A career-defining opportunity for journalists is here! Applications are now open for the Reuters Institute Fellowship 2026, a fully-funded, three-to-six-month program at the prestigious University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. If you are a working journalist with at least five years of experience looking to step back, reflect, and supercharge your career, this is the ultimate professional development opportunity. Only 30 fellows will be selected globally. The deadline to apply is February 13, 2026.
Reuters Institute Fellowship 2026 – Key Details
Here’s a quick overview of this premier global fellowship:
- Fellowship Sponsor: Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
- Host Institution: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Location: Oxford, England (approx. 1 hour from London)
- Program Type: Fully Funded Professional Journalism Fellowship
- Number of Awards: Only 30 Fellows
- Program Duration: 3 to 6 months
- Target Group: Mid-Career Journalists Worldwide
- Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
About the Reuters Institute Fully Funded Fellowship
Based at the University of Oxford, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is a world leader in exploring the future of news media. This fellowship is not an academic course; it is a unique sabbatical-style experience designed for practicing journalists.
The program invites fellows to pause their daily work and engage in deep exploration. Through seminars, workshops, and discussions with peers from around the world, you will analyze the biggest challenges facing journalism, work on a personal research project, and return to your newsroom with fresh insights, a renewed network, and a powerful perspective to advance your career.
Eligibility Criteria
This fellowship is highly competitive and seeks experienced professionals:
- You must have a minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional journalism experience. Exceptional, equivalent expertise may be considered.
- The fellowship is open to journalists of all nationalities from any region (Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America).
- Freelance journalists are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Individuals working in public relations, public affairs, or corporate communications are NOT eligible.
- Importantly, there is no formal English language proficiency test required (though the program is conducted in English).
Fellowship Benefits & Financial Coverage
This is a comprehensive, fully-funded fellowship designed to remove all financial barriers:
- Monthly Stipend: A generous stipend of £2,000 per month to cover living costs.
- Travel Covered: Round-trip airfare from your home country to the UK.
- Accommodation: Housing in Oxford is provided.
- Visa & Incidentals: The program covers your UK visa costs and provides for meals and personal expenses.
- World-Class Access: Immersion in the academic and journalistic community at the University of Oxford.
Fellowship Activities & Experience
As a Reuters Fellow, you will engage in a rich program designed for professional growth:
- Core Seminars & Discussions: Participate in dedicated sessions on critical issues in journalism.
- Personal Research Project: Develop a project on a topic of your choice with guidance from Institute staff.
- Peer Networking: Build lifelong relationships with 29 other leading journalists from across the globe through social events, dinners, and discussions.
- Oxford Events: Attend relevant lectures and conferences across the historic university.
How to Apply for the Reuters Institute Fellowship (Step-by-Step)
The application is submitted online directly to the Reuters Institute:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Reuters Institute Fellowship application website.
- Review Requirements: Carefully read the fellowship description and ensure you meet the experience criteria.
- Prepare Your Materials: This typically involves a detailed CV, a strong project proposal, and supporting documents.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill in all required sections of the application accurately.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Ensure your complete application is submitted well before the closing date.
🔥 Pro Tip: Your research project proposal is the heart of your application. Spend significant time crafting a clear, compelling idea that addresses a relevant challenge or opportunity in journalism and demonstrates how the fellowship will help you explore it.
Application Deadline & Fellowship Dates
The window to apply is strict:
📅 The final application deadline is February 13, 2026.
Successful fellows will begin their fellowship in one of the intake periods: October 2026, January 2027, or April 2027.
Official Website
For the complete application guidelines, detailed criteria, and the official application portal, use the link below.
👉 CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL REUTERS INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIP WEBSITE
