New York Times Fellowship 2027–2028

The New York Times Fellowship 2027–2028 is a paid, year-long professional development programme designed to cultivate the next generation of journalists.

Organised by The New York Times, the fellowship provides early-career professionals with an opportunity to work alongside experienced reporters, editors, designers, visual journalists and newsroom specialists.

Selected fellows become full-time employees and contribute to journalism produced by The New York Times.

The programme was introduced in 2019 as a replacement for the organisation's previous newsroom summer internship programme.

Unlike a short observational placement, fellows undertake professional assignments within the newsroom or Opinion section, developing experience through practical work and editorial collaboration.

Available Fellowship Areas

The 2027–2028 programme includes opportunities in:

• Reporting and news writing.
• Photography.
• Graphics and visual journalism.
• News video production.
• Visual investigations.
• Digital and print news design.
• Data journalism.
• Election data analytics.
• Audience development.
• Artificial intelligence initiatives.
• The Upshot.
• Opinion copy editing.
• Opinion digital design.
• Opinion video.

Reporting placements may involve topics such as business, climate, culture, investigations, international affairs, politics, science and technology.

Most fellowships are based in New York City, although selected reporting placements are based in Washington, DC, or San Francisco.

Professional Development

In addition to everyday newsroom assignments, the programme incorporates training activities, guest speakers, feedback and professional development opportunities.

Fellows work under the guidance of experienced journalists and editors while developing skills appropriate to their chosen position.

The programme is intended to prepare participants for future careers in journalism, whether at The New York Times or another media organisation.

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be an early-career journalist or professional with experience relevant to the selected fellowship position.
• Generally have no more than five years of full-time professional journalism experience, excluding internships.
• Meet the specific technical, editorial or professional qualifications listed for the chosen role.
• Be legally authorised to work in the United States at the time of application.
• Maintain valid US work authorisation for the full fellowship period.
• Apply to only one New York Times Fellowship position during the recruitment cycle.
• Be available to undertake full-time work and meet the workplace attendance requirements.

Selected fellows receive the following benefits:

• Paid Employment: Full-time paid work for approximately one year.
• Annual Base Salary: Several 2027 fellowship postings advertise a base salary of USD $82,414.80.
• Professional Journalism Experience: Opportunities to contribute to published newsroom or Opinion work.
• Editorial Mentorship: Guidance and feedback from experienced journalists and editors.
• Professional Training: Participation in fellowship training and development activities.
• Industry Networking: Opportunities to build relationships with journalists and newsroom professionals.
• Employee Benefits: Eligibility for employment benefits according to the role and applicable company policies.
• Career Development: Experience that may support future employment in journalism, communications and media.

Common application requirements include:

• Curriculum Vitae / Résumé: A current professional résumé outlining relevant experience and skills.
• Cover Letter: A written explanation of the applicant's interests, professional experience and suitability.
• Published Work Samples: Examples of previous journalism, reporting or professional work where required.
• Portfolio Link: A link to writing, photography, graphics, video, design or technical projects for applicable roles.
• Applicant Information: Personal, contact, educational and professional information requested by the recruitment portal.
• Work Authorisation Information: Responses confirming eligibility to work in the United States.

Depending on the role, candidates may be assessed on:

• Quality of previous journalism or professional work.
• Reporting, writing or editing abilities.
• Relevant newsroom or equivalent professional experience.
• Originality, accuracy and clarity of published work.
• Technical qualifications appropriate to the position.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Interest in independent journalism.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Ability to work in a demanding newsroom environment.
• Performance in interviews or role-specific assessments.

• Professional newsroom experience: Work on real journalism assignments within a major international news organisation.
• Editorial mentorship: Receive feedback from experienced reporters and editors.
• Journalism development: Strengthen reporting, investigation, editing or visual storytelling abilities.
• Professional networking: Build connections across journalism and media.
• Career exploration: Discover specialised career pathways in data, graphics, video, audience development or reporting.
• Practical responsibility: Gain experience meeting professional newsroom standards and deadlines.
• Long-term career value: Develop a portfolio and experience relevant to future journalism opportunities.