FELLOWSHIP OVERVIEW:

• Open to journalism students in the final stages of their studies.
• Hosted by the world’s oldest global press freedom organization The International Press Institute (IPI) in Vienna.
• Funded by the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation.

BASIC INFORMATION:

• The Helsingin Sanomat Foundation Fellowship programme provides an exciting opportunity for journalism students at universities in Finland to spend six months working at the International Press Institute (IPI) in Vienna. 
• Fellows will gain hands-on experience at a global non-profit organization working to defend and promote press freedom. As members of IPI’s advocacy team, fellows will research and report on developments affecting media freedom around the world through articles, interviews, and social media coverage. Fellows gain expertise on current challenges facing journalists and media outlets in diverse environments, and insight into key global debates around journalism, press freedom, media innovation, and technology.
• The fellowship period for this round of applications is 1 January – 30 June 2026. 
• The fellowship covers a monthly stipend as well as a small grant for round-trip travel costs between Helsinki and Vienna. In 2026, the monthly stipend will be 1870 euros and the travel grant will be 250 euros (Helsinki-Vienna-Helsinki).  IPI will advise finding housing, if needed, with costs covered by the stipend. 
• The fellowship also provides a travel grant of up to 3,600 euros for the fellow to take part in IPI events and advocacy missions around the world. Previous fellows have joined IPI trips to Poland, Malta, Serbia, Hungary, Turkey, the U.S., Italy, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Nigeria, among other places.  

WHAT IS THE FELLOWSHIP ABOUT:

• Research and regular monitoring of threats and challenges to media freedom and independent journalism globally
• Providing journalistic coverage of media freedom developments through statements, articles, interviews, and social media posts. Fellows may also contribute to IPI audio and video content, depending on their interest
• Supporting IPI advocacy events and activities in defense of media freedom, including missions, roundtables, conferences, and advocacy meetings with states and intergovernmental bodies
• Gaining experience in the work of an international human rights organization
• Working on personal research or journalism projects using IPI’s institutional possibilities and resources, including its expertise, reports, archives, and global membership network.

WHO CAN APPLY:

• Selection is based on journalistic, international, and other relevant experience, academic achievement, and interest and commitment to the goals and work of IPI in support of press freedom.  Additionally, the candidate must have valid enrollment status at the institution where the application is submitted throughout the fellowship period.
• IPI seeks candidates who:
  • Are in the final stages of their studies.
  • Already have some experience working as a journalist.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of press freedom and a genuine interest in defending the rights of journalists.
  • Possess strong written and verbal English language skills; knowledge of other languages is welcome.
  • Display enthusiasm for working in an international setting, as well as self-motivation and ability to work independently and complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Are open to traveling as part of their fellowship

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• The application period is March/April 2025. 
•  The application is to be submitted via an online form. 

For more information, please visit IPI Journalism Fellowship.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Fellows will contribute monthly to the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation’s scholarship blog [www.stipendiblogi.fi].
• Should a fellowship be discontinued earlier than planned, the Foundation reserves the right to reclaim any unused portion of the stipend.