EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Kenya Fully Funded Fellowship – Cycle Closed

The EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 fellowship was a fully funded program that enabled professional journalists from coastal countries to attend the international Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya, from June 16 to 18, 2026. This opportunity covered travel, accommodation, meals, local transport, visa expenses, and a stipend. The application deadline was April 7, 2026, and the program cycle is now closed. As of September 27, 2026, no new application cycle has been announced. Interested journalists should monitor the official EJN fellowship page for updates on future opportunities and prepare relevant materials in advance.

About the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 Fellowship

This fellowship was designed to support journalists specializing in ocean conservation journalism and ocean policy reporting fellowship. The program aimed to increase coverage of critical ocean issues such as marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, climate change, maritime security, and the sustainable blue economy. It offered a unique platform for international ocean conference fellowships, especially targeting journalists from coastal countries with demonstrated experience in these areas.

Key Features of the 2026 Fellowship

• Location: Mombasa, Kenya
• Conference Dates: June 16-18, 2026
• Fully funded: airfare, accommodation, meals, local transport, visa costs, stipend, and travel medical insurance
• Eligibility: professional journalists affiliated with media outlets, experienced in ocean-related issues
• Application Deadline: April 7, 2026 (closed)

Preparing for the Next Cycle

While no new cycle has been announced yet, journalists interested in future editions should focus on strengthening their expertise in ocean conservation journalism and building a strong portfolio of ocean policy reporting. Preparing a clear project proposal and securing letters of support from editors will be essential. Stay connected with Earth Journalism Network announcements and explore similar fellowships to broaden your opportunities.

Open Alternatives for Journalism Fellowships and Ocean Conservation Reporting

If you missed the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 fellowship, consider these alternatives to advance your career in environmental and ocean journalism:

• Earth Journalism Network (EJN) other fellowships: EJN offers various fully funded journalism fellowships focusing on environmental issues worldwide.
• International Reporting Project (IRP): Supports journalists reporting on global health and environmental topics.
• UNESCO Journalism Fellowships: Occasionally offer opportunities focusing on sustainable development and ocean conservation.
• Local and regional environmental journalism grants: Many NGOs and foundations provide funding for ocean and environmental reporting projects.

Tuition and Costs for Ocean and Environmental Journalism Training

While the EJN Our Ocean Conference fellowship was fully funded, many ocean journalism training programs and master’s degrees in environmental journalism require tuition fees. Costs vary widely by country and institution. Prospective applicants should research tuition and living costs carefully and consider scholarships or assistantships to fund their studies. For example, environmental journalism master’s programs in the US or Europe often range from $10,000 to $40,000 per year in tuition alone.

Funding Options for International Journalism Students

Funding opportunities for journalism students and fellows include:

• Scholarships and grants: Offered by universities, NGOs, and media organizations specializing in environmental journalism.
• Education loans: Some banks and financial institutions provide loans tailored for international students pursuing journalism degrees.
• Employer sponsorship: Media houses may sponsor journalists for training or fellowships related to ocean conservation journalism.
• Assistantships and internships: Many academic programs offer teaching or research assistantships that help cover tuition and living expenses.

FAQ

Is the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 fellowship still accepting applications?

No, the application deadline was April 7, 2026, and the program cycle is now closed.

When will the next Our Ocean Conference fellowship open?

No official announcement has been made yet. Interested journalists should monitor the EJN fellowship page for updates.

What does the fellowship cover?

The fellowship was fully funded, covering airfare, accommodation, meals, local transport, visa costs, stipend, and travel medical insurance.

Who is eligible for the fellowship?

Professional journalists from coastal countries with experience reporting on ocean issues were eligible.

How can I fund my studies in ocean journalism?

Funding options include scholarships, education loans, employer sponsorship, and assistantships. Research specific programs and organizations for available support.

What is the difference between an MBA and a master’s in environmental journalism?

An MBA focuses on business and management skills, while a master’s in environmental journalism specializes in reporting and communication on environmental topics.

Although the EJN Our Ocean Conference 2026 fellowship cycle is closed, it remains a benchmark opportunity for journalists interested in ocean conservation journalism. Preparing now for future cycles or similar fellowships can enhance your chances of success in this competitive field.