear relevance to the media industry and the wider society it serves.
Fellowship Duration and Academic Structure
The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship is offered in two flexible formats: a three-month option and a six-month option. This structure has been designed to accommodate journalists with varying professional and personal commitments. Regardless of the chosen duration, full-time participation is required throughout the fellowship period.
During the program, fellows work primarily on an independent research project that they have proposed during the application stage. While the research is self-directed, guidance and feedback are provided by senior academics and media experts affiliated with the University of Oxford. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to attend seminars, lectures, and high-level discussions organized by the Reuters Institute and other Oxford departments.
Although no academic degree is awarded, the intellectual rigor of the program is comparable to advanced postgraduate study. Therefore, strong research discipline, time management, and commitment are essential for success.
Financial Coverage and Fellowship Benefits
One of the most compelling aspects of the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship 2026 is its comprehensive financial support. This ensures that fellows can focus entirely on learning, research, and professional growth without financial strain.
Monthly Living Allowance
Fellows receive a monthly stipend of £2,000 to cover living expenses in Oxford. This allowance is intended to support accommodation, food, local transportation, and other essential costs during the fellowship period.
Tuition and Program Fees
All program-related fees are fully covered by the fellowship. As a result, participants are not required to pay tuition or administrative charges associated with the program.
Travel and Visa Costs
Return international travel expenses are provided, along with coverage of visa-related costs. This financial support significantly reduces barriers for journalists from low- and middle-income countries.
Academic and Professional Access
Fellows are granted full access to Oxford’s extensive academic resources, including libraries, research databases, and expert networks. In addition, participation in exclusive seminars, policy discussions, and keynote events is included, allowing fellows to engage directly with leading thinkers in journalism, technology, and public policy.
Eligibility Criteria
To preserve the quality and purpose of the fellowship, strict eligibility requirements have been established. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional journalism experience. This experience may include reporting, editing, producing, or holding leadership roles within media organizations.
In addition, applicants must demonstrate a strong professional track record and a clear commitment to journalism’s public value. A well-developed research proposal is required, outlining a project that addresses a significant challenge or opportunity within the media sector. Importantly, the proposal should show how the research findings could contribute to journalism practice, policy, or innovation.
Applicants are also expected to commit fully to the program for its entire duration. Personal qualities such as intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and motivation for impact are carefully assessed during the selection process.
Required Application Documents
A complete application for the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship 2026 must include several key documents. These materials are used to assess both professional competence and research potential.
Applicants are required to submit a completed online application form, along with a current curriculum vitae or résumé. A one-page research project proposal must be provided, explaining the focus, relevance, and intended outcomes of the proposed study. In addition, a concise 150-word project summary is required.
A one-page motivation statement must also be submitted, outlining the applicant’s career background, reasons for applying, and expected benefits of the fellowship. Finally, two reference letters from professional or academic referees are required to support the application.
Incomplete applications are generally not considered, so careful preparation is essential.
Application Deadline
The final deadline for submitting applications to the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Program 2026 is 13 February 2026. Since late submissions are typically not accepted, applicants are strongly advised to complete and submit all materials well before the deadline.
Application and Selection Process
The application process is conducted entirely online through the Reuters Institute’s official website. Applicants are first expected to confirm their eligibility and prepare all required documents. Once submitted, applications undergo a rigorous review process.
Selections are made based on professional experience, quality of the research proposal, clarity of motivation, and the potential impact of the applicant’s work. Given the competitive nature of the fellowship, only a limited number of candidates are selected each year.
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