The University of Oxford Reuters Institute Journalism Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 for mid-career Journalists (Fully Funded)

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Application Deadline:  13 February 2026, 23:59 (UK time).

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 University of Oxford Reuters Institute Journalism Fellowship Programme. 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 our Journalist Fellows are fully-funded and they also receive a stipend to cover living and travel costs.

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.

Requirements

• 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 we 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.

Benefits

• 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 program 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.

The program 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.

• 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. Our 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 Timesand the BBC.

How to Apply:

If you are a journalist with more than five years’ experience working in newsrooms, you qualify to apply for a Reuters Institute scholarship. Before applying, see the frequently asked questions on our Fellowship Programme webpage.

You will need to prepare:

• A one-page project statement. What is the idea that you plan to spend your time with us working on? What can you spend time reading about? Who will you talk to? Save this as a PDF.
• A 150-word summary of your proposed project idea.
• A one-page motivation statement. Why are you ready for a fellowship? Why do you want to do this project at the Reuters Institute? What will you do with your project once you return to the newsroom? Save this as a PDF.
• A two-page CV. Describe your career and education history. You may include links to your work here if you like. Save this as a PDF.
• Two letters of reference. Ask two people who know you and your work to write a letter recommending you for a fellowship. These letters should include the referee’s full name, job title, their relationship to you, and their contact details. Each reference should not be longer than one-page. Save these as a PDF.

The size limits for all PDF uploads is 25 MB per document. You will then be able to submit these documents on the online application portal. No incomplete applications will be considered.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Oxford Reuters Institute Journalism Fellowship Programme.