What is the New York Times Fellowship 2026?

The New York Times Fellowship 2026 is a paid, full-time, one-year journalism program in the USA and UK for early-career reporters, editors, and visual journalists. It offers hands-on newsroom experience at one of the world's leading media organizations.

Is the New York Times Fellowship 2026 paid?

Yes, the New York Times Fellowship is a fully paid program. Fellows receive a full-time salary (around $82,415 per year) along with benefits during the one-year fellowship.

Who is eligible for the New York Times Fellowship 2026?

The fellowship is open to early-career journalists with less than five years of full-time professional experience. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States or the United Kingdom, as visa sponsorship is not provided.

Where does the New York Times Fellowship take place?

The fellowship is offered in multiple New York Times offices across the USA and UK — including New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and London.

When is the application deadline for the New York Times Fellowship 2026?

The exact deadline for the 2026 cycle will be announced soon, but previous deadlines (for the 2025-26 cohort) were around early December. Applicants should check the official New York Times Careers page for updated information.

Does the New York Times Fellowship offer visa sponsorship?

No, the fellowship does not provide visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have valid work authorization in the country where they wish to be placed.

How can I apply for the New York Times Fellowship 2026?

Applicants must submit their resume, cover letter, and work samples through the official New York Times Careers website. They should clearly indicate the department (reporting, video, visuals, etc.) they are applying to.

Does completing the fellowship guarantee a permanent job?

No, completion of the fellowship does not guarantee a full-time position at The New York Times. However, many fellows go on to secure newsroom roles or other major journalism opportunities afterward.

New York Times Fellowship 2026: Your Guide to a Paid Journalism Opportunity in the USA & UK

New York Times Fellowship 2026

New York Times Fellowship 2026:

Your Guide to a Paid Journalism

Opportunity in the USA & UK

What is the New York Times

Fellowship?

The New York Times Fellowship is a year-long,

full-time paid programme designed for early-

career journalists. The fellowship offers hands-

on experience in a top newsroom (USA or UK)

across areas such as reporting, editing, visual

journalism, audience, opinion, graphics, video

and more. (Opportunities Circle)

Typically the fellowship begins around June

and runs for one year (e.g., June 2025–May

2026) though you should check the exact cycle.

(fundsformedia.fundsforngos.org)

Key Facts & Benefits

Paid Salary & Benefits

The fellowship is paid, full-time, and comes with benefits. (After School Africa)
A reference figure: around US $82,415 base salary quoted for recent cycle. (Creative Writing News)

Duration & Locations

Duration: One year. (Scholarship Region)
Location: USA (New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco) and UK (London) offices of The New York Times. (After School Africa)

What You’ll Do

Fellows will perform many of the tasks full-

time journalists do: breaking news coverage,

enterprise reporting, visual storytelling, video,

audience work, opinion editing, etc. (OYA

Opportunities)

You will receive mentorship, training, feedback

from newsroom editors and may work in-

office/hybrid. (Creative Writing News)

Who Is Eligible & Application

Criteria

Eligibility

Open to early-career journalists / recent graduates with some experience. (Creative Writing News)
Applicants must have authorization to work in the USA (for USA placements) or the UK (for London placements). No new visa sponsorship is provided. (Scholarship Region)
Generally, candidates with more than ~5 years of full-time professional journalism experience may not be considered. (Creative Writing News)

How to Apply

Prepare application materials: resume/CV, cover letter, published clips (often full-text, not just links). (Creative Writing News)
Choose the track/department (reporting, video, audience, opinion, visuals etc) that fits your strength. (Opportunities Circle)
Submit your application via the official portal before the deadline (example: December 2 at 5 p.m. ET for 2025-26 cycle) . (After School Africa)

2026 Cycle – What You Should

Know

While the official title says “2026”, the application windows often open in late 2025 for the starting year (e.g., applications open in fall, programme begins June in the following year). (IYES FOUNDATION)
For example, the deadline for the 2025-26 cohort was listed as December 2, 2024. (Opportunities Circle)
For 2026 selection, track announcements from The New York Times careers site.

How to Maximize Your Chances

Build a Strong Portfolio

Show multiple published clips (writing,

multimedia) that demonstrate clarity, impact,

strong storytelling, accountability and

originality. (Greenhouse)

Highlight work that shows you’ve covered

meaningful issues, can meet deadlines and tell

stories for diverse audiences.

New York Times Fellowship 2026

Tailor Your Cover Letter

Explain why you want to join the Times

newsroom, what you bring (skills, experience)

and how you fit the department you’re

applying to (reporting, video, audience, etc).

Show passion for journalism, ethics, truth-

seeking.

Check Logistics Early

Since the programme requires work-

authorization in the country of placement (USA

or UK), ensure you either already have it or

qualify under your current status. No new

sponsorship means you'll need to manage this.

(After School Africa)

Also plan relocation (housing, cost of living), as

many fellows are responsible for their own

accommodation. (After School Africa)

Related Opportunities

If you’re exploring fellowships and

programmes similar to this, check out:

Resources

Official Fellowship page at The New York Times (careers) – check for the newsroom/Opinion Fellowship listings.
Opportunities & detailed guideline articles like those at Scholarship Region and Funds for Media for application tips. (Scholarship Region)FAQs