Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) 2026-2027
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 10
- 2 min read
If you're a mid-career journalist from South Asia, the Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) 2026-2027 is your chance to explore the vital role of media in democratic governance! Hosted by the University of Westminster, this fully funded 8-week programme titled “Good Governance in a Changing World: the Media, Politics and Society” sharpens your journalistic insight and amplifies your global perspective.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: United Kingdom (University of Westminster)
Host Institution: University of Westminster
Type: Professional development fellowship (mid-career journalists)
Target Group: Mid-career journalists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives
Fields of Focus: Media's role in good governance and democratic accountability, media ethics, political institutions, comparative media systems in UK and South Asia
Value & Coverage: Full programme fees, living expenses, plus return economy airfare to/from the UK
Duration: 8 weeks, typically running from May to June
Application Deadline: October 7, 2025
Start Date: April/May 2026 (fellowship runs through to June)
Eligible To: Citizens of the specified South Asian countries; postgraduate qualification or equivalent; minimum 7 years' work experience in political/economic journalism; strong English; not British or dual citizens; must return home post-fellowship; not recent affiliates of UK government or partner institutions
🎯 Programme Overview
This immersive 8-week fellowship titled “Good Governance in a Changing World: the Media, Politics and Society” delves into:
Media & Governance: Understanding how media systems hold democratic institutions accountable in both South Asia and the UK.
Ethics & Responsibility: Core focus on ethical reporting and the broader context of political institutions.
Interactive Learning: Combines lectures, site visits, and discussions with UK academics, media professionals, and political figures.
Final Symposium: Fellows culminate the programme by planning and hosting a symposium on a topic of their choice.
This blend of theory, practical exposure, and peer collaboration equips fellows to address media-related challenges back home.
🎁 Benefits
Fully Funded: Covers fees, living expenses, and travel.
Professional Development: Deepens understanding of media’s role in politics and society.
Networking: Build connections with UK media figures, academics, and global cohorts.
Regional Impact: Return transformed—ready to strengthen journalistic ethics and governance dialogue in your home country.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for SAJP, you must:
Be a citizen of one of the eligible countries and plan to return after the fellowship.
Hold a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional experience.
Have at least seven years’ experience as a mid-career journalist in political or economic sectors.
Demonstrate good working knowledge of English.
Not hold British or dual nationality, nor be a current/former employee—or relative of one—from UK government or partner bodies within the last two years.
📆 Application Timeline
Applications Opened: August 6, 2025 (12:00 BST)
Deadline: October 7, 2025 at 12:00 GMT
Shortlisting & Interviews: Shortlisting begins November, followed by interviews in January 2026.
Fellowship Period: April–June 2026
Application Portal: Submit your application through the official Application Portal here
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK