South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) 2025-26

South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) 2025-26 is an opportunity funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and hosted by the University of Westminster. This 8-week fellowship is aimed at mid-career journalists from South Asian countries including India. The curriculum focuses on the ways in which the media are held responsible, and the wider context within which political institutions operate. The selected fellows will receive full program fees and other benefits.

Source: Chevening

The fellowship is hosted by the University of Westminster and funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

To be eligible, an applicant must:-

• be a citizen of India
• not hold British or dual-British citizenship
• have at least seven years’ work experience prior to applying
• have a postgraduate level qualification (or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area) at the time of application
• be a mid-career journalist working in the political or economic sectors in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh
• have a good working knowledge of English 
• agree to return to the  country of citizenship at the end of the period of the fellowship
• agree to adhere to all relevant guidelines and expectations of the fellowship

The selected candidates will receive:- 

• Full programme fees
• Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship
• Return economy airfare from the UK to India

Eligible candidates can apply for the fellowship through the following steps:-
Step 1: Click on the 'Apply Now' button below. 
Step 2: Click on the 'Register' button and fill in the required registration details (Note:- If already registered, log in using Gmail/Mobile number/Email ID).
Step 3: Navigate to 'APPLY TODAY' and click it.
Step 4: Choose the appropriate options and click 'Continue'.
Step 5: Read all the information carefully and fill in the necessary details to register, then click the 'Continue' tab.
Step 6: Check the inbox for email verification mail and complete the questionnaire, then click 'Continue'.
Step 7: Complete the necessary steps to receive an access code.
Step 8: Check the inbox for the application link and click it.
Step 9: Complete the necessary steps to access your application.
Step 10: Fill in the necessary details, attach the required documents and submit the application.

• A valid citizenship
• Postgraduate certificates and marksheets
• Work experience/Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The selection will be made based on the assessment of applications by independent reading committees. The candidates will be shortlisted by the British embassies/high commission. Post that, the students will undergo an interview for the final selection.

Question 1: Which academic year is this fellowship for?
Answer: This fellowship invites applications for the academic year 2025-26.

Question 2: Is there any stipend provided under this fellowship?
Answer: No, there isn't a stipend provided in addition to the fellowship awards.

Question 3: Does the fellowship provide financial support for family members of the fellow?
Answer: The fellowship is for a single selected candidate. No family members/relatives are supported.

Question 4: Does the applicant require a TOEFL/IELTS certification for this fellowship?
Answer: No, the applicants must have a working knowledge of the English language for this fellowship. Certification is not mandatory.

Question 5: Can the fellows take a leave while under the fellowship?
Answer: Leaves are to be approved by the fellowship committee. The period and amount of leave varies depending upon the fellowship, and students must check the terms and conditions before planning any leave.

• The candidates must not accept any other form of public funding during the tenure of the fellowship.
• Candidates must inform the Chevening secretariat/ fellowship committee of any funding/employment/internship opportunities outside of the fellowship program that they have applied for, or are offered, within the fellowship tenure.
• Candidates cannot change their course of study to something other than what is mentioned in their final award letter.
• Misinformation, misconduct, and failure to continue studies will result in the termination of the fellowship.