The New York Times Fellowship Program 2026 is a prestigious, paid, year-long opportunity designed to train and support early-career journalists. This fellowship offers hands-on newsroom experience, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and the chance to contribute to one of the world’s leading news organizations.
If you’re passionate about impactful storytelling and want to build a strong foundation in journalism, this program is one of the best ways to start your professional journey.
2026 New York Times Fellowship Program Summary
| Host Country | United States of America (USA) |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Fellowships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Reward | Full Sponsorship · Monthly Salary · Training & Mentorship |
| IELTS Requirement | Not Required |
| Application Deadline | November 19, 2025 |
About the 2026 New York Times Fellowship Program
The New York Times Fellowship is a yearlong paid program that offers emerging journalists a unique opportunity to work full-time in The New York Times newsroom. Established in 2019, the fellowship replaced the traditional internship system to provide deeper training, long-term mentorship, and a strong professional network for young journalists.
Fellows work across a range of departments, such as:
- News reporting and writing
- Photography and graphics
- Design and multimedia production
- Video, audio, and podcast journalism
- Audience engagement and opinion writing
The program provides a supportive environment that encourages innovation, ethical journalism, and collaboration with experienced editors and journalists who shape global media narratives.
Through this initiative, The New York Times aims to nurture diverse journalistic talent and strengthen the next generation of storytellers.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2026 New York Times Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have some journalism experience and be early in their careers.
- Be recent college graduates or professionals with less than five years of paid journalism experience.
- Be authorized to work in the United States or the United Kingdom, depending on the chosen office location.
- For positions based in London, applicants must have authorization to work in the UK.
- Note: The program does not sponsor new work visas, but candidates with an existing or extendable visa (e.g., Optional Practical Training – OPT) may be considered.
Benefits of the New York Times Fellowship Program
Selected fellows will enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- A paid, full-time position with employment benefits.
- The opportunity to work and learn from experienced journalists in one of the world’s most respected newsrooms.
- A hybrid work schedule combining remote and in-office responsibilities.
- Personal mentorship and professional development sessions led by senior editors and newsroom leaders.
- Exposure to multiple journalism fields, from investigative reporting to multimedia storytelling.
- Access to a diverse professional network and ongoing feedback to improve journalistic craft.
- A collaborative learning environment that promotes inclusivity, innovation, and critical thinking.
How to Apply for the 2026 New York Times Fellowship
The application window for the 2026 New York Times Fellowship is now open.
Here’s how to apply:
- Visit the official New York Times Fellowship application page.
- Review the open positions available in both the Newsroom and the Opinion section.
- Prepare your resume, cover letter, and work samples that best demonstrate your journalism experience and storytelling ability.
- Complete the online application form before the stated deadline.
For complete details and to apply, visit the official application portal on The New York Times Fellowship website.
Application Deadline: November 19, 2025 (by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
Program Start Date: Early 2026.
Work Type: Hybrid — requires regular in-office attendance per departmental guidance.
FAQs
Who can apply for the New York Times Fellowship?
Anyone with limited professional journalism experience (less than five years) and authorization to work in the U.S. or U.K. can apply.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes, fellows receive a full-time salary along with standard employment benefits.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?
No, the program does not require IELTS or any specific English test score.
How long does the program last?
The fellowship lasts for one year.
When does the application close?
Applications must be submitted by November 19, 2025.
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