2025 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship: Fully Funded Opportunity For Women Journalists.

Introduction to the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship

The 2025 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship for Women Journalists is now accepting applications, offering a unique blend of academic and professional opportunities aimed at enhancing the reporting capabilities of women and nonbinary journalists committed to human rights and social justice issues. Established in memory of the esteemed journalist Elizabeth Neuffer, who tragically lost her life while reporting in Iraq in 2003, this fellowship stands as a testament to her legacy and dedication to these vital causes.

Open to women and nonbinary journalists worldwide, the fellowship requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in journalism, whether in print, broadcast, or digital media, as either a staff member or a freelancer. While applicants from all nationalities are encouraged to apply, proficiency in English is essential for effective participation in the program. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate excellent written and verbal skills to fully engage in and benefit from the fellowship’s offerings.

Selected fellows will embark on a transformative journey, delving into research and coursework at the prestigious MIT Center for International Studies, supplemented by journalism internships at renowned institutions such as The Boston Globe and The New York Times. This unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience allows fellows to refine their reporting skills while exploring pressing issues in the realms of human rights and social justice.

The fellowship’s flexible structure

The fellowship’s flexible structure enables participants to tailor their experience to their individual interests and goals, whether through in-depth academic research or hands-on reporting assignments. Past fellows have seized the opportunity to publish their work under their byline, further amplifying their voices and contributing to meaningful dialogue on critical global issues.

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following

As the call for applications commences for the 2025 Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship, budding journalists are urged to seize this opportunity to propel their careers forward, honor Elizabeth Neuffer’s enduring legacy, and effect profound change in the world through fearless and impactful storytelling.

The Neuffer Fellowship warmly welcomes women, nonbinary individuals, and those who identify as gender-nonconforming, whose journalistic endeavors center on human rights and social justice issues. To be eligible, applicants must boast a minimum of three years of full-time, professional journalism experience. Notably, internships and journalism-related roles undertaken during university studies are not considered as professional experience. Both staff and freelance journalists are encouraged to apply.

Journalists from any corner of the globe are invited to submit their applications.

However, fluency in English speaking, reading, and writing is essential to fully engage in and derive benefits from the Fellowship program.

Benefits

Neuffer Fellows are provided with a fixed monthly stipend to meet their living expenses.
Housing in both Cambridge and New York City is arranged and covered by the IWMF for the fellow.
The IWMF handles the purchase of round-trip economy airfare from the fellow’s place of residence to the United States, as well as transportation between the Fellowship cities.

Health insurance is provided to the fellow during the program.
The Fellowship does not offer a salary. Additionally, for fellows residing outside the United States, the Fellowship also covers the expenses associated with applying for and obtaining a U.S. visa.
Any additional incidental expenses and other costs are the full responsibility of the fellow.