Jefferson Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Study Tour to USA, Japan & South Korea (Closed)

Note: The application deadline for the Jefferson Fellowship 2026 has passed, and the program is now closed. The Jefferson Fellowship, organized by the East-West Center, was a fully funded program for experienced journalists to participate in a three-week study tour across the United States, Japan, and South Korea from October 25 to November 12, 2026. The next cycle is expected to open in early 2027, with applications likely due in March 2027. Journalists interested in applying should prepare their materials in advance and monitor the official East-West Center website for updates.

About the Jefferson Fellowship 2026

The Jefferson Fellowship was designed for full-time journalists with at least five years of professional experience, primarily from the Indo-Pacific region and the United States. The program offered an immersive study tour to explore cultural, social, and economic trends in the Indo-Pacific, with a special emphasis on new frontiers in artificial intelligence and its impact on societies and economic security.

Program Highlights

• Three-week study tour visiting Honolulu, Tokyo, and Seoul
• Focus on AI’s societal and economic impacts in the Asia-Pacific region
• Fully funded including airfare, accommodation, meals, and ground transportation
• Mandatory program fee of USD 900 to cover additional expenses
• Opportunities for professional networking and cultural exchange

Funding and Financial Details

The Jefferson Fellowship 2026 was a fully funded journalism fellowship covering major expenses:

• Round-trip airfare to all program destinations
• Accommodation for the entire three-week duration
• Most meals and a meal allowance
• Ground transportation including airport transfers
• Participation in cultural activities and organized meetings
• Interpretation services during events

Note: Fellows were required to pay a mandatory program fee of USD 900 to cover costs not included in the funding.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

• Full-time journalists working in print, broadcast, or online media
• Minimum five years of professional journalism experience
• Citizenship in one of the eligible Indo-Pacific countries or the United States
• Proficiency in English for professional communication
• Commitment to produce journalistic content during and after the fellowship

Applicants needed to submit a completed application form, a letter of interest, a résumé or CV, an employer’s statement of support, and professional letters of recommendation.

Next Steps and Preparing for Jefferson Fellowship 2027

Although the 2026 cycle is closed, interested journalists should begin preparing their applications for the anticipated 2027 fellowship. Key preparation steps include:

• Gathering professional references and employer support letters
• Updating résumés and portfolios
• Researching the fellowship theme and recent developments in AI and Indo-Pacific affairs
• Monitoring the East-West Center official website for application opening announcements

Alternative Fellowships and Study Tours for Journalists

If you are looking for similar opportunities while waiting for the next Jefferson Fellowship cycle, consider these alternatives:

• Asia-Pacific Journalism Fellowships: Various organizations offer fellowships focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, often including study tours or research grants.
• AI and Technology Journalism Programs: Fellowships and workshops that concentrate on emerging technologies and their societal impacts.
• International Reporting Fellowships: Programs by media foundations and universities that support journalists reporting internationally.

Check professional journalism associations and media foundations for the latest fellowship announcements.

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The Jefferson Fellowship was an excellent opportunity to expand professional networks and gain insights into critical regional issues, especially in the evolving AI landscape. Journalists passionate about Indo-Pacific reporting should prepare early for the next cycle and explore other fellowships to enhance their careers.