The Singapore Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded eight-week hybrid program for mid-career journalists across Asia, hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) at the National University of Singapore and funded by Temasek Foundation. Running from 6 July to 28 August 2026 – combining four weeks of online sessions with four weeks in Singapore — the fellowship covers round-trip airfare, visa costs, accommodation, a S$900 stipend, airport transfers, and full access to NUS resources. No application fee is required. The deadline is 20 May 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded Mid-Career Journalism Fellowship |
| Organising Body | Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), National University of Singapore, funded by Temasek Foundation |
| Mode | Hybrid (4 weeks online + 4 weeks in Singapore) |
| Duration | 8 Weeks |
| Program Dates | 6 July – 28 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 20 May 2026 |
About the Program
The Singapore Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious mid-career professional development program that has brought together outstanding journalists from across Asia since its launch in 2009, building a formidable regional network of media professionals committed to rigorous, informed journalism on Asia’s most pressing challenges. Administered by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore and fully funded by Temasek Foundation, the fellowship combines structured academic and professional programming with peer learning across diverse Asian media contexts. Consequently, selected fellows engage in journalism workshops, expert seminars, institution visits across Singapore, and collaborative discussions that sharpen both their professional skills and their understanding of the complex political, economic, and social dynamics shaping the region. Furthermore, the fellowship’s hybrid structure — splitting equally between online and in-person components — enables journalists from across Asia to participate effectively before deepening their engagement through four immersive weeks in one of the world’s most connected and analytically rigorous city-states.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must be comfortable in both spoken and written English at a professional level
- Educational certificates are required as part of the application; no specific degree level is mandated beyond demonstrated professional journalism credentials
- Open to journalists currently living and working in Asia
Experience & Other Conditions
- Must have at least five years of professional journalism experience
- Must be currently working full-time as a journalist in Asia; freelance journalists may also apply if journalism constitutes their primary source of income
- Must be available for the full eight-week fellowship from 6 July to 28 August 2026 — both online and in-person components
- Employed journalists must obtain a letter of support from their employer before applying
Benefits & Funding
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Return Airfare | Round-trip international flights fully covered |
| Visa Costs | Visa fees covered for all selected fellows |
| Seat Selection & Baggage | Seat selection and baggage fees included |
| Accommodation | Provided for the four-week in-person Singapore component |
| Stipend | S$900 for the fellowship duration |
| Local Airport Transfer | Covered upon arrival and departure in Singapore |
| NUS Resources | Full access to National University of Singapore facilities and resources |
| Professional Training | Journalism workshops and professional development sessions included |
Topics / Themes Covered
- Journalism workshops focusing on professional skills development and contemporary reporting practices
- Seminars and expert discussions on regional challenges, geopolitics, and Asian affairs
- Field visits to institutions, organisations, and key sites across Singapore
- Peer-learning activities and cross-cultural exchange among Asian media professionals
- Independent learning and professional growth projects tailored to each fellow’s journalistic background
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official Asia Journalism Fellowship portal at ajf.sg before 20 May 2026
- Evaluation based on journalism experience, work samples, personal statement, recommendation letters, and short video clip
- Employed applicants must include an employer support letter confirming availability for the full eight-week program
- Results announced in mid-June 2026
How to Apply
- Visit the official Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026 application portal at Click Here.
- Complete the online application form with your personal, professional, and journalistic background details.
- Write a 500-word personal statement articulating your journalism experience, professional goals, and motivation for joining the fellowship.
- Prepare three to five work samples that best represent your journalistic output and expertise.
- Obtain three recommendation letters and, if employed, a letter of support from your employer confirming your availability for the full eight-week program.
- Record and attach a short video clip as required by the application.
- Upload your educational certificates and submit your complete application before the 20 May 2026 deadline; no application fee is required.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Required Documents
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Completed online application form |
| Employer Support Letter | Required if currently employed (confirming availability for the full 8 weeks) |
| Recommendation Letters | Three letters from professional or academic referees |
| Work Samples | Three to five representative published or broadcast journalistic pieces |
| Personal Statement | 500 words articulating motivation and professional goals |
| Short Video Clip | Brief video as specified in the application guidelines |
| Educational Certificates | Copies of relevant academic qualifications |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 20 May 2026 |
| Results Announcement | Mid-June 2026 |
| Program Start | 6 July 2026 |
| Program End | 28 August 2026 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Singapore Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026?
Mid-career journalists with at least five years of professional experience currently working full-time in Asia are eligible; freelance journalists for whom journalism is their primary income source may also apply, provided they are available for the full eight-week program.
What does the Singapore Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026 cover financially?
The fellowship covers round-trip airfare, visa costs, seat selection and baggage fees, accommodation in Singapore, a S$900 stipend, local airport transfers, and full access to NUS resources and professional training workshops.
What is the format of the Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026?
The program is hybrid — the first four weeks are conducted online, followed by four weeks of in-person engagement in Singapore, combining workshops, seminars, institutional visits, and peer learning from 6 July to 28 August 2026.
Is an employer support letter required for the Singapore Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026?
Yes – employed journalists must obtain a letter of support from their employer confirming their availability for the full eight-week fellowship; freelance applicants are also eligible but must demonstrate that journalism is their primary source of income.
When are results announced for the Singapore Asia Journalism Fellowship 2026?
Selected fellows are notified in mid-June 2026, following the 20 May 2026 application deadline; the full eight-week program then begins on 6 July 2026.