The 2026 World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship Program is accepting applications from professional non-US journalists with at least five years of full-time experience until February 15, 2026. The competitive program selects 10 international journalists for an immersive, guided tour across the US, exploring media, culture, and politics. WPI covers transportation (including roundtrip airfare), lodging, and a daily food allowance.
World Press Institute Fellowship Program 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | World Press Institute (WPI) |
| Program Focus | Immersive Exploration of US Media, Culture, and Politics |
| Category | Professional International Journalism Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | Non-US Journalists (5+ years full-time experience) |
| Available Slots | 10 (Highly Competitive) |
| Financial Award | Fully Funded (Transportation, Lodging, Daily Food Allowance) |
| Program Location | Guided Tour Across Key US Cities (DC, NYC, Chicago, SF, etc.) |
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship Program 2026: Global Journalism in the US
The 2026 World Press Institute (WPI) Fellowship Program offers an unparalleled professional opportunity for top international journalists to gain an immersive, first-hand understanding of the United States. This highly competitive program selects just 10 professional journalists each year for a multi-week, guided tour across the country.
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The program’s core objective is to expose fellows to the nuances of US media, culture, politics, and critical issues of the day. Fellows engage directly with and interview subject matter experts in media outlets, think tanks, and advocacy organizations across major cities, including Washington D.C., Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco. This experience is critical for observing new business models being tested and implemented among national and local media outlets, providing global insights into the future of journalism.
Eligibility Requirements for WPI Fellowship
Given the highly competitive nature of the program, applicants must demonstrate a significant track record and commitment to the field of journalism, alongside specific professional and geographical criteria.
Tier 1: Professional Experience (Minimum 5 Years)
- Full-Time Experience: Must have at least five years of full-time employment in print, broadcast, or online journalism.
- Eligible Roles: This includes journalists in news or editorial departments of newspapers, wire services, radio, television, websites, or online publications.
- Specialized Roles: Photojournalists, editorial cartoonists, columnists, and broadcast producers are also eligible.
- Supervisory Roles: Those who supervise journalists are eligible only if they also have at least five years of experience as a working journalist.
- Ineligible Experience: Journalism-related work completed as a university student, or work in public relations, or at organizations whose primary business is not media, does not count toward the experience requirement.
Tier 2: Geographic and Language Requirements
- Non-US Status: Must be currently employed as a non-US journalist working outside of the United States.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in both written and spoken English is mandatory for all program activities and interviews.
Tier 3: Personal and Leadership Qualities
- Innate Qualities: The program seeks candidates who are innately curious, intelligent, and ambitious.
- Professional Ethic: Applicants should approach journalism with a deep sense of dedication and responsibility.
- Potential: Demonstration of a high potential for leadership within their country’s media landscape.
Benefits and Financial Support Provided
The WPI Fellowship is comprehensive, covering all major program-related expenses, ensuring fellows can focus solely on the immersive learning experience.
Tier 1: Transportation Coverage
- International Airfare: Roundtrip airfare to the United States is paid by WPI.
- Domestic Travel: All travel within the United States related to the WPI program itinerary is covered.
Tier 2: Lodging and Daily Expenses
- Accommodation: The World Press Institute provides comfortable accommodation for fellows throughout the duration of the immersive program.
- Food Allowance: Fellows receive a modest daily allowance to purchase food and beverages.
Note on Personal Expenses
Fellows are responsible for all personal expenses not directly related to the program, such as telephone calls, camera costs, postage, and clothing.
Application Procedure for the WPI Fellowship (Step by Step)
The application process is centralized and competitive, requiring thorough documentation of professional experience and English proficiency.
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify that you meet the minimum requirement of five years of full-time journalism experience and are a non-US journalist working outside the US.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including a CV detailing your professional experience, samples of published work, and evidence of English fluency.
- Complete Online Application: Access the WPI official application portal and fill out the detailed form, ensuring accurate and verifiable information regarding your employment history.
- Submit Before Deadline: Ensure all materials are submitted online before the official deadline.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the deadline for applications for the 2026 WPI Fellowship?
The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
2. How many journalists are selected annually for the WPI Fellowship?
WPI selects 10 professional international journalists for the program each year.
3. What is the minimum required work experience for applicants?
Applicants must have at least five years of full-time employment in print, broadcast, or online journalism.
4. Are supervisory journalists eligible for the program?
Yes, but only if they also possess at least five years of experience as a working journalist.
5. What are the key expenses covered by the WPI Fellowship?
WPI covers transportation (including roundtrip airfare and US travel), lodging, and a modest daily food allowance.
6. Where is the immersive program primarily conducted?
The program is conducted through a guided tour across major US cities, including DC, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco, among others.
7. Is the WPI Fellowship open to US residents?
No, applicants must be non-US journalists working outside of the United States and currently employed in journalism.
8. Is fluency in English required for the fellowship?
Yes, fluency in both written and spoken English is a mandatory requirement for participation.
9. What type of expenses are the fellows personally responsible for?
Fellows are responsible for personal expenses such as telephone, postage, camera costs, and clothing.
10. What is the primary focus of the WPI program’s learning objectives?
The program focuses on exploring the US media, culture, politics, and contemporary issues, including new media business models.
