The 2026 Jefferson Fellowships is now open for applications, offering a prestigious three-week funded reporting and study tour across the Indo-Pacific region. Organized by the East-West Center, this competitive journalism fellowship focuses on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on societies and economic security in the Asia-Pacific region. This fully immersive program will take selected fellows to Honolulu (USA), Tokyo (Japan), and Seoul (South Korea) from October 25 to November 12, 2026. The fellowship is designed exclusively for full-time journalists with at least five years of experience who want to deepen public understanding of AI trends shaping the Indo-Pacific. If you are a journalist covering technology, economy, geopolitics, public policy, or social transformation, this is one of the most competitive and impactful journalism fellowships of 2026.
Jefferson Fellowships 2026 – Program Overview
- Host Organization: East-West Center
- Fellowship Name: 2026 Jefferson Fellowships
- Program Dates: October 25 – November 12, 2026
- Destinations: Honolulu (USA), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea)
- Duration: 3 Weeks
- Eligible Applicants: Full-time journalists from the Indo-Pacific (including the United States)
- Application Deadline: March 10, 2026
- Scholarship Type: Full and Partial Scholarships Available
Fellowship Theme: AI and Economic Security in the Indo-Pacific
The 2026 Jefferson AI Fellowships will explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the Indo-Pacific region.
AI is projected to inject nearly $1 trillion in economic gains across Asia over the next decade and potentially raise regional GDP growth by approximately 2 percent annually. It is reshaping:
- Public administration
- Healthcare systems
- Disaster preparedness
- Manufacturing and chip production
- Agriculture and AI-driven farms
- Financial systems
However, AI also presents serious challenges:
- Automation-driven job displacement
- Data privacy and surveillance concerns
- Ethical implications of AI
- Growing digital divide between advanced and developing economies
- Impacts on indigenous communities and natural resources
During the fellowship, journalists will meet experts, policymakers, researchers, NGO leaders, and business innovators. Fellows will visit AI labs, manufacturing facilities, chip makers, schools, and healthcare institutions to gain firsthand insights into how AI is shaping the future of the Asia-Pacific.
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Participating Countries (Indo-Pacific Region)
The Indo-Pacific region for this fellowship includes:
United States, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and many other Pacific nations.
Eligibility Criteria for Jefferson Fellowships 2026
To apply, you must:
- Be a full-time journalist
- Be working in the Indo-Pacific region (including the United States)
- Have at least 5 years of professional journalism experience
- Demonstrate professional fluency in English
- Clearly articulate how the AI theme connects to your coverage area
- Show commitment to producing content during and after the program
Preference is given to applicants who:
- Present strong story ideas related to AI
- Demonstrate impact potential for their audiences
- Show employer support (if not freelance)
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Application Process (Step-by-Step)
To apply for the 2026 East-West Center Jefferson Fellowships:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal and Access the Jefferson Fellowships 2026 application page via the East-West Center website.
Click Here to Visit the Jefferson International Journalism Fellowship 2026
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents for Asia-Pacific media Jefferson Fellowships program
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Letter of interest (max 3 pages, double-spaced) including:
- Description of your media organization and role
- Specific AI story ideas
- Relevance of the theme to your audience
- Proposed topic for required fellowship paper and presentation
- CV or Résumé (max 2 pages)
- Employer’s statement of support (not required for freelancers)
- Two professional references with recommendation letters
Step 3: Submit the Fellowship application for funded journalism study tour Before Deadline
Click Here to Apply for the 2026 Jefferson Fellowships
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Funding & Financial Coverage
The Jefferson Fellowships 2026 is funded primarily by the Freeman Foundation, with additional support from partners and donors across the Indo-Pacific.
Each year, 10–12 journalists receive full or partial scholarships, including:
- Roundtrip international airfare
- Travel between Honolulu, Tokyo, and Seoul
- Lodging in all host cities
- Program meals
- Modest per diem
- Ground transportation and airport transfers
- Cultural activities and networking events
- Interpretation services
- Professional program coordination and expert access
Participant Contribution
All selected Fellows must pay a USD $900 program fee.
Participants are responsible for:
- Visa fees
- Health insurance
- Baggage fees
Media organizations are strongly encouraged to cost-share travel or program expenses, which positively influences selection decisions.
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The 2026 Jefferson Fellowships offers a rare opportunity for experienced journalists to explore Artificial Intelligence’s economic and social impact across the Indo-Pacific through an intensive reporting and study tour in the USA, Japan, and South Korea. If you are committed to producing high-impact journalism on AI, economic security, and regional transformation, this fellowship can significantly elevate your professional reach and influence.
Click Here to Explore the Official Call for 2026 Jefferson Fellowships
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Jefferson Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. Selected fellows receive airfare, accommodation, most meals, ground transportation, and program access. However, a USD $900 program fee applies.
Who can apply?
Full-time journalists with at least five years of experience working in the Indo-Pacific region, including the United States.
Do freelancers qualify?
Yes. Freelance journalists may apply. Employer support letters are not required for freelancers.
What is the deadline for Jefferson Fellowships 2026?
March 10, 2026.
Is this open to journalists outside the Indo-Pacific?
No. Applicants must be based in the Indo-Pacific region as defined by the program.
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