The Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity in the UK for individuals passionate about journalism, technology, and public interest reporting. Hosted by openDemocracy, this 12-month fellowship is designed for aspiring and early-career journalists, as well as professionals from research, technology, law, and public policy backgrounds who want to transition into journalism.
Fellows will be based within openDemocracy’s UK bureau and will receive expert editorial mentorship from Tech Policy Press editors located across Europe and the US. Throughout the program, participants will publish impactful work on both platforms, gaining international exposure and building a strong professional portfolio. The fellowship offers an ideal pathway for those seeking hands-on reporting experience, global visibility, and career growth in tech and democracy-focused journalism.
About the Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026
During the fellowship year, selected candidates will actively contribute to high-quality journalism by producing at least one reported analysis and one in-depth feature article every month. Fellows may also work on fast-developing breaking news stories, participate in podcasts, engage in press appearances, and collaborate with editors on long-term investigative projects.
To support fellows during their stay in the UK, the program provides a fully funded annual stipend of £30,000, paid monthly. This funding allows participants to focus entirely on their reporting while gaining invaluable international experience and mentorship.
Fellowship Summary
- Country: UK
- Host Organization: openDemocracy
- Duration: 12 months
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 10 January 2026
Benefits of the Tech Reporting Fellowship
- Mentorship from Tech Policy Press editors based in Europe and the US
- Opportunity to live and work in the UK for 12 months
- £30,000 annual stipend (paid monthly)
- Regular publication of work on openDemocracy and Tech Policy Press
- Experience covering breaking news and emerging tech policy issues
- Opportunities to appear on podcasts and in press interviews
- Collaboration on at least one long-term investigative project
- Professional editorial support, meetings, and newsroom experience
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrated interest or background in journalism, tech policy, media, AI, or related fields
- Strong commitment to producing public-interest, high-quality journalism
- Prior journalism experience is preferred
- Researchers, lawyers, technologists, and public policy professionals transitioning into journalism are encouraged to apply
- Must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom
- Candidates based near London are preferred
- Applicants outside London must explain how they will manage location requirements in their cover letter
Required Documents
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must submit:
- Three to five recent clips of published work
- Cover letter (maximum two pages)
- Short memo with one to three story pitches
- Updated CV or résumé
- Three professional references
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
1. Select three to five high-quality writing samples that demonstrate your reporting or analytical skills.
2. Write a focused cover letter explaining your interest in tech and democracy, your career goals, and why you are a strong fit for the fellowship.
3. Prepare one to three short-term story ideas and outline a broader concept for a long-term investigative project.
4. Update your CV or résumé to highlight relevant experience in journalism, technology, policy, or research.
5. Provide contact details for three professional references.
6. Compile all documents and send them via email to the official fellowship application address.
7. Ensure your application is submitted before 10 January 2026.
The Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026 in UK is a rare opportunity to build a global journalism career while working at the intersection of technology, policy, and democracy. If you are ready to amplify underreported stories and gain international newsroom experience, this fellowship could be your next big step