2026 Jefferson Fellowships by East-West Center – Fully Funded Journalism Fellowship in the Indo-Pacific Region

The 2026 Jefferson Fellowship by the East-West Center offers a unique, fully funded professional development opportunity for full-time journalists working across the Indo-Pacific region. The Jefferson Fellowship is designed to strengthen high-quality journalism by enhancing public understanding of cultures, emerging issues, and strategic trends shaping societies in the Indo-Pacific, with a specific focus in 2026 on Artificial Intelligence (AI), economic security, and societal transformation.

The Jefferson Fellowship combines reporting, study, and professional exchange through an intensive three-week international program, enabling journalists to gain first-hand insights, develop story ideas, and engage with experts, policymakers, researchers, and fellow media professionals across multiple countries.

---

Introduction and Background of the 2026 Jefferson Fellowship

The Jefferson Fellowship is a flagship journalism program of the East-West Center, aimed at leveraging the power of news media to foster informed public discourse and cross-cultural understanding in the Indo-Pacific region. The 2026 Jefferson Fellowships will explore the theme:

“New Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating AI’s Impacts on Societies and Economic Security in the Asia-Pacific Region.”

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes governance, economic growth, employment, security, and culture, the Jefferson Fellowships seek to equip journalists with the knowledge and access needed to report accurately and responsibly on AI-driven transformations. According to United Nations estimates referenced in the program overview, AI could generate nearly USD 1 trillion in economic gains across Asia over the next decade and raise annual GDP growth by approximately 2%. However, these opportunities come alongside serious challenges related to inequality, automation-related job losses, surveillance, data privacy, cultural preservation, and ethical governance.

Through immersive site visits and expert briefings, the 2026 Jefferson Fellowship will allow journalists to explore both the benefits and risks of AI adoption in diverse political, economic, and social contexts.

---

Program Details: Structure, Duration, and Locations

The 2026 Jefferson Fellowship is  structured as a three-week reporting and study tour taking place from:

• October 25 to November 12, 2026

Program Destinations

Fellows will participate in guided reporting and study visits across three strategic locations:

1. Honolulu, United States

2. Tokyo, Japan

3. Seoul, South Korea

Program Activities

During the fellowship, participants will:

• Interview experts, researchers, policymakers, NGO leaders, and business executives

• Visit AI-driven manufacturing facilities, chip makers, research laboratories, healthcare facilities, schools, and AI farms

• Examine how AI is applied in public administration, healthcare, disaster preparedness, finance, farming, and manufacturing

• Engage in peer-to-peer learning with journalists from across the Indo-Pacific

• Participate in cultural activities and professional networking events

The Jefferson Fellowship emphasizes experiential learning, comparative analysis, and collaborative discussion, enabling journalists to develop in-depth, context-rich reporting.

---

Who Can Apply: Extensive Eligibility Criteria

The 2026 Jefferson Fellowship are open only to full-time journalists who meet the following eligibility requirements:

Professional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be full-time journalists

• Have at least 5 years of professional journalism experience

• Possess professional fluency in English

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be working in the Indo-Pacific region, which for this fellowship includes the following countries and territories:

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

Selection Preferences

Preference is given to journalists who:

• Clearly explain the relevance of the fellowship theme to their coverage areas

• Demonstrate how they will use the fellowship experience to benefit audiences

• Commit to producing journalistic content during and after the program

Applicants are strongly encouraged to generate stories, blogs, broadcast pieces, and social media content based on the fellowship.

---

Funding, Scholarships, and Costs

The 2026 Jefferson Fellowship are funded by the Freeman Foundation, with additional support from the Mary Morgan Hewett Fund, private donors, partners, and media organizations across the Indo-Pacific.

Scholarships Available

• 10–12 full or partial scholarships

  • Approximately 2–4 scholarships for American journalists

  • Approximately 8–10 scholarships for Indo-Pacific journalists

What a Full Scholarship Covers

1. Roundtrip international airfare from the participant’s home country

2. All travel during the study tour

3. Lodging in all program cities

4. Program meals and modest per diem

5. Ground transportation and airport transfers

6. Cultural activities and networking events

7. Interpretation services where needed

8. Speaker honoraria and meeting costs

9. Professionally organized site visits and expert access

---

Participant Obligations

As part of the 2026 Jefferson Fellowship, all selected participants must:

1. Submit a 1,000–1,500 word paper several weeks before arrival addressing the fellowship theme and its relevance to their country or coverage area

2. Deliver a 10–15 minute oral presentation based on the submitted paper

3. Actively participate in peer discussions and professional exchanges

These obligations are central to the fellowship’s journalist-to-journalist learning model.

---

How to Apply: Application Process

Applicants must submit all required materials through the official 2026 Jefferson Fellowship application portal.

Required Application Documents

1. Completed online application form

2. Letter of interest (maximum 3 pages, double-spaced)

3. Résumé or CV (maximum 2 pages)

4. Employer’s statement of support (not required for freelancers)

5. Two professional letters of recommendation

The letter of interest must clearly explain:

• Your journalism background and role

• Your goals for the fellowship

• Story ideas related to the theme

• How participation will strengthen your work

---

Important Dates and Deadline

• Applications Open: February 2, 2026

• Application Deadline: March 10, 2026

• Program Dates: October 25 – November 12, 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

---

APPLY HERE – 2026 Jefferson Fellowship Application Portal

---

The 2026 Jefferson Fellowship by the East-West Center provide an exceptional opportunity for experienced journalists to deepen their understanding of artificial intelligence, economic security, and societal change in the Indo-Pacific region. Through immersive travel, expert engagement, and collaborative learning, the Jefferson Fellowships empower journalists to produce informed, impactful reporting that shapes public discourse and policy understanding across borders.

---

For more opportunities visit Opportunities for youth