The IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship is a prestigious program established by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) to honor the legacy of The Boston Globe correspondent Elizabeth Neuffer. This fellowship offers women and nonbinary journalists focusing on human rights and social justice the opportunity to enhance their reporting skills through academic research and professional placements in the United States.
Open to journalists with at least three years of experience, the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship program includes research and coursework at MIT’s Center for International Studies and internships at The Boston Globe and The New York Times. Fellows can also publish work and gain hands-on journalism experience. The application deadline for the 2026 fellowship is April 20, 2025.
University/Institutions:
- Funded By: International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
- Host Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Location: USA
- Programs: Fellowship Program
- Duration: Six months (February to July 2026.)
Study Areas:
- Human rights
- Social justice
- International studies
- Journalism
IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: A fixed stipend to cover living expenses throughout the fellowship.
- Housing: Arranged and covered by the IWMF in both Cambridge and New York City.
- Travel Expenses: Round-trip economy airfare from the fellow’s residence to the U.S. and transportation between fellowship cities are provided.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the duration of the program.
Benefits Not Included:
The fellowship does not provide a salary beyond the monthly stipend. Personal expenses beyond the provided benefits are the responsibility of the fellow.
Eligibility Criteria for the IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship:
- Open to women, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming journalists.
- Must focus on human rights and social justice issues.
- Requires at least three years of full-time, professional journalism experience (internships don’t count).
- Open to staff and freelance journalists from any country.
- Must have fluent English skills (speaking, reading, and writing).
- Applicants nominate themselves by submitting an application and supporting materials via Submittable.
Required Documents:
- Biography
- Current résumé or CV
- Two work samples (human rights/social justice; links preferred)
- If not in English, provide a translation + professional assessment
- Two recommendation letters (in English)
- Statement of Interest: Responses to specific questions provided in the application to understand your interest in the fellowship.
- Fellowship Goals: Outline of what you aim to achieve during the fellowship.
IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship Application Process:
- Online Application: Complete the application form through the IWMF’s Submittable platform.
- Document Submission: Upload all required documents as specified.
- Review and Selection: Applications are reviewed by IWMF and a selection committee, with finalists interviewed before the final decision.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your work in human rights and social justice journalism.
- Demonstrate Impact: Showcase how your reporting has influenced public awareness or policy.
- Articulate Clear Goals: Clearly define what you intend to achieve during the fellowship.
- Provide Strong References: Choose recommenders who can attest to your journalistic integrity and commitment.
- Ensure Quality Work Samples: Select pieces that best represent your skills and focus areas.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students:
- The fellowship provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses during the program.
- Housing in both Cambridge and New York City is arranged and covered by the fellowship.
- It includes round-trip economy airfare from the fellow’s home country to the U.S., as well as transportation between Boston and New York.
- Health insurance is provided throughout the duration of the fellowship.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship offers a unique blend of academic enrichment and practical journalism experience at prestigious institutions. It provides a platform to deepen your expertise in human rights and social justice reporting, expand your professional network, and contribute to impactful journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who can apply for the fellowship?
- Women and nonbinary journalists with at least three years of professional experience in journalism.
- What costs does the fellowship cover?
- The fellowship covers living stipends, housing, airfare, transportation, and health insurance.
- Is the fellowship open to freelancers?
- Yes, both staff journalists and freelancers can apply.
- Is proficiency in English required?
- Yes, excellent written and verbal English skills are necessary for participation.
- When is the application deadline?
- The deadline for the 2026 fellowship is April 20, 2025.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the official IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship page:
