Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

TBA

Fellowship•UK · Oxford

Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship

Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford

Application Deadline

Closed · February 13, 2026

Reopens Jan 2027

Official Page

The Journalist Fellowship is run by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. It gives mid-career journalists from around the world a 3- or 6-month sabbatical to step back from daily deadlines and explore an aspect of journalism in depth. Fellows pursue a personal research project, join weekly seminars with leading journalists and academics, build an international peer network, and have access to the University of Oxford’s facilities and events. About 30 fellows are accepted each year, starting in October, January, or April.

Benefits & funding

  • Most positions are fully funded, covering programme fees, return travel to and from the UK, and visa costs.
  • A modest living allowance of £2,000 per month toward accommodation, food, and living expenses.
  • 3 or 6 months in residence at Oxford, depending on the funding stream.
  • Weekly seminars with distinguished journalists and academics, plus an end-of-term symposium.
  • Access to University of Oxford libraries, facilities, and events, and a lasting international alumni network.
  • A range of named/sponsored fellowships exist (e.g. Thomson Reuters Foundation, Oxford Climate Journalism Network, Mona Megalli, Publix); some are restricted to specific countries or themes and may have separate processes.

Eligibility

  • Open to journalists worldwide (Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Latin America).
  • A minimum of 5 years’ journalistic experience (or, in rare cases, equivalent expertise).
  • Freelancers are welcome; public-relations, public-affairs, and corporate-communications professionals are not eligible.
  • Sufficient English to take part fully in seminars and discussions.
  • Applicants should intend to return to journalism after the fellowship and not undertake professional work during it.

Can you apply?

Worth a closer look

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  • Experience required

    ≥ 5 yrs

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Application process

  1. 1
    Prepare a one-page project statement, a 100-word project summary, a one-page motivation statement, and a two-page CV (each as a PDF, max 25 MB).
  2. 2
    Provide the email addresses of two references who have worked with you.
  3. 3
    Submit the online application during the open window via the Reuters Institute fellowship application portal.

Program timeline

  1. Application deadline for fellowships beginning in the 2026-27 academic year (now passed)

    Feb 13, 2026

  2. Applicants notified of decisions

    mid-May 2026

  3. 2026-10 / 2027-01 / 2027-04

    Fellowships begin (October, January, or April start dates)

  4. Applications reopen for the next cycle

    January 2027