Call for Applications: 2026/27 Fully Funded Oxford-Reuters Journalist Fellowship Programme for mid-career journalists from all over the world

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Closing Date: 13 February 2026

Call for Applications: 2026/27 Fully Funded Oxford-Reuters Journalist Fellowship Programme for mid-career journalists from all over the world

The Journalist Fellowship Programme at the Reuters Institute 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.

Applications are now open for Journalist Fellowship Programme for the 2026-27 academic year.

The Fellowships

Through personal research, seminars, networking events and discussions with your peers, you will further your understanding of journalism, the news industry and your place in it. While you are in Oxford, you will work on a project that will be of direct impact to you, your career, your newsroom and the wider media industry, bringing in what you learn during your time in the fellowship. This is a programme for working journalists and editors who will return to journalism after spending a few months with us.

What do fellows do at the Institute?

The Institute accept around 30 Journalist Fellows from around the world each year, each of whom bring fascinating insights and a wealth of experience to the institute. Here’s what is unique about the programme:

You will be embedded in a cutting-edge institution that is shaping key media debates. The Reuters Institute produces world-class research on the main challenges of the industry.
You will be part of an institution with a global outlook. The Journalist Fellows come from all over the world. They share ideas and experiences of working in different countries and different mediums.
You will be part of one of the world’s greatest universities. Oxford offers unrivalled study facilities, leading research centres, extensive learning support and a global reputation.
You 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.

Fellowships last three or six months, depending on their funding. They begin in either October, January or April.

Most journalists on the programme are fully funded. Successful applicants get their fees covered and receive a monthly stipend of £2,000, which will be enough to cover the cost of accommodation, food, and general living expenses. The Institute will also cover the cost of travel to and from the UK and any visa costs. Fellows should refrain from professional work during the fellowship.

Additionally, some Journalist Fellows are employees of sponsoring organisations which run their own application process and selection criteria. Please contact the Institute if you want more information on joining the fellowship with these or any other sources of funding.

Eligibility

Applications are now open for fellowships beginning in October 2026, January 2027 or April 2027.

To be considered for one of the journalist fellowships, you must have a minimum of five years’ journalistic experience, or in rare cases demonstrate the equivalent level of expertise. Freelancing is not a barrier to application, but the Institute do not accept applications from those working in public affairs, public relations or corporate communications.
The Journalist Fellowships are open to journalists from all over the world, including Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, North America, and Latin America.
Applicants must plan to return to journalism after completing their fellowship.
English language proficiency is not tested, but you will be able to understand and join in discussions in English.

From personal study in the University of Oxford’s magnificent libraries to informal conversations with your global cohort of Journalist Fellows, each aspect of the programme will increase your appreciation of the challenges and the opportunities of the current news ecosystem. The programme is designed to challenge you, to offer a fresh perspective on your role as a journalist, and to enable you to share and receive best practice on the issues that matter to you.

The project.

This is not an academic course, but you will spend much of your time working on a project that is relevant for you, your newsroom or the wider industry. The Institute will guide you closely on planning your project and accessing the resources that are available to you.

Symposiums.

At the end of each term, Journalist Fellows put together a symposium with presentations and panel discussions around a particular theme. These discussions are based on what they have learned during their time in Oxford but also on professional experiences they are willing to share. These events are open to the public, often take place in London, and are great opportunities to raise your profile.