The World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship Program 2026: Applications Open!
The World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship Program is a highly competitive, immersive professional development opportunity for outstanding mid-career journalists from around the world. Each year, hundreds of journalists apply for just 10 fellowship slots, making this one of the most selective international journalism fellowships available.
The journalists selected as WPI Fellows represent the very best of their profession in their respective countries. They are deeply curious, intellectually rigorous, and committed to journalism as a public good, approaching their work with integrity, responsibility, and ambition.
If you are driven to better understand how journalism, democracy, and power intersect—and how media can adapt in times of profound change—this fellowship may be for you.
About the Fellowship
The WPI Fellowship is a nine-week, fully immersive program across the United States, offering unparalleled access to leading newsrooms, federal and state institutions, think tanks, and civic leaders shaping American democracy and media.
The program goes far beyond a traditional study tour. Fellows engage directly with journalists, editors, policymakers, and innovators, gaining an inside view of how U.S. journalism and governance function in practice—from national investigative outlets to local newsrooms working to survive and reinvent themselves.
The fellowship typically takes place between August and November, beginning and ending in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.
Program Highlights
- Newsroom access: National media outlets, nonprofit investigative journalism organizations, and local newsrooms
- Policy and governance exposure: Federal institutions, state legislatures, and leading think tanks
- Professional development: Skills workshops, newsroom leadership sessions, and mental health insights for journalists
- Regional diversity: Engagements across multiple regions, including Minnesota, Arizona, California, and New York
Who Should Apply
The program is designed for mid-career journalists with 5–15 years of professional experience who:
- Shape editorial decisions or lead coverage
- Drive international or investigative reporting
- Manage teams or influence newsroom strategy
- Are curious about democracy, governance, innovation, and the future of sustainable journalism
The fellowship cohort is intentionally small to foster deep exchange, reflection, and professional growth.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: December 1, 2025
- Applications close: February 15, 2026
- Selection announcement: May 2026
- Program period: August–November 2026
The 2025 cohort included journalists from nine countries, many of whom describe the experience as transformative both professionally and personally.
The WPI Fellowship Program offers a rare opportunity for exceptional mid-career journalists to engage deeply with U.S. journalism and democratic institutions through a rigorous nine-week program across the country. With access to leading newsrooms, policymakers, and innovators, the fellowship supports professional growth, global exchange, and a deeper understanding of how journalism can evolve to meet today’s most pressing challenges. Applications for the 2026 cohort open December 1, 2025, and close February 15, 2026.
For more opportunities, click here.
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