Quick Info Box
- Organization: Durham University and Reuters
- Location: London, New York, or Toronto (Placement choice)
- Deadline: 10 July 2026
- Eligibility: Early-career journalists (2 to 5 years experience)
- Funded/Paid: Fully Funded (Monthly salary + Stipend + Travel)
Introduction
The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship 2027 stands as one of the most prestigious international opportunities for emerging investigative journalists. Established through a partnership between Durham University and Reuters, the fellowship honors the legacy of Sir Harry Evans by empowering the next generation of truth-seekers with unparalleled newsroom access and academic support.
About the Program
The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship offers a unique nine-month placement that combines academic excellence with high-stakes professional newsroom experience. Selected fellows work directly inside a Reuters newsroom located in London, New York, or Toronto while receiving guidance from senior Reuters editors and access to Durham University’s academic and research resources. This collaboration creates an environment where investigative journalism can thrive through rigorous fact-based reporting and editorial mentorship.
This initiative seeks to identify ambitious individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to public-interest journalism. By bridging the gap between academia and the frontlines of global news, the program ensures that fellows can pursue meaningful projects that expose hidden truths and hold powerful institutions accountable. The fellowship has already produced award-winning results, with inaugural fellows contributing to Pulitzer Prize-winning teams.
Requirements
- Between two and five years of professional journalism experience.
- Strong investigative potential in fields like documentary production or photojournalism.
- Exceptional written and spoken English skills.
- Originality in investigative project proposals (AI-generated proposals are disqualified).
- Commitment to the full nine-month duration of the program.
- Ability to meet immigration and visa requirements for the UK, USA, or Canada.
- A letter of recommendation from an experienced editor.
What You’ll Gain
- Professional Placement: Nine months of immersion in a world-class Reuters newsroom.
- Financial Security: A monthly salary of approximately £4,444 and a living stipend.
- Expert Mentorship: Direct supervision from senior Reuters editors and Durham University academics.
- Global Networking: Connections with a thriving community of international journalists and researchers.
- Project Development: The resources to execute a high-impact, original investigative story.
- Academic Integration: Access to the Institute of Advanced Study at Durham University.
Expert Insights
Why This Opportunity Matters
In an era of rapid digital transformation and widespread misinformation, the need for deep, evidence-based reporting has never been more critical. This fellowship provides more than just a job: it provides a platform. For an early-career journalist, having the “Reuters” name on your portfolio alongside the academic prestige of Durham University is a career catalyst that typically takes decades to build. It signals to the global media industry that you possess the rigor and ethical grounding required for the highest levels of investigative work.
Is This Programme Worth It?
From a financial and professional ROI perspective, this is one of the most generous fellowships available globally. With a pro-rata annual salary exceeding £53,000 plus additional stipends for living and travel, the program ensures that financial constraints do not hinder journalistic excellence. The real value, however, lies in the “Reuters experience.” Being part of a team that has won multiple Pulitzer Prizes allows a fellow to learn the proprietary methodologies of one of the world’s largest multimedia news providers.
Who Should NOT Apply?
This program is not for those looking for a standard reporting internship or a casual study abroad experience. If you prefer high-volume, “churnalism” style reporting over deep, slow, and meticulous investigation, you will likely find the rigor of this fellowship overwhelming. Furthermore, journalists who are unable to relocate for the full nine months or those who lack a clear, original investigative project idea should reconsider, as the project proposal is the centerpiece of the selection process.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
The most frequent error is submitting a project proposal that is too broad or lacks a “news hook.” The selection committee looks for specific, actionable investigative leads rather than general topics like “climate change” or “corruption.” Another mistake is failing to demonstrate how your vision of journalism aligns with the legacy of Sir Harry Evans. You must show a dogged determination for truth and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Lastly, ensure your portfolio examples are in English, as Reuters operates exclusively in this language.
How to Apply
Prepare Your Investigative Project Proposal Create a detailed document of up to 800 words outlining a specific story you wish to investigate. You should define why the story is important, what new findings you expect to uncover, and how you plan to report it.
Draft Your Personal Statement Write a 500 word background statement explaining your career goals and how your professional vision aligns with the spirit of the fellowship.
Curate Your Professional Portfolio Select up to four examples of your best published work. At least two of these examples must be text-based, though multimedia entries are encouraged.
Secure a Recommendation Letter Obtain a letter from an editor who has closely supervised your work. They should be able to attest to your investigative potential and professional integrity.
Update Your CV and LinkedIn Ensure your CV is no longer than two pages and includes a direct link to your professional LinkedIn profile.
Submit Your Online Application Compile all documents in English and send them to the official fellowship email or portal as specified on the Durham University website.
Apply Now: Official Application Portal
FAQ Section
Can freelance journalists apply for this fellowship? Yes, freelancers are welcome to apply as long as they meet the requirement of two to five years of professional experience and can provide a recommendation from an editor they have worked with.
Is there an age limit for applicants? No, there is no specific age limit. The fellowship focuses on “early-career” status, which is defined by years of professional experience rather than biological age.
Will the university help with my visa? Durham University provides administrative support and reference letters for visa applications, but the responsibility for obtaining and paying for the necessary visa rests with the successful candidate.
Do I have to live in Durham for the whole nine months? No. Most of the fellowship is spent in a Reuters newsroom in London, New York, or Toronto. You will, however, have specific periods of engagement and a public seminar hosted at Durham University.
Global Youth Hub Advice
At Global Youth Hub, we view this fellowship as a “golden ticket” for journalists. When applying for latest scholarships or international internships, always remember that authenticity wins. Never use AI to draft your proposal, as the committee values the human “gut instinct” that defines great reporting. Be wary of any platform asking for “placement fees” for this program: the Sir Harry Evans Fellowship is a legitimate, fully funded opportunity, and you should never pay to apply. Focus on finding a story that needs to be told, and let your passion for the truth lead your application.
