The World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship is a nine-week immersive program that brings ten professional journalists from outside the United States to study U.S. media, politics, culture, and current affairs. Founded in 1961 and based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, WPI is an independent nonprofit.
The program begins and ends in the Twin Cities and travels to Washington, D.C., Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and other locations, meeting editors, officials, and academics along the way. Its aim is to strengthen independent journalism and the free flow of ideas worldwide.
Benefits & funding
- Roundtrip international airfare to the United States
- All program-related travel within the U.S.
- Comfortable lodging throughout the nine weeks
- A modest daily allowance to purchase food
- Access to senior U.S. journalists, editors, and officials, plus a global alumni network
- Note: fellows cover their own personal expenses (phone, camera, clothing, postage). WPI does not publish specific dollar figures for the allowance.
Eligibility
- At least five years of full-time employment in print, broadcast, or online journalism
- Currently employed as a non-U.S. journalist working outside the United States (U.S. journalists are not eligible; open to journalists of any other nationality)
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Demonstrated potential for leadership
- No public-relations or other non-media employment background
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Experience required
≥ 5 yrs
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Application process
- 1Line up three professional references (names and email addresses) who can speak to your experience, qualifications, and potential.
- 2Prepare work samples — three articles for print writers, a portfolio of five photos for photographers, or up to 15 minutes of programming for broadcast/online journalists (with publication dates, preferably within two years; include English summaries for non-English work).
- 3Submit the online application during the annual window (December 1 – February 15).
- 4A committee of seasoned journalists and communications specialists reviews the applications; selected fellows are announced in early May.
Program timeline
Applications open
December 1
February 15, 2026
Application deadline (2026 cycle)
Fellows announced
May 2026
A nine-week program follows selection, beginning and ending in the Twin Cities