Call for WPI (World Press Institute) Fellowship 2026 is open now!!!
Each year, WPI selects top international journalists for an immersive program that explores the US media, culture, politics, and issues of the day. Hundreds of professional journalists from around the world apply for 10 WPI fellowship slots. The chosen finalists represent some of the best journalists in their respective countries. They are innately curious, intelligent and ambitious, and approach journalism with a deep sense of dedication and responsibility.
Gain access to, engage in and observe the role, responsibility and impact of a free press firsthand in one of the world’s largest, most diverse democracies. Through an immersive program, you will learn how the U.S. founding principles of a free press and journalistic best practices help foster transparency and accountability of government institutions, businesses and organizations, including the most powerful ones.
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In a guided tour across the country – including DC, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, and more – you will meet with and interview subject matter experts in media outlets, think tanks and advocacy organizations. You will hear firsthand accounts of new business models being tested and implemented among national and local media outlets.
You will learn about U.S. history and current affairs, as well as challenges the U.S. media faces, while experiencing and reporting on social, economic and political issues. You also will interact with people from a variety of walks of life and get some free time along the way to explore on your own.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
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WPI Fellows are required to adhere to the following terms. Violations of these terms could result in termination from the program.
- Prepare for and participate in all briefings and WPI scheduled events.
- Stay through the entirety of program and return to home countries when the program ends.
- Write for the WPI website among other outlets as assigned. Fellows are also encouraged to share with their readers, listeners or viewers back home.
- Participate in periodic reviews and evaluations, including several roundtable discussions to share insights into the U.S. or international journalism issues.
- Acceptance for others of different cultures.
- Willingness to travel – the program locations change frequently, and fellows often live out of suitcases.
Location:
North AmericaBenefits
WPI pays the following program expenses:
- Immersive Learning: Nine weeks of exposure to U.S. media, politics, culture, and society.
- Networking: Direct engagement with American journalists, editors, policymakers, advocacy groups, and communities.
- Global Perspective: Fellows gain comparative insights into press freedom and journalistic practices worldwide.
- Visibility: Fellows publish articles and reflections on WPI’s platform, expanding their international reach.
- Transportation: Roundtrip airfare to the United States. Travel within the United States related to the WPI program.
- Lodging: World Press Institute provides comfortable lodging for journalists during an immersive program.
- Food: Fellows receive a modest daily allowance to purchase food.
Eligibilities
Eligibility for the World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship:
- At least five years of full-time employment in print, broadcast or online journalism, including:
- News or editorial departments of newspapers, wire services, radio, television, websites or online publications.
- Photojournalists, editorial cartoonists, columnists and broadcast producers.
- Those who supervise journalists are eligible if they also have at least five years as a working journalist.
- Any journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count toward experience. Those who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business is not the media are not eligible.
- Must be currently employed as a non-U.S. journalist working outside of the United States.
- Fluency in both written and spoken English.
- Potential for leadership.
Application Process
The World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship application process steps are:
- Register online – Create an account on the WPI application portal.
- Fill out the form – Complete all sections of the online application.
- Upload work samples – Submit 3 examples of your journalism work.
- Add a photo – Upload a clear head‑and‑shoulders photo.
- Provide references – List 3 referees with email addresses (WPI will contact them).
- Submit before deadline – Apply between Dec 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026.
- Wait for results – Selections announced in May 2026.
- Join the program – Fellowship runs Aug – Nov 2026 in the U.S.
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
Application ClosedOfficial link
