The Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Programme is one of the most prestigious opportunities for mid-career journalists worldwide. Based at the University of Oxford, the fully funded fellowship program allows journalists to explore journalism in depth, engage with peers globally, and enhance their understanding of the news industry. Each year, around 30 Journalist Fellows from various countries participate in this program.
Participants work on a project that impacts their career, newsroom, or the wider media industry. They also attend seminars, networking events, and discussions while benefiting from Oxford University’s unparalleled study resources and a global network of journalists.
Quick Overview of the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship
- Host Institution: Reuters Institute, University of Oxford, UK
- Duration: Three or six months
- Fellowship Start Dates: October, January, or April
- Funding Coverage: Fully funded with a monthly stipend of £2,000, travel expenses, visa costs, and tuition fees.
- Eligibility: Mid-career journalists with at least five years of experience.
- Application Deadline: February 13, 2025
Benefits of the Fully Funded Fellowship at the University of Oxford
The Reuters Institute Fellowship offers the following benefits:
- Fully funded program covering tuition fees.
- A monthly stipend of £2,000 for living expenses.
- Travel costs and visa expenses are fully covered.
- Interaction with journalists from diverse countries and mediums.
- Access to Oxford’s resources, libraries, and academic networks.
- Weekly seminars with distinguished industry leaders and academics.
- Networking opportunities with leading news publishers like BBC, The Guardian, and Financial Times.
- Each Fellow works on a project relevant to their newsroom or the media industry.
- Guidance is provided to ensure the project has a practical impact on journalism.
- Participate in public symposiums, lectures, and discussions.
- Access to Oxford’s vibrant cultural and intellectual events.
Eligibility Criteria of the Fully Funded Journalists Fellowship in the UK
To qualify for the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of five years of professional experience in journalism. Freelancers are welcome to apply.
- Applicants should be able to engage in discussions and seminars in English.
- Open to journalists from all countries and mediums (print, broadcast, digital).
- This program is only for journalists returning to the industry after the fellowship.
Specialized Fellowships offered by the Reuters Institute
The fellowship includes unique opportunities tailored to specific regions or themes:
- Thomson Reuters Foundation Fellowship:
- Open to mid-career journalists globally.
- Research projects covering diverse subjects.
- Mona Megalli Fellowship:
- For journalists from the Middle East.
- Focus on professional standards and ethics in the region.
- Oxford Climate Journalism Network Fellowship:
- For journalists focusing on climate change, sustainability, and environmental issues.
- Publix Fellowship for Media Entrepreneurs:
- For journalists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
- Combines research at Oxford with project development in Berlin.
Important Dates for the Oxford Fellowships for Journalists Worldwide
- Application Deadline: February 13, 2025 (23:59 UK time).
- Fellowship Start Dates: October 2025, January 2026, or April 2026.
- Duration: Three or six months, depending on funding.
Application Process for the Fully Funded Fellowships in the UK
Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare the Required Documents:
- Project Statement (1 page): Describe the idea or issue you’ll explore during the fellowship.
- Project Summary (150 words): Provide a brief overview of your project.
- Motivation Statement (1 page): Explain why you want this fellowship and its relevance to your career.
- CV (2 pages): Highlight your career and education history. Include links to your work if applicable.
- Two Letters of Reference: From people familiar with your work, including their contact details.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents in PDF format (max size: 25MB per document).
- Deadline: February 13, 2025, 23:59 (UK time).
Why Choose the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship?
- Engage with a diverse cohort of journalists from over 20 countries.
- Leverage world-class academic resources and facilities.
- Work on projects that directly benefit your career and newsroom.
- Collaborate with top media organizations and thought leaders.
Key Features of the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowship for International Students
- Weekly sessions featuring prominent journalists, editors, and academics.
- Opportunities to engage in high-level discussions on issues like misinformation, sustainability, press freedom, and audience engagement.
- Build a global network of journalism professionals.
- Access leading media organizations in the UK, such as the BBC, Financial Times, and The Guardian.
- Fellows work on impactful projects tailored to their career and newsroom needs.
- Experts at the Reuters Institute guide projects.
- Explore Oxford University’s extensive resources, libraries, and lectures.
- Participate in public symposiums and discussions to showcase your work.
- Dedicated fellowships for journalists focusing on climate, entrepreneurship, and regional issues like the Middle East or Germany.
For further details, visit the official Reuters Institute website.
