About the opportunity
The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) is offering fellowships for the 15th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC27), taking place from October 19 to 23, 2027, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Co-hosted by GIJN and VVOJ (the Dutch-Flemish Association of Investigative Journalists), the event will feature more than 150 expert panels, workshops, and global networking opportunities covering cutting-edge tools, investigative techniques, artificial intelligence, data journalism, and cross-border collaboration. Fellowships aim to support journalists from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups who otherwise could not afford to attend.
Funding and benefits
- Round-trip airfare to Rotterdam, The Netherlands (or nearest major airport)
- Transport between the airport and the conference hotel
- Hotel accommodation for four nights
- Cocktail reception on the evening of October 19, 2027
- Breakfast on conference days (October 20 – 23, 2027)
- Lunch on full conference days (October 20 – 23, 2027)
- Award ceremony dinner on the evening of October 22, 2027
- Full conference registration fee
- Potential availability of partial fellowships for qualifying candidates
Who can apply?
- Open to professional print, online, television, video, radio, documentary, and multimedia journalists, including freelance journalists
- Prior experience in investigative or data journalism is a plus
- Primarily targets journalists from developing or transitioning countries in the Global South and historically underrepresented groups
- Applicants from countries not on the specified developing countries list may still apply if unable to cover attendance costs
- Working knowledge of English is required since conference panels and workshops are conducted in English
Required documents
- Completed online fellowship application form submitted in English
When to apply
- Application deadline: January 31, 2027
How to apply
- Review the eligibility criteria and fellowship requirements thoroughly
- Complete and submit the official online application form via Google Forms in English
- Indicate interest in a partial fellowship within the application form if applicable
Additional information
- The fellowship does not cover per diems, visa fees, or transport to and from the fellow's home country airport.
- Following the conference, fellows are required to either produce a story directly related to GIJC27 or give a presentation based on gained knowledge to colleagues or the wider journalism community.
- For inquiries, applicants can contact fellowships@gijn.org.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Working journalists based in developing or transitioning countries looking to build advanced cross-border investigative skills.
- Reporters eager to learn state-of-the-art digital tools, artificial intelligence applications, and satellite imagery analysis for investigative work.
- Professionals seeking high-level global networking opportunities with peers from over 100 countries.
What should you think carefully about?
- Fellows must cover personal expenses such as visa fees, local airport transport in their home country, and daily per diems.
- Applicants must commit to fulfilling post-conference reporting or presentation requirements.
- A working proficiency in English is essential for fully participating in conference sessions and completing the application.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity provides a major professional development milestone for investigative journalists seeking international exposure, advanced technical training, and collaborative networks without bearing the primary costs of conference attendance.
Our take
Professional journalists from the Global South and underrepresented backgrounds who specialize or wish to specialize in investigative reporting should strongly consider applying before the January 31, 2027 deadline.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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