Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Programme 2026–2027: | Monthly stipend of £2,000 in London

For practising journalists seeking time, space, and intellectual freedom to rethink their work and the future of journalism, the Journalist Fellowship Programme at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (RISJ), University of Oxford, stands out as one of the world's most prestigious opportunities.

With applications now open for the 2026–2027 academic year, this fellowship offers mid-career journalists a rare chance to step away from daily newsroom pressures and immerse themselves in research, debate, and professional growth at one of the globe's leading universities.

About the Reuters Institute and the Fellowship

The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is internationally recognised for its world-class research on journalism, media, and technology. Its work, including the widely cited Digital News Report, shapes global conversations on trust, sustainability, innovation, and the future of news.

The Journalist Fellowship Programme, established in 1983 by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, has more than 40 years of history supporting journalists from around the world. Today, the programme welcomes around 30 Journalist Fellows each year, creating a diverse, global cohort representing different regions, media systems, and professional experiences.

The Reuters Institute fellowship is designed specifically for working, mid-career journalists and editors who plan to return to journalism after completing the programme. Several features set it apart:

• A global peer network: Fellows come from Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, and Latin America, creating a rich environment for exchanging ideas and experiences across borders.
• Embedded in a leading research institution: Fellows engage closely with cutting-edge research on journalism, media economics, digital transformation, AI, trust, and audience engagement.
• The Oxford experience: As part of the University of Oxford, fellows benefit from exceptional libraries, academic events, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Strategic location: Oxford is just one hour from London, offering easy access to major global news organisations such as the BBC, The Guardian, and the Financial Times.

Fellowship Duration and Structure

Fellowships last three or six months, depending on funding arrangements, and begin in October, January, or April, aligned with Oxford's academic terms. Fellows are expected to be resident in Oxford during term time, although short travel is permitted if it does not conflict with scheduled programme activities. This is not a degree programme or a traditional academic course. Instead, it is a professionally focused fellowship that blends independent study, seminars, networking, and project-based work.

Funding and Financial Support

One of the programme's most attractive features is that most fellowships are fully funded. Successful applicants typically receive:

• Full coverage of programme fees
• A monthly stipend of £2,000, sufficient to cover accommodation, food, and general living expenses

Fellows are expected to refrain from professional work during the fellowship to fully engage with the programme. Some fellows may also be supported by sponsoring organisations with separate selection processes.

Who Can Apply

Applications are open for fellowships starting in October 2026, January 2027, or April 2027. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a minimum of five years' journalistic experience, or equivalent expertise in rare cases
• Be working journalists or editors (freelancers are welcome)
• Not be employed in public affairs, public relations, or corporate communications
• Plan to return to journalism after the fellowship
• Be able to participate actively in discussions in English

There is no formal English language test, but applicants must be comfortable engaging in professional-level conversations.

What Fellows Do During the Programme

The fellowship experience is intellectually intense, collaborative, and deeply reflective. The first week introduces fellows to major issues facing journalism today, including misinformation, press freedom, sustainability, trust, and audience engagement. It also provides social opportunities to build strong connections with peers and Institute staff.

Seminars and conferences form the backbone of the programme. Each week, fellows participate in sessions led by distinguished journalists, editors, academics, and industry leaders from around the world. Fellows also attend high-level talks and conferences across Oxford and beyond.

The fellowship project is central to the experience. Fellows work on a self-directed project relevant to their newsroom, career, or the wider media industry. Projects may explore editorial strategy, digital innovation, media ethics, audience trust, AI in journalism, or other pressing topics. The Institute provides guidance, resources, and access to its extensive research network.

Symposiums at the end of each term allow fellows to present their work through public discussions and panels, often held in Oxford or London, helping raise their professional profile.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Oxford offers a vibrant cultural and intellectual environment. Fellows can attend lectures across disciplines such as politics, technology, and international relations, while also enjoying the city's cafés, museums, and historic surroundings. The programme actively encourages fellows to engage with Oxford life and build lasting professional and personal relationships.

Application Deadline and How to Apply

Applications close on Friday, 13 February 2026 at 23:59 (UK time). Given the programme's competitiveness, applicants are encouraged to prepare carefully and clearly articulate how the fellowship aligns with their professional goals and the future of journalism.

The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Programme is more than a career break—it is a transformative professional experience that equips journalists to return to their newsrooms with fresh ideas, deeper insight, and a renewed sense of purpose in shaping the future of journalism.