The Al Jazeera Media Institute (AJMI) offers highly competitive fellowship programs designed to strengthen journalism across the Arab region and the Global South. These fully funded fellowships support journalists, researchers, and media scholars to advance innovative media research, explore new forms of storytelling, and gain direct professional experience within the Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN)—one of the most influential media organizations in the world.

Through practical newsroom immersion and rigorous academic research, the AJMI fellowships empower media practitioners committed to advancing ethical, independent, and impactful journalism.

Programme Overview

The fellowships aim to contribute to global efforts that promote high-quality journalism, ethical media practices, and media innovation. Fellows participate in hands-on learning, academic writing, and professional engagement inside Al Jazeera’s newsroom environment in Doha.

Programme Objectives

• Advance journalism excellence in the Global South

• Support journalists adapting to modern and emerging media technologies

• Strengthen media research and innovation

• Provide in-depth exposure to Al Jazeera’s editorial culture and standards

• Promote ethical, credible, and responsible journalism globally

Available Fellowship Programmes

1. Al Jazeera Fellowship (3-Month Research and Professional Programme)

Designed for full-time journalists, media researchers, and scholars (including freelancers), this fellowship blends academic research with practical professional development.

What Fellows Receive

• Immersion within AJMN’s editorial and research environment

• Direct engagement with Al Jazeera journalists, editors, and newsroom experts

• Supervision and mentorship to complete a 7,000-word original research paper

• Access to newsroom activities, editorial discussions, and industry insights

Duration and Structure

Priority Research Themes

• Journalism and the Global South

• Digital journalism and media technology

• New media schools and emerging journalism methods

• Media ethics and responsible reporting

• Media institutions, business models, and digital transformation

2. Visiting Journalist Fellowship (Practice-Focused Programme)

A newsroom-focused fellowship for practicing journalists seeking real-time editorial experience at Al Jazeera.

Note: This programme will open at a later date.

Eligibility Criteria (Al Jazeera Fellowship)

Applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree

• Be a full-time journalist or researcher (freelance or employed)

• Have a minimum of four years of professional experience

• Demonstrate strong research and writing ability

• Be fluent in English

• Be from a non-Arabic-speaking country (Arabic speakers apply to the Arabic programme)

Application Requirements

Submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Research proposal (title, field, objectives, methodology, abstract)

• Three English writing samples

• Two letters of recommendation

Research Proposal Guidance

Length: 1,000 – 1,500 words

Your proposal must include:

• Topic introduction and research questions

• Significance and relevance of topic

• Methodology and theoretical framework

• Data collection and analysis methods

• Anticipated research challenges

• Expected contribution to journalism knowledge

• Clear explanation of how access to Al Jazeera supports the research

Proposals must be original. Plagiarism results in automatic disqualification.

Fellow Obligations

Selected fellows must:

• Produce a 7,000-word research paper

• Submit monthly progress reports

• Participate fully in AJMN professional and editorial engagements

Application Timeline

Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit the online application and upload all required documents through the AJMI fellowship application portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can freelance journalists apply?
Yes, provided they are currently working in journalism and meet all eligibility criteria.

Do applicants need to speak Arabic?
Non-Arabic speakers must be fluent in English.
Arabic speakers should apply to the Arabic fellowship track.

Can I apply if I meet most but not all requirements?
No. Applicants must satisfy all eligibility criteria.

Can I apply throughout the year?
No. Applications open once annually.

Can I work while participating?
Yes, as long as fellowship responsibilities and deadlines are fully met.

How long is the programme?
Three months.

Which topics receive priority?
Digital journalism, Global South media studies, media innovation, ethics, and institutional media transformation.

Why Apply to the Al Jazeera Fellowship

This fellowship is ideal for media professionals who aim to:

• Conduct meaningful journalism and media research

• Strengthen academic and professional credentials

• Gain direct access to one of the world’s top media institutions

• Build global professional networks

• Contribute to the future of independent journalism in the Global South

For more information or to apply, visit the AJ website and complete the application form.