Opportunities Circle is back with another amazing chance for journalists worldwide! The IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026 in the USA is a great opportunity for women and non-binary journalists from any country to gain valuable experience. This fellowship, organized by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), is a life-changing program focused on human rights and social justice.
The Neuffer Fellowship allows journalists to conduct academic research while improving their reporting skills. Past fellows have also published their work in well-known media outlets. This fellowship runs for six months, starting in February 2026 and ending in July 2026. If you want to study in the USA, make sure to apply for this prestigious international fellowship by IWMF.
Fully Funded Fellowship Benefits
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program that includes a fixed monthly stipend to cover living expenses. IWMF also covers round-trip economy airfare, local transportation, and housing costs. Fellows don’t need to worry about financial burdens.
Selected fellows will spend four months (February–May) at the Center for International Studies at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Here, they will work with IWMF to conduct research and enhance their reporting on human rights and social justice. After that, from June to July, fellows will move to New York City for a full-time internship at The New York Times.
What to Expect During the Fellowship
Throughout the fellowship, participants will:
✔ Audit courses at MIT and nearby universities like Harvard
✔ Attend seminars and events
✔ Conduct independent research
✔ Gain hands-on experience in top newsrooms
This program is also a tribute to Elizabeth Neuffer, a journalist from The Boston Globe who lost her life while reporting in Iraq in 2003. The fellowship honors her legacy and commitment to journalism.
IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026 – Details
- Duration: 6 Months
- Location: USA
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: April 20, 2025
Who Can Apply?
Are you interested in a journalism fellowship in the USA? Before applying, check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria:
✔ Open to women and non-binary journalists covering human rights and social justice topics
✔ Applicants can be from any country worldwide
✔ Must have at least three years of full-time journalism experience
✔ Journalism work done during university studies does not count as professional experience
✔ Fellows must complete the full six-month program, including:
- 4 months at MIT (February–May 2026)
- 2 months at The New York Times (June–July 2026)
✔ Fluent English skills (reading, writing, speaking) are required
What Are the Benefits?
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026 offers several benefits to fellows, including:
✔ Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
✔ Free housing in Cambridge (MIT) and New York City
✔ Fully covered round-trip airfare to the USA
✔ Transportation expenses between fellowship locations
✔ Health insurance for the duration of the fellowship
✔ Visa application and processing costs for fellows outside the USA
✔ Opportunity to audit courses at MIT and other universities
✔ Internship at The New York Times, gaining real-world experience
This is a fantastic opportunity for journalists to study and work in the USA.
Application Requirements
To apply for the 2026 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship, you need to submit the following documents:
✔ Resume (CV)
✔ Statement of Interest
✔ Fellowship Goals
✔ Short Biography
✔ Two Letters of Recommendation
✔ Two Work Samples (related to human rights or social justice)
How to Apply?
Follow these steps to apply for the 2026 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship in the USA:
1️⃣ Visit the official IWMF website (or click the “Apply Now” button).
2️⃣ Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have all required documents.
3️⃣ Submit your application via the IWMF Fellowship platform (Submittable).
4️⃣ Complete all sections carefully, including the Statement of Interest and Goals.
✔ Candidate selection will take place in June 2025.
✔ The fellowship will run from February 2026 to July 2026.
Application Deadline
⏳ Deadline to Apply: April 20, 2025