The POLITICO Fellowship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
If you’re a journalist or professional passionate about politics & policy, the POLITICO Fellowship 2026 is now open — a career-defining opportunity to gain reporting experience at one of the leading political news organizations in the U.S. Here's everything you need to know.
🎦 Fellowship Summary
Location: POLITICO HQ, Arlington, Virginia, USA
Type / Level: Fellowship / early-career professional (journalism / policy reporting)
Target Group: Early-career journalists or professionals with ≥ two years relevant experience (newsroom, policy, public affairs etc.), who have strong writing & analytical skills and interest in political / policy journalism.
Fields of Focus: Politics, Public Policy, Federal Governance, climate policy, health care, technology, state-level decision‐making etc.
Value & Coverage:
Salary / Compensation: ~US$ 60,000 for 12-months full time
Benefits: Health insurance, paid leave, and full benefits package.
Duration: 12 months, full-time.
Application Deadline: November 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST.
Start Date(s): Terms beginning either January or June 2026.
🧭 Fellowship Overview
This is a highly selective, year-long professional fellowship based at POLITICO’s Arlington, Virginia, headquarters. Fellows will work in POLITICO’s newsroom, getting hands-on experience reporting on politics and policy issues both at the federal and state level. There will be mentorship from senior editors and journalists, regular training sessions, and reporting assignments. At the end of the fellowship, successful fellows may be considered for full-time roles in the POLITICO newsroom.
The focus areas include but aren’t limited to: climate policy; health care; technology; federal governance (White House, Congress, federal agencies); and key state-level decision making. Fellows will contribute directly to producing high-impact journalism about how power and policy are shifting in the U.S. and globally.
💲 Fellowship Benefits
Full compensation: US$ 60,000/year plus full benefits (health, paid leave, etc.)
12-month full-time appointment at POLITICO headquarters in Arlington, VA.
Regular professional development: mentorship, training sessions, reporting assignments.
Exposure to high-profile reporting assignments, working alongside seasoned political and policy reporters.
Pathway to full-time employment: fellows will be considered for newsroom roles upon successful completion of fellow year.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Minimum two years of relevant professional experience (newsroom, policy analysis, public affairs, or journalism).
Strong writing, analytical, and reporting skills.
Demonstrated interest in political/policy journalism.
Ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced newsroom environment.
Passion for learning, growing as a professional reporter.
📝 Application Procedure
To apply, submit online all of the following by November 7, 2025 (5:00 PM EST):
Cover Letter – Personal statement detailing your background, interest in political/policy journalism, any policy areas in which you have expertise.
One-page Résumé – Summarizing academic & professional experience, especially relevant work.
Three Work Samples – Published articles or multimedia (audio/video) or other relevant professional work.
Two References – Names, emails, phone numbers, relationship to applicant.
Letter of Recommendation – PDF, or the recommender may email directly to POLITICO’s specified address.
All materials must be submitted by the deadline. Late or incomplete applications likely won’t be considered.
💡 Extra Information & Tips
The selection process is highly competitive; clear, strong writing samples and a well-written cover letter can make a big difference.
Because fellows are based in Virginia, you may need to consider visa or work authorization issues if you’re an international applicant.
Having prior reporting/public policy work or demonstrated interest (through internships, academic work, etc.) will strengthen the application.
The fellowship offers two possible start dates (January or June), giving some flexibility if you finish current commitments.
