The 2026 East-West Center Jefferson Fellowship application cycle is closed. The next fellowship round is expected to open in early 2027. Journalists can use the current period to prepare, but should wait for the East-West Center to publish the new 2027 theme, destinations, eligibility details and application deadline.
East-West Center Jefferson Fellowships
The Jefferson Fellowships bring together working journalists for an intensive reporting, study and professional-exchange programme focused on important issues affecting the Indo-Pacific.
Fellows participate in expert briefings, site visits, interviews and peer exchange designed to strengthen public-interest journalism and regional understanding.
2026 Programme — Reference for Future Applicants
The East-West Center’s 2026 fellowship focused on “New Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating AI’s Impact on Societies and Economic Security in the Asia-Pacific Region.”
| 2026 application deadline | 10 March 2026 — closed |
|---|---|
| 2026 programme dates | 25 October–12 November 2026 |
| 2026 destinations | Honolulu, Tokyo and Seoul |
| 2026 applicant group | Working journalists from the United States, Asia and Pacific |
Who Should Prepare for the Next Round?
The Jefferson Fellowships are designed for professional journalists rather than academic researchers. Based on the established programme model, prospective applicants should be active journalists with substantial reporting experience and a clear interest in Indo-Pacific issues.
Strong applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- a current professional journalism role or active freelance journalism practice;
- a strong record of reporting and published work;
- ability to participate fully in an intensive international reporting programme;
- clear story ideas related to the fellowship theme; and
- capacity to use the fellowship experience in subsequent public-interest reporting.
What the Fellowship Typically Provides
Jefferson Fellows participate in a structured multi-location reporting and study programme involving expert briefings, institutional visits, professional exchange and collaborative learning.
Funding and participant contributions can vary by year and by regional nomination route. Applicants should rely on the new 2027 call for the final scholarship coverage, travel support, programme fee and insurance requirements.
How to Prepare for the 2027 Application
- Update a concise journalism CV emphasizing current reporting responsibilities and major stories.
- Select several strong work samples demonstrating depth, accuracy and public impact.
- Prepare a short statement explaining your Indo-Pacific reporting interests.
- Identify possible professional referees and, if employed, be ready to obtain employer support.
- Monitor the East-West Center’s Jefferson Fellowship page from early 2027.
- Use only the new 2027 application instructions once released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jefferson Fellowship applications open now?
No. The 2026 application cycle closed on 10 March 2026.
When is the next Jefferson Fellowship round expected?
A regional programme partner states that the next round will open in early 2027. The East-West Center has not yet published the final 2027 deadline.
Who is the fellowship intended for?
The programme is intended for working journalists participating in an intensive Indo-Pacific reporting and professional-exchange experience.
Should I use the 2026 application form for 2027?
No. Applicants should wait for the East-West Center to release the new 2027 call and use the current application instructions.
Official Programme Source
| 2026 applications | Closed |
|---|---|
| 2026 programme | 25 October–12 November 2026 |
| Next application round | Expected early 2027; final date not yet published |
| Last verified | 20 September 2026 |
