Applications are open for the IOM Ethical Migration Journalism Fellowship Programme 2026, a three-month reporting initiative designed to support original, accurate, evidence-based and ethically produced journalism about migration in Chiang Rai and surrounding areas of northern Thailand.
Organized by the International Organization for Migration in Thailand, the programme will select five fellows, each of whom will receive a USD 1,000 reporting grant alongside professional mentorship, editorial guidance, programme check-ins, a field visit and potential publication through IOM platforms.
The fellowship will run from 1 October to 31 December 2026, while completed stories must be submitted by 8 January 2027. Applications must be submitted no later than 22 September 2026. The official announcement does not specify a closing time, so candidates should avoid waiting until the final day. Review the official IOM Thailand announcement.
About the Ethical Migration Journalism Fellowship Programme
Migration is an important part of Thailand’s social, economic and demographic landscape. Its significance is particularly visible in Chiang Rai, a northern border province where communities, economies and personal experiences are closely connected to cross-border mobility.
Despite the importance of migration, public discussion can sometimes be shaped by incomplete information, stereotypes, sensational reporting or narratives that fail to reflect the realities and contributions of migrants. Journalism plays a significant role in determining how migration is understood by communities, institutions and policymakers.
The Ethical Migration Journalism Fellowship Programme seeks to strengthen the ability of local journalists and emerging media practitioners to produce reporting that is:
- Accurate and based on credible evidence.
- Balanced in its treatment of complex migration issues.
- Sensitive to the dignity, safety and rights of migrants.
- Connected to the realities of Chiang Rai and surrounding areas.
- Constructive in how it contributes to public understanding.
- Professionally and ethically produced.
- Capable of challenging stereotypes and misleading migration narratives.
The programme’s central theme is the reframing of migration narratives and public perceptions to encourage greater inclusion of migrants. Through well-researched stories grounded in evidence, local realities and migrants’ experiences, fellows are expected to help build a more informed and constructive understanding of migration at the local level. Read the official call for proposals.
The initiative is made possible through financial support from the Government of Japan. See the programme announcement from IOM Thailand.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The fellowship is intended to move beyond short-term awareness raising by providing selected participants with practical support to research, produce and complete substantial migration stories.
Its main objectives include:
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Supporting local migration journalism
The programme provides financial and professional assistance for reporting on migration issues connected to Chiang Rai and nearby areas.
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Improving the accuracy of migration reporting
Fellows will be encouraged to use reliable evidence, appropriate sources and properly verified information when developing their stories.
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Promoting balanced and ethical storytelling
The programme emphasizes journalism that avoids harmful stereotypes, respects the dignity of migrants and accurately represents complex migration experiences.
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Connecting national migration issues with local realities
Proposed stories should be relevant to Chiang Rai or its surrounding areas rather than addressing migration only as a broad or abstract international issue.
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Strengthening the practical capacity of journalists and emerging storytellers
Through mentorship, editorial guidance, orientation sessions and programme check-ins, fellows will receive structured support throughout the reporting process.
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Expanding public access to evidence-based migration stories
Completed work may be published through IOM platforms, giving selected fellows an opportunity to reach wider audiences.
What Selected Fellows Will Receive
1. USD 1,000 Reporting Grant
Each of the five selected fellows will receive a reporting grant of USD 1,000 to support the production of an original migration story.
The grant is intended to assist with the reporting and production process. Applicants should therefore present a story idea that is realistic, properly planned and achievable within the available funding and programme period.
This is a reporting grant rather than a salary, academic scholarship or general cash award. It is connected to the successful production of the proposed journalism project. See IOM Thailand’s official fellowship information.
2. Professional Mentorship
Selected fellows will receive mentorship while developing their stories. This support can help participants strengthen their research plans, refine their angles, address gaps in evidence and improve the overall quality of their reporting.
Mentorship is especially valuable for participants working on sensitive migration topics that require careful consideration of informed consent, confidentiality, source protection, representation and the potential consequences of publication.
3. Editorial Guidance
IOM and designated mentors will provide editorial feedback during the reporting process.
Fellows will be expected to respond constructively to this guidance and incorporate relevant recommendations into their work. Editorial support may help participants improve the structure, clarity, factual accuracy, balance and ethical quality of their final stories.
4. Online Orientation and Monthly Check-Ins
Selected participants will take part in an online orientation session at the beginning of the programme.
IOM will also organize monthly check-ins throughout the fellowship period. These sessions are intended to monitor progress, provide guidance, identify emerging challenges and help fellows remain on schedule.
5. Field Visit in Chiang Rai
The programme includes a field visit within Chiang Rai organized by IOM.
The field visit is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of migration dynamics in the province. It will also provide opportunities to exchange experiences with foreign correspondents and other relevant stakeholders. Consult the official call for the participation requirements.
6. Opportunity for Publication
Fellows may have their completed stories published through IOM platforms.
Publication can increase the visibility of the participant’s work while contributing to broader public understanding of migration. It may also strengthen the fellow’s professional portfolio and demonstrate an ability to produce responsible, evidence-based reporting on a complex social issue.
Publication is not automatic or unconditional. Materials developed through the programme will be reviewed by IOM before they are published or otherwise disseminated.
Expected Journalism Project
Applicants must propose an original and feasible story related to migration in Chiang Rai and/or surrounding areas.
A strong project should establish a clear connection between the proposed subject and the local migration context. The idea should be narrow enough to investigate properly within the programme period but significant enough to contribute meaningfully to public understanding.
The proposed story should ultimately demonstrate:
- A clearly defined migration issue or reporting question.
- Relevance to Chiang Rai or surrounding communities.
- A practical reporting and production plan.
- Credible sources and evidence.
- Appropriate inclusion of migrant experiences and perspectives.
- Balanced treatment of the people and institutions involved.
- Ethical interviewing and reporting practices.
- Realistic completion within the three-month fellowship.
- Responsiveness to editorial feedback.
- Compliance with the final format and supporting-material requirements established by IOM.
Applicants should avoid submitting broad proposals that attempt to cover every dimension of migration. A focused story with identifiable sources, a clear audience and a realistic reporting plan is more likely to be completed effectively.
Responsibilities of Selected Fellows
Receiving the grant carries clear professional and programme obligations. Successful applicants will be expected to:
- Produce a high-quality migration story by the agreed deadline.
- Participate in the programme’s online orientation.
- Attend monthly check-ins organized by IOM.
- Participate in the IOM-organized field visit in Chiang Rai.
- Remain engaged throughout the fellowship period.
- Incorporate appropriate editorial guidance from IOM or designated mentors.
- Complete the proposed story within the approved timeline.
- Follow applicable professional and ethical journalism standards.
- Submit all required supporting materials with the final story.
- Ensure that the completed work meets the minimum format requirements stated in the programme documents.
- Submit the final story by 8 January 2027.
All materials produced through the programme will be subject to IOM review and approval before publication or dissemination. This review is intended to confirm that funded stories remain within the approved scope, meet ethical and professional standards and comply with relevant IOM requirements. Read the official terms in the call for proposals.
Documents Required for the Application
Applicants should prepare the complete application package before opening the online submission form.
The required materials include:
1. Updated Resume or CV
The resume or CV should clearly present the applicant’s education, journalism or media experience, relevant training, publications, reporting interests and other experience connected to migration, social issues or public-interest communication.
2. Cover Letter
Applicants must provide a cover letter explaining:
- Their motivation for applying.
- Their interest in ethical migration journalism.
- Their proposed story idea.
- Why the subject is relevant to Chiang Rai or surrounding areas.
- How they intend to complete the project.
The cover letter and proposed story description should be concise and should not exceed one page.
3. Completed Story Proposal Form
Candidates must download and complete the official Story Proposal Form available through the programme webpage.
The proposal should be internally consistent with the information provided in the cover letter and online application form.
4. Certificate of Relevant IOM Training
Applicants must provide evidence that they completed the qualifying IOM training or e-learning route.
For the e-learning route, both the Migration Explained and Reporting Migration in Thailand modules must be completed.
5. Previous Work Samples
Journalist applicants must provide two relevant samples of previous work.
This requirement is specifically identified for journalist applicants. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to research, structure and communicate a story professionally. Whenever possible, applicants should select work relevant to migration, human rights, border communities, social inclusion or another complex public-interest issue. Confirm the complete application requirements on the official IOM page.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Review the official programme announcement and call for proposals.
- Confirm that all location and training requirements are met.
- Develop an original and feasible migration story connected to Chiang Rai or surrounding areas.
- Update the resume or CV.
- Prepare a focused cover letter of no more than one page.
- Download and complete the official Story Proposal Form.
- Obtain the certificate showing completion of the required training or e-learning modules.
- Prepare two relevant work samples if applying as a journalist.
- Complete the online application form available through the official IOM Thailand programme page.
- Submit the entire application no later than 22 September 2026.
Apply through the official IOM Thailand opportunity page
Candidates should carefully check uploaded documents before submitting. The story title, subject, proposed activities and timeline should remain consistent across the cover letter, proposal form and online application.
Important Programme Dates
| Programme stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 1 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 22 September 2026 |
| Shortlisting and interviews | 23–25 September 2026 |
| Selection announcement | 29 September 2026 |
| Fellowship period | 1 October–31 December 2026 |
| Final story submission | 8 January 2027 |
The short period between the application deadline and interviews means applicants should remain available and regularly monitor the email address and telephone number provided in their application.
How to Prepare a Strong Story Proposal
Although applicants should follow the official Story Proposal Form, the following practical steps can help produce a clearer and more competitive submission.
Define a Focused Local Issue
Identify a specific migration-related issue that can be examined within Chiang Rai or nearby areas. Avoid a subject that is too broad to research properly within three months.
Explain Why the Story Matters
Clearly describe why the proposed story is relevant to local communities and how it could improve public understanding of migration.
Present a Credible Reporting Plan
Explain which people, communities, experts, institutions, documents and other sources may be consulted. Applicants should demonstrate that the proposed reporting process is realistic.
Center Accuracy and Ethics
The proposal should explain how information will be verified and how the dignity, privacy and safety of migrants or other potentially vulnerable sources will be protected.
Include Migrant Perspectives Responsibly
Migration stories should not treat migrants only as statistics or passive subjects. Where appropriate and safe, the proposal should create space for migrants to explain their experiences in their own words.
Demonstrate Feasibility
The reporting scope, production method and expected output should be achievable between October and December 2026 and within the USD 1,000 grant.
Prepare for Editorial Collaboration
Applicants should demonstrate openness to mentorship, review and constructive editorial feedback. The fellowship is structured as a supported reporting process rather than an unrestricted financial award.
Review Every Document for Consistency
The CV, cover letter, proposal form, work samples and online application should support the same professional narrative. Conflicting titles, timelines or project descriptions could weaken the application.
Contact for Questions
Questions about the programme or application process may be directed to:
Email: mediathailand@iom.int
Applicants should first review the official announcement and call for proposals before contacting IOM. Questions should be clear, specific and directly related to information not already addressed in the published materials.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
22 September 2026
No specific closing time or time zone is stated in the accessible programme announcement. Applicants should submit early to avoid technical problems or uncertainty on the final day.
Conclusion
The IOM Ethical Migration Journalism Fellowship Programme 2026 offers an important opportunity to transform a strong local story idea into professionally supported, evidence-based journalism.
Five selected fellows will receive USD 1,000 each, along with mentorship, editorial guidance, structured check-ins, a field visit in Chiang Rai and potential publication through IOM platforms. More importantly, participants will contribute to a wider effort to improve how migration is reported and understood in northern Thailand.
This is a project-based programme with meaningful responsibilities. A successful fellow must be prepared to conduct careful research, engage ethically with sources, respond to editorial feedback and submit a completed story by 8 January 2027.
Interested candidates should prepare their application documents carefully and submit the online form by 22 September 2026.
For more global opportunities, click HERE.
