Jefferson Fellowship 2026 in USA, Japan, South Korea | Fully Funded

The Jefferson Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a fully funded international program for emerging leaders and professionals. This unique fellowship provides an immersive three-week reporting and study tour across Honolulu, USA, Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea.

Running from October 25 to November 12, 2026, the Jefferson Fellowship 2026 allows participants to explore cultures, issues, and trends in the Indo-Pacific region. All expenses including transport, international travel, food, accommodation, ground transport, and program activities are fully covered, giving participants a hands-on global

Benefits

The Program Covers:

• Airfare Tickets to all destinations.
• Accommodation
• Most meals and a Meal Allowance
• Ground Transportation
• Airport Transfers
• Cultural Activities
• Interpretation services
• Organized meetings and visits

Note: All Fellows must pay a USD$900.00 program fee to cover costs not provided by the scholarship funds.

Eligibility Criteria

• The Fellowship is open to the Nationals of the Pacific Region and United States Citizens.
• Print, broadcast, or online journalist working in the Indo-Pacific region, including the United States.
• This program is for full-time journalists only.
• At least 5 years of professional journalism experience.
• Ability to communicate in English in a professional setting.
• Strongly encouraged to generate content during and after the program in the form of formal print and broadcast stories, blogs, and social media communications.

Required Documents

• 2025 Jefferson Fellowships Application Form
• Letter of interest
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Employer’s statement of support
• Letters of recommendation

Program Theme

• Theme: New Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating AI’s Impacts on Societies and Economic Security in the Asia-Pacific Region.

This year’s Jefferson Fellowships will explore the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in the region.

Eligible Countries

The Fellowship is open to the Citizens of:

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, United States, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

How to Apply?

• Check the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you qualify for the fellowship.
• Prepare your personal statement explaining your interest in the Jefferson Fellowship and how it aligns with your professional goals.
• Update your CV or résumé highlighting relevant experience and achievements.
• Gather required recommendation letters from professors, supervisors, or professional mentors.
• Complete the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and professional details.
• Upload all supporting documents, including transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
• Review your application thoroughly to avoid missing details or errors.
• Submit your application before the deadline to be considered for selection.
• Keep track of any confirmation emails or notifications after submission for updates.
• Wait for the review process and further instructions if shortlisted for interviews or selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Jefferson Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded three-week reporting tour for experienced journalists. Fellows explore AI impacts in Honolulu, Tokyo, and Seoul while submitting papers, presenting findings, and networking across the Indo-Pacific.