The World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering experienced journalists from around the world a fully funded, nine-week professional exchange programme in the United States. This fellowship provides international journalists with first-hand exposure to American journalism, media institutions, and press freedom practices.
The programme covers international travel, domestic transportation, accommodation, and daily living expenses, allowing fellows to focus fully on learning, collaboration, and professional growth.
About the World Press Institute Fellowship
The World Press Institute Fellowship is designed to strengthen global journalism by connecting international reporters with leading U.S. media organisations, journalists, policymakers, and academic institutions. Through newsroom visits, workshops, interviews, and cultural exchanges, fellows gain a deeper understanding of how journalism operates within the U.S. democratic system.
The fellowship also fosters long-term professional relationships and cross-cultural dialogue, helping journalists enhance their reporting skills and broaden their global perspectives.
World Press Institute Fellowship 2026 – Key Details
Host Country: United States of America
Host Organisation: World Press Institute (WPI)
Programme Duration: 9 weeks
Eligibility: International journalists (non-U.S. citizens)
Programme Type: Fully Funded Fellowship
Benefits of the World Press Institute Fellowship 2026
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:
- Round-trip international airfare to and from the United States
- Domestic travel within the U.S. during the fellowship
- Fully covered accommodation throughout the programme
- Daily allowance to cover meals and basic living expenses
- Access to major U.S. media outlets and newsrooms
- Networking opportunities with journalists, editors, and media leaders
- Cultural exchange activities across multiple U.S. cities
Eligibility Criteria for the World Press Institute Fellowship
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a journalist from outside the United States currently working outside the U.S.
- Have at least five (5) years of full-time professional journalism experience
- Work in:
- Newspapers or magazines
- Online news platforms
- Radio or television
- Wire services or digital media outlets
- Eligible roles include:
- Reporters, editors, columnists
- Photojournalists and editorial cartoonists
- Broadcast producers
- Supervisors may apply only if they have at least five years of prior journalism experience
- Journalism experience as a student does not count
- Applicants working in public relations, communications, or non-media organisations are not eligible
- Must demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English
- Show leadership potential and commitment to professional journalism
Apply for the 2026 Coronation Graduate Trainee Programme Academy
Work Sample Requirements
All applicants must submit recent and verifiable work samples.
General Guidelines
- Samples must be published within the last two years
- Each sample must show a publication date
- Content must be publicly accessible
- Non-English samples must include a brief English summary
- Accepted formats: .pdf, .txt, .mp3, .jpg/.jpeg, .gif
By Media Type
Print Journalists:
Submit three bylined articles
Editors:
Submit a job description and optional edited samples
Photojournalists:
Submit five published photos
Broadcast Journalists:
Submit up to 15 minutes of programming with an English synopsis
Online Journalists:
Submit three print-equivalent articles or up to 15 minutes of video/audio, with links and role descriptions
Application Deadline
February 15, 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply for the World Press Institute Fellowship
Follow these steps to submit a successful application:
- Confirm Eligibility – Ensure you meet the five-year experience requirement and English proficiency criteria
- Prepare Work Samples – Compile published journalism samples according to the guidelines
- Complete the Online Application – Provide personal, professional, and background information
- Upload Supporting Documents – CV, work samples, and summaries (if required)
- Submit Before the Deadline – Applications must be submitted through the official WPI portal
Why Apply for the WPI Fellowship?
The World Press Institute Fellowship is a career-defining opportunity for journalists seeking to:
- Deepen their understanding of global media systems
- Learn directly from leading U.S. newsrooms
- Build an international professional network
- Enhance leadership, reporting, and storytelling skills
- Gain global recognition through a highly respected fellowship
APPLY FOR THE WORLD PRESS INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIP
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