Applications are currently open for the prestigious 2026 Al Jazeera Fellowship, inviting media professionals and academic researchers specializing in journalism to apply. This program offers an exceptional opportunity to craft a comprehensive 7,000-word research paper focused on selected journalistic fields. Successful candidates will gain valuable firsthand experience by integrating with the Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) team, collaborating directly with editors, journalists, and other key personnel aligned with their research themes.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is designed specifically for full-time journalists and researchers who possess a solid background in media studies or social sciences. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree.
- Employment as a full-time journalist or researcher (including freelancers), with a minimum of four years of professional experience relevant to journalism or media research.
- Demonstrated strong abilities in research and writing.
- Fluency in English, both spoken and written, especially a firm command of academic English writing.
It is important to note that the Al Jazeera Fellowship conducted in English is exclusively open to applicants from non-Arab countries. Candidates originating from Arab nations are encouraged to apply instead through the Arabic Fellowship Programme.
Programme Structure and Duration
This immersive fellowship spans a total of three months and is divided into two distinct phases:
- Phase 1 – Remote Work: During this initial stage, fellows are expected to prepare and submit a detailed research plan along with the introduction to their research paper. Completion of this phase is mandatory before advancing.
- Phase 2 – Onsite at AJMN Headquarters: Following the remote phase, fellows will relocate to Al Jazeera’s headquarters to continue their research and finalize their paper, culminating in the submission of the completed document.
Priority Research Focus Areas
Preference will be given to proposals that explore digital journalism within the Arab world, especially those that fall into one or more of the following thematic categories:
- Journalism and the Global South
- Digital Journalism
- Emerging Schools of Journalism
- Journalistic Ethics
- Media Institutions and Their Challenges
Application Essentials
To be considered, applicants must complete the online application form and upload the required documentation in PDF format, except where video, images, or other graphic formats are submitted as work samples. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Required materials include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A detailed Fellowship proposal outlining the title, research field, objectives, methodology, and an abstract.
- Three samples of previous work in English
- Two recommendation letters
Commitments for Selected Fellows
Those accepted into the Fellowship will be expected to:
- Produce and submit a research paper up to 7,000 words, adhering strictly to the guidelines provided by the Al Jazeera Media Institute (AJMI).
- Maintain accountability throughout the program by submitting monthly progress reports detailing work status and milestones.
- Engage actively within the Al Jazeera community, participating in discussions and collaborative activities.
Research Proposal Guidelines
The research proposal should be comprehensive, between 1,000 and 1,500 words, clearly demonstrating the relevance and significance of the project within the applicant’s field. It should establish the necessity of the research by identifying gaps in current scholarship and illustrating how the study will contribute new insights. The proposal must include:
- An introduction framing the topic, stating the research questions and objectives.
- Justification explaining why the subject is particularly important.
- A summary of the research methods and theoretical frameworks to be employed.
- Details on data collection, analysis, and interpretation strategies.
- Anticipation of potential challenges that may arise during the research process.
- Explanation of how the findings will benefit journalists and the broader journalistic community.
- A rationale for how placement at Al Jazeera’s headquarters will enhance the research outcomes.
Interested candidates are encouraged to Visit the Official Webpage of the Al Jazeera Fellowship for further details and to submit their applications before the deadline on December 4, 2025.
