If you are a mid-career journalist looking for a chance to take a break from daily newsroom work, pursue an independent project, and study at one of the world’s top universities, the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship at the University of Oxford is your opportunity.
This fully funded fellowship allows journalists from around the world to spend up to six months at Oxford, researching a topic of their choice and joining a vibrant global network of peers.
Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Summary
| Key Details | Information |
| Host Institution | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded Mid-Career Journalism Fellowship |
| Application Opens | January 2026 |
| Duration | 3 or 6 months |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition, monthly living stipend, travel & visa costs |
| Eligibility | At least 5 years’ journalism experience (print, digital, or broadcast) |
What’s Unique About the Programme?
The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship is one of the world’s leading mid-career journalism programmes. What sets it apart includes:
- Oxford Academic Environment: Fellows work at the heart of the University of Oxford, accessing its libraries, research centres, and journalism faculty.
- Global Cohort: Each year, fellows from around the world — Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas — come together to exchange perspectives and collaborate on research.
- Independent Research: Instead of coursework, fellows pursue a self-directed project related to media, journalism, or communication challenges in their regions.
- Professional Recognition: Completing this fellowship enhances credibility and opens international media opportunities.
How Long Are the Fellowships?
Fellowships typically last three or six months, depending on your chosen schedule and funding stream.
You can begin in one of three cycles each year:
- October (Autumn term)
- January (Winter term)
- April (Spring term)
This flexibility helps journalists align the programme with newsroom responsibilities or academic calendars.
Are Fellowships Fully Funded?
Yes, most fellowships at the Reuters Institute are fully funded. Selected fellows receive:
- Full coverage of programme fees
- A monthly living stipend (about £2,000 per month)
- Return travel costs to and from the UK
- Visa and health insurance support
This funding ensures journalists can focus entirely on their research and professional development without financial stress.
Can I Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Have at least 5 years of journalism experience in any media format (print, broadcast, or digital).
- Work as a professional journalist or freelance reporter (not in PR or corporate communications).
- Possess a strong command of English (no mandatory test, but fluency is required).
- Can commit to 3–6 months of full-time research at Oxford.
Applications are welcome from all countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, Pakistan, the UK, the US, and across Europe.
Application Documents
Prepare the following before January 2026:
- Project proposal (max. 1 page)
- 150-word summary of your research idea
- Motivation statement (1 page)
- CV/resume (max. 2 pages)
- Two reference letters
How to apply
When the portal opens, apply via the official page: How to Apply – Reuters Institute Fellowship
What Do Fellows Do at the Institute?
During the fellowship, you will:
- Conduct your self-designed research project on a journalism-related issue.
- Attend weekly seminars, workshops, and masterclasses led by leading academics and media experts.
- Engage with peers from around the world to exchange insights and share newsroom experiences.
- Access Oxford’s academic resources, libraries, and digital archives for research.
- Present your findings at the end of the programme, often producing a final research paper or presentation.
Many fellows go on to publish their research, lead newsroom reforms, or contribute to global journalism debates after returning home.
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