Applications have opened for the World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship 2026, a fully funded professional programme designed for experienced journalists from across the world to undertake an intensive nine-week study tour in the United States.
The fellowship, organised by the World Press Institute, is open to journalists of all nationalities and is aimed at strengthening professional journalism skills while promoting the free exchange of ideas among media practitioners.
According to information released by the organisers, the programme will expose selected fellows to the history of the United States,
• Current Affairs,
• Media Practices,
• Key Social,
• Economic and
• Political issues shaping the country.
The experience is expected to broaden participants’ perspectives and deepen their professional expertise.
The 2026 fellowship will run for nine weeks and covers all major expenses.
Successful applicants will receive
A round-trip airfare to the United States,
•Transportation within the country related to WPI activities, and
•Comfortable accommodation throughout the programme.
•Fellows will also be given a modest daily allowance to cater for meals.
However, participants are expected to cover personal expenses such as;
• Telephone bills,
• Camera equipment,
• postage and
• clothing.
To be eligible,
• Applicants must have a minimum of five years’
• Full-time journalism experience in print,
• Broadcast or online media.
Eligible Applicants Include Reporters,
• Photojournalists,
• Columnists,
• Producers And Supervisors With Substantial Hands-on Journalism Experience.
• University journalism experience,
• Public Relations Roles And
• Non-Media Jobs Are Not Accepted.
Applicants must be currently employed as journalists outside the United States,
• Demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English, and
• Show strong leadership potential within the journalism profession.
As part of the application process,
• Candidates are required to submit reference letters and
• Samples of previous work published within the last two years.
• Must have a publication date.
• Work samples must be in English or accompanied by an English translation
• Must be publicly accessible.
For print journalists,
• Three published work samples bearing the applicant’s byline are required,
• While photographers must submit a portfolio of five published works.
Broadcast and online journalists are to
• Submit work samples limited to 15 minutes of programming,
• Links to work samples on YouTube, Dropbox, and broadcaster’s websites are acceptable.
• Along with a synopsis indicating their specific roles.
The deadline for submission of applications is Feb. 15, 2026.
Interested candidates are advised to apply online through the official World Press Institute application portal;
https://brightscholarship.com/world-press-institute-fellowship-2026-in-usa/
Where full details and guidelines are provided.
Work Sample Requirements for Online Journalists:
• Submission is to be either limited to 15 minutes of programming or equivalent to three print articles.
• Share the link of your online work sample (if applicable), and highlight your role in each sample.
• Samples should indicate your role as a journalist with task ranging from gathering the data, producing the material, or editing it.
The World Press Institute Fellowship is regarded as one of the leading professional development programmes for journalists globally, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with media professionals, policymakers and institutions across the United States.