The New York Times Fellowship 2027–28 for Early-Career Journalists (Paid)
The Times Fellowship is a paid, yearlong programme at The New York Times for early-career journalists. Fellows work as reporters, editors, photographers, designers, data journalists and more alongside Times staff, with training and mentorship throughout the year.
Last updated: Nov 2, 2026Source: The New York Times ↗
Overview
Few newsrooms carry the weight of The New York Times, and very few open their doors to people at the start of their careers. The Times Fellowship does exactly that. Each year, the Times hires a class of early-career journalists for a full year and puts them to work on real stories, with training and mentorship built in.
The Times replaced its summer internship with this fellowship in 2018, so it's now the paper's main entry point for young journalists. If you've done some reporting, editing or visual work and want to see what the job looks like at the highest level, this is the programme to aim for.
About the Fellowship
The fellowship is a full-time, paid job that lasts about a year. The current class runs from June to May, and the 2027–28 class is expected to follow the same calendar, starting around June 2027. Fellows join a specific desk or team and do the same work as staff journalists. They also take part in training sessions and social programmes designed for the fellowship class.
The Times usually welcomes around 30 fellows a year across many areas. Recent classes have included:
- Reporters
- Editors
- Photographers and visual journalists
- Audience and social media
- Digital news design
- A.I. initiatives
- Election data analytics
Each role has its own listing and requirements, and you can apply to only one fellowship position per year.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
This is not a training course that sits on the side of the newsroom. Fellows publish real work at The New York Times, get paid a professional salary, and learn by working next to some of the best journalists in the world. For anyone serious about a journalism career, a year here can shape everything that comes after.
Eligibility
- Early-career journalists with no more than five years of full-time professional experience (internships don't count toward this)
- Recent graduates and people with some newsroom experience are welcome, for example from student newspapers, internships or freelancing
- Must be authorised to work in the United States for the full fellowship period
- The Times does not sponsor work visas, but it may consider applicants on a student visa that can be extended through Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Must be able to work in person regularly, since hybrid roles require weekly office attendance
- Must meet any extra requirements listed for the specific role, such as technical or data skills
Benefits / Funding
- A full-time salary for the year (the 2026–27 class was reported at about $82,400 a year)
- Full employee benefits
- Hands-on work alongside Times journalists on published stories
- Dedicated training, speaker sessions and mentorship
- A strong professional network, with many fellows going on to careers in major newsrooms
The positions are represented by the NewsGuild of New York. The Times doesn't provide housing or relocation support.
Required Documents
- Résumé
- Cover letter
- Work samples or a portfolio for roles that ask for them (such as clips, photos or design work)
The application form tells you when to upload each document. Applications missing any requested material, or not following the instructions, are not considered.
How to Apply
- Visit the official fellowship page and browse the open fellowship roles.
- Choose the one position that fits your skills best. Duplicate applications are discarded.
- Read that role's requirements carefully.
- Apply online and upload your résumé, cover letter and any work samples.
- Submit before the deadline, which closes at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applications are only accepted online. The Times won't confirm receipt or give status updates while it reviews applications, which can take eight weeks or longer, and it contacts candidates for interviews as needed.
Important Dates
The application window is now open and closes on Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
FAQs
What is the Times Fellowship?
It's a paid, yearlong programme at The New York Times for early-career journalists, who work full time on a newsroom desk while receiving training and mentorship.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. Fellows receive a full-time salary and employee benefits. The 2026–27 class was reported at about $82,400 a year.
How long does the fellowship last?
About one year. Recent classes started in early June and ended in late May.
Where is the fellowship based?
Mainly in New York City, in a hybrid setup with regular office days. Some roles have been based in Washington, D.C.
Can international applicants apply?
Only if they're authorised to work in the United States for the whole fellowship. The Times doesn't sponsor work visas, but it may consider students whose visa can be extended through OPT.
How much experience do I need?
Up to five years of full-time professional experience. Internships don't count toward this limit.
Do I need a journalism degree?
No specific degree is required. Newsroom experience, such as student journalism, internships or freelance work, matters more.
Can I apply for more than one role?
No. You can apply to only one fellowship position per year, and duplicate applications are discarded.
What documents do I need?
A résumé and cover letter, plus work samples or a portfolio if your chosen role asks for them.
Is housing or relocation provided?
No. Fellows arrange their own housing in New York.
Will I get confirmation after applying?
No. Because so many people apply, the Times doesn't acknowledge applications or share updates during review, which can take eight weeks or more.
How many fellows are selected?
Around 30 a year, though the number can vary.
Where do I apply?
Through the official Times Fellowship page.
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by The New York Times. Always verify details on the official website before applying.
