The Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 is now accepting applications from aspiring journalists, experienced reporters, and artificial intelligence (AI) specialists interested in reporting on one of the world’s most important technologies. Offered by the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism, this competitive fellowship provides professional training, financial support, and placements at established news organisations.
- Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 Details
- Benefits of Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
- 1. Competitive Fellowship Salary
- 2. Higher Salary for Senior Fellows
- 3. AI Journalism Training
- 4. Nine-Month Newsroom Placement
- 5. Fully Covered Fellowship Summit
- 6. Professional Networking
- 7. Career Development
- Eligibility Criteria for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
- Academic Qualifications
- Professional Background
- Minimum Age
- Writing Skills
- Interest in Artificial Intelligence
- Work Authorisation and Visa Requirements
- Full-Time Availability
- Available Fellowship Fields
- Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 Locations
- Required Documents for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
- 1. Updated CV or Resume
- 2. Writing Samples
- 3. Application Questions
- 4. Professional Background Information
- Important: AI-Generated Applications Are Prohibited
- How to Apply for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
- Step 1: Visit the Official Fellowship Website
- Step 2: Review the Programme Requirements
- Step 3: Prepare Your CV
- Step 4: Select Your Writing Samples
- Step 5: Open the Application Form
- Step 6: Complete the Required Questions
- Step 7: Upload Your Materials
- Step 8: Submit Your Application
- Step 9: Complete the Work Test if Shortlisted
- Step 10: Attend Interviews
- Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 Application Deadline
- Tarbell Fellowship Selection Process
- Application Tips for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Is the Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 paid?
- 2. Can international applicants apply?
- 3. Is a university degree required?
- 4. Can applicants without journalism experience apply?
- 5. Can applicants use ChatGPT to write their applications?
- 6. What is the application deadline?
- Final Thoughts
- Apply Now – Official Tarbell Fellowship
- Stay Updated
Selected fellows receive annual salaries ranging from $75,000 to $120,000, while senior fellows may receive between $115,000 and $135,000, depending on experience and location.
The 12-month programme combines remote training in AI journalism, a weeklong in-person summit, and nine months of professional newsroom experience.
Applications opened on September 28, 2026, and the deadline is November 22, 2026.
Applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds may apply. However, the programme primarily targets candidates who already have the legal right to work in the United States, United Kingdom, or Hong Kong.
Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Tarbell Center for AI Journalism |
| Programme | Tarbell Fellowship |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Main Locations | USA, UK and Hong Kong |
| Fellowship Type | Paid Journalism Fellowship |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Regular Fellow Salary | $75,000–$120,000 |
| Senior Fellow Salary | $115,000–$135,000 |
| Academic Degree | Not Required |
| Minimum Age | 18 by June 7, 2027 |
| Training | Remote |
| Newsroom Placement | 9 Months |
| Application Opening | September 28, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 22, 2026 |
| Application Status | Open |
Benefits of Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
The Tarbell Fellowship provides financial compensation, training, mentorship, and professional experience in artificial intelligence journalism.
1. Competitive Fellowship Salary
Selected regular fellows receive annual salaries ranging from $75,000 to $120,000.
The exact amount depends on professional experience and the cost of living in the assigned newsroom location.
2. Higher Salary for Senior Fellows
Experienced professionals selected as senior fellows receive annual salaries ranging from $115,000 to $135,000.
Senior fellowships are generally intended for applicants with at least seven years of relevant experience and a strong record of achievement.
3. AI Journalism Training
Selected participants complete an intensive training programme covering artificial intelligence and journalism fundamentals.
The training includes:
- Artificial intelligence concepts
- AI policy and governance
- Technology journalism
- Reporting and investigative methods
- Understanding AI research
- Editorial writing and analysis
- Journalism ethics and professional standards
Training is conducted remotely and requires full-time participation.
4. Nine-Month Newsroom Placement
Fellows work as reporters at partner news organisations for approximately nine months.
Previous host newsrooms have included:
- CBS News
- MIT Technology Review
- TIME
- The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
- The Guardian
- Other established news organisations
These are examples of previous hosts. Applicants are not guaranteed placement with any particular publication.
5. Fully Covered Fellowship Summit
Participants attend a weeklong in-person summit featuring journalists, researchers, and technology experts.
Tarbell covers travel and accommodation expenses for the summit.
6. Professional Networking
Fellows can develop relationships with experienced journalists, editors, researchers, and other professionals working on artificial intelligence.
7. Career Development
The programme helps participants build reporting portfolios, develop technical understanding, and gain practical experience in professional newsrooms.
Selected fellows may also be considered for placement extensions, depending on newsroom arrangements.
Important: The advertised salary and summit benefits do not mean every relocation, housing, or visa expense is automatically covered.
Students interested in other paid journalism programmes can also explore the DW Traineeship in Germany, which provides professional multimedia journalism training.
Eligibility Criteria for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
The Tarbell Fellowship welcomes candidates with strong potential in artificial intelligence journalism.
Academic Qualifications
A university degree is not required.
Applicants may come from different educational backgrounds, provided they demonstrate the relevant skills, interests, and professional potential.
Professional Background
Suitable applicants include:
- Early-career journalists
- Mid-career journalists
- Investigative reporters
- Technology reporters
- AI researchers
- Machine learning specialists
- AI governance and policy experts
- Professionals seeking to transition into AI journalism
Applicants without journalism experience may be considered if they have strong AI expertise and demonstrate excellent writing ability.
Minimum Age
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 7, 2027.
Writing Skills
Candidates must demonstrate excellent writing ability.
They should be able to explain complex subjects clearly, investigate unfamiliar topics, and produce accurate reporting under deadlines.
Interest in Artificial Intelligence
Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in artificial intelligence and its social, political, economic, or technological implications.
Work Authorisation and Visa Requirements
The fellowship primarily targets candidates with the legal right to work in partner newsroom locations.
These are mainly in:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Hong Kong
International applicants may apply, but visa sponsorship is uncommon and depends on approval from partner newsrooms.
Important: The programme should not be advertised as offering guaranteed visa sponsorship to applicants worldwide.
Full-Time Availability
Selected participants must commit to the fellowship full-time from June 2027 through May 2028.
The programme is not designed to be completed alongside a full-time graduate degree or another training programme.
Available Fellowship Fields
The Tarbell Fellowship focuses specifically on artificial intelligence journalism.
Applicants may be interested in reporting on areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- AI Safety
- AI Governance
- Technology Policy
- AI Regulation
- Artificial Intelligence and Society
- AI Research Developments
- AI Industry and Business
- AI Ethics
- Investigative Technology Journalism
- Economic and Social Impacts of AI
These are examples of relevant reporting interests, not separate academic courses or guaranteed placement tracks.
Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 Locations
Partner newsrooms are located primarily in the United States, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong.
Locations identified by the programme include:
| Country / Region | Potential Locations |
|---|---|
| United States | New York |
| United States | San Francisco |
| United States | Los Angeles |
| United States | Seattle |
| United States | Washington, DC |
| United States | Cambridge |
| United Kingdom | London |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
The final placement location depends on available newsroom partnerships and the selection process.
The programme includes remote training, an in-person summit, and newsroom-based work.
Applicants should not assume the entire fellowship can be completed remotely.
Required Documents for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
Applicants must prepare the following application materials.
1. Updated CV or Resume
Prepare a professional CV highlighting your relevant experience, technical expertise, reporting work, publications, research, and achievements.
2. Writing Samples
Applicants must submit between one and three writing samples.
The combined length of all submitted samples must not exceed 4,500 words.
At least one sample must be written in prose, such as a news article, essay, or blog post.
Unpublished journalistic writing is accepted.
Writing samples do not necessarily need to focus on artificial intelligence.
3. Application Questions
Applicants must answer short questions in the official application form.
These help the selection team understand their motivation, professional interests, and suitability.
4. Professional Background Information
Applicants should provide information about their relevant journalism experience, AI expertise, or other professional qualifications.
Important: AI-Generated Applications Are Prohibited
Tarbell explicitly prohibits applicants from using artificial intelligence to draft any part of their application.
Applicants must prepare their own answers and writing samples.
AI-generated writing may lead to disqualification.
How to Apply for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
Applications must be submitted through the official fellowship application process.
Step 1: Visit the Official Fellowship Website
Open the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism fellowship page.
Step 2: Review the Programme Requirements
Read the eligibility criteria, salary information, placement conditions, and work-authorisation requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your CV
Create a professional CV highlighting your journalism experience, AI expertise, relevant projects, and achievements.
Step 4: Select Your Writing Samples
Choose one to three strong writing samples.
Ensure the combined word count does not exceed 4,500 words.
Step 5: Open the Application Form
Click the Apply button on the official Tarbell Fellowship website.
Step 6: Complete the Required Questions
Provide accurate personal and professional information and write your responses independently.
Step 7: Upload Your Materials
Attach your CV and writing samples in the formats required by the application form.
Step 8: Submit Your Application
Review the completed application and submit it before November 22, 2026.
Step 9: Complete the Work Test if Shortlisted
Candidates who progress may be invited to complete a three- to five-hour work test.
Step 10: Attend Interviews
Successful applicants may attend an interview with Tarbell and further interviews with potential partner newsrooms.
Final selections are expected in March 2027.
Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 Application Deadline
The official application deadline is:
November 22, 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | September 28, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | November 22, 2026 |
| Work Tests | December 2026–January 2027 |
| Tarbell Interviews | January–February 2027 |
| Newsroom Interviews | February–March 2027 |
| Final Selection | Late March 2027 |
| AI Journalism Training | June 7–August 6, 2027 |
| Fellowship Summit | August 16–20, 2027 (Tentative) |
| Newsroom Placement | September 2027–May 2028 |
Applicants should complete the online form early to avoid last-minute problems.
Tarbell Fellowship Selection Process
The fellowship uses a competitive selection process to identify candidates with strong journalism potential and relevant AI expertise.
The main stages include:
- Initial online application and writing sample review.
- Shortlisting based on professional experience, writing skills, and potential.
- A work test designed to assess journalism-related abilities.
- Interviews with the Tarbell Fellowship team.
- Interviews with potential partner newsrooms.
- Final selection and newsroom matching.
Applicants are generally informed by the end of December 2026 whether they will advance to the next stage.
Final selections are expected in March 2027.
Application Tips for Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28
- Prepare a professional CV highlighting your strongest journalism achievements, technical expertise, and relevant research experience.
- Select your best original writing samples and ensure the combined word count does not exceed 4,500 words.
- Demonstrate genuine interest in artificial intelligence and explain why accurate reporting on AI matters.
- Highlight investigative skills, analytical thinking, research experience, and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
- Review the Tarbell Center’s previous fellows and published work to understand the programme’s journalism focus.
- Be prepared for the work test and possible interviews with professional newsroom representatives.
- Explain your relevant experience accurately, particularly if transitioning from AI research or technology into journalism.
- Confirm your eligibility to work in potential newsroom locations and understand that visa sponsorship is uncommon.
- Write every part of your application independently. Do not use AI-generated writing or answers.
- Submit the complete application before November 22, 2026.
These are general application recommendations based on the programme’s published requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 paid?
Yes. Regular fellows receive annual salaries of $75,000–$120,000, while senior fellows receive $115,000–$135,000, depending on their experience and location.
2. Can international applicants apply?
Yes, but the programme primarily targets candidates who already have the legal right to work in the United States, United Kingdom, or Hong Kong. Visa sponsorship is uncommon.
3. Is a university degree required?
No. Tarbell does not require a university degree. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing skills and relevant interest or expertise in journalism or AI.
4. Can applicants without journalism experience apply?
Yes. Candidates with significant AI subject-matter expertise may be considered even without previous journalism experience.
5. Can applicants use ChatGPT to write their applications?
No. Tarbell explicitly prohibits AI-generated application materials, including writing samples and application answers.
6. What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 is November 22, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Tarbell Fellowship 2027–28 provides an excellent opportunity for journalists and AI specialists seeking professional experience in artificial intelligence reporting.
With competitive salaries, specialised training, a fully covered summit, and newsroom placements, the fellowship can help participants build careers in technology journalism.
However, applicants must carefully consider the work-authorisation requirements, full-time commitment, and prohibition on AI-generated application materials.
Interested candidates should review the official programme details and submit their original applications before November 22, 2026.
Students and professionals interested in technology research can also explore the Princeton University CITP Fellowship in the United States.
For other opportunities within international communications and public information, see the UNCTAD Internship in Switzerland.
Apply Now – Official Tarbell Fellowship
Important: Applicants must submit their own original writing samples and application answers. AI-generated application content is prohibited.
Stay Updated
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Author: Muhammad Khayam Afridi – Founder & Editor
Last verified: November 5, 2026
