Applications are now open for the IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026, a fully funded opportunity for women and non-binary journalists worldwide. This prestigious program, offered by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), is designed for journalists covering human rights and social justice. The six-month fellowship provides academic research opportunities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a full-time internship at The New York Times in New York City.
Summary of the IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026
- Host Country: United States
- Fellowship Duration: 6 Months (February – July 2026)
- Eligibility: Women and non-binary journalists from all countries
- Financial Coverage: Fully funded
- Host Institutions: MIT & The New York Times
- Application Deadline: April 20, 2025
About the IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is a life-changing opportunity for journalists passionate about human rights reporting. The program allows fellows to audit courses at MIT and Harvard, conduct independent research, and gain practical experience in a major newsroom.
Fellows will spend:
✔️ 4 months at MIT (February – May 2026) for academic research and skill enhancement
✔️ 2 months at The New York Times (June – July 2026) for a full-time reporting internship
This fellowship was established in memory of Elizabeth Neuffer, a Boston Globe correspondent who lost her life while reporting in Iraq in 2003.
Financial Benefits of the IWMF Neuffer Fellowship
The IWMF Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Housing accommodation in Cambridge and New York City
- Round-trip economy airfare from the fellow’s home country to the USA
- Transportation costs between fellowship cities
- Health insurance coverage for the fellowship duration
- Visa application fees for fellows residing outside the USA
Eligibility Criteria for the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026
To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Open to women and non-binary journalists from any country
- Minimum of three years of full-time professional journalism experience
- Proficiency in English (spoken, written, and reading)
- Commitment to complete the full six-month program
- Experience in reporting on human rights and social justice topics
Note: Internships and student journalism work are not considered as part of professional experience.
Application Requirements for IWMF Fellowship
Candidates must submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Statement of Interest
- Fellowship Goals Essay
- Biography
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Two work samples (focused on human rights or social justice reporting)
How to Apply for the IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2026
- Visit the official website or click “Apply Now”
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have all required documents
- Complete the IWMF online application form via Submittable
- Answer the statement of interest and fellowship goals sections carefully
- Submit your application before April 20, 2025
Selection Process & Fellowship Timeline
- Application Deadline: April 20, 2025
- Selection Process: June 2025
- Fellowship Start: February 2026
- Fellowship End: July 2026
Why Apply for the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship?
This prestigious journalism fellowship offers:
- Hands-on experience at a major US media organization (The New York Times)
- Advanced academic research opportunities at MIT
- Networking with top journalists and media professionals
- Exposure to global human rights issues
Apply Now for the IWMF Fellowship 2026!
Official Website: IWMF Neuffer Fellowship
Don’t miss this fully funded opportunity to enhance your journalism career in the United States!