Application Deadline: 11 February 2026
The Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) is inviting applications for its 2026 Climate Investigations Training Scholarship, designed specifically for early to mid-career journalists from the Global South. This opportunity seeks to empower 10 journalists with experience, equipping them with advanced investigative skills focused on climate issues to create more impactful and in-depth reporting.
About the Scholarship and Training Program
In January 2025, CIJ launched the Climate Investigations Course (CIC), a comprehensive training initiative that builds upon the foundation established by its Open Climate Reporting Initiative (OCRI). Through OCRI, the organization has coached over 700 journalists across 58 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, focusing on practical investigative journalism techniques.
Throughout 2025, the CIC held three successful sessions, training 210 journalists from across all continents including Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This made the course one of CIJ’s most in-demand programs, as it equips reporters with the crucial investigative skills necessary to tackle the climate crisis thoroughly.
Responding to the urgency of climate issues and with a commitment to supporting journalists from the Global South, CIJ awarded scholarships in 2025 to 14 journalists across 11 nations, all nominated by partner organizations involved with OCRI. These scholars participated either in the online CIC sessions or attended the CIJ Summer Conference in June, which featured the Climate Investigations Masterclass.
Of these scholarship recipients, six were able to attend the conference in London representing countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Peru, Nigeria, The Gambia, and India, while the remaining eight completed the full CIC training online.
What This Scholarship Offers
The 2026 edition of the Climate Investigations Training Scholarship will select 10 qualified journalists to participate in the spring run of the CIC, an online training program scheduled from 11 March to 7 May 2026. This course, valued at up to £2,638, will provide participants with essential tools and knowledge for conducting thorough investigative research on climate change.
Participants will learn techniques to uncover and reveal environmental malpractice, develop skills to gather and analyze data for accurate representations of climate impacts, and refine their ability to produce compelling stories that can influence policy, regulatory reforms, or business practices.
Training Structure and Commitment
The scholarship covers full participation in a 24.5-hour hands-on training program divided into four detailed modules:
- Climate Investigation Fundamentals
- Investigating Climate Finance
- Data-Driven Climate Investigations
- ECOSINT: Environmental and Climate Open Source Intelligence
The 10 selected scholarship winners will have complete access to all online course materials and sessions. This program is generously funded by the Quadrature Climate Foundation (QCF).
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The scholarship is open to early to mid-career journalists residing and working in the following regions:
- Africa
- Latin America – including South & Central America and Caribbean countries
- West Asia – encompassing Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Türkiye, UAE, and Yemen
- South Asia – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Applicants should be investigative journalists with some prior experience reporting on environmental or climate-related topics. Those without direct experience must demonstrate a strong interest in covering climate or environmental issues. Additionally, candidates must possess a good command of English, equivalent to an Advanced or Professional Working Proficiency, especially in reading, listening, and speaking.
A full commitment to attend all CIC course modules is mandatory for scholarship recipients.
Important Dates to Remember
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 12 January 2026 |
| Application Deadline (11:59 PM BST) |
11 February 2026 |
| Notification to Successful Applicants | 25 February 2026 |
| CIC Spring Training Start Date | 11 March 2026 |
| CIC Spring Training End Date | 7 May 2026 |
Those interested in this unique opportunity are encouraged to apply promptly. For full details and to submit an application, please Click Here To Apply.
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