Our mission is to develop the next generation of European journalists, technology and design experts to drive innovation across the news industry.

The Google News Initiative Fellowship offers paid summer placements to journalism, technology, multimedia and design students as well as recent graduates who want to gain valuable work experience and build a professional network. This is a unique opportunity that can allow you to kick-start a career in the news industry.

Applications for the 2021 Google News Initiative Fellowship in Europe are now open. We are offering 30 innovative fellowship placements across 14 countries!

Apply before 25 April, 23:59 CEST 2021! [applications closed]

The European Journalism Centre is delivering the GNI Fellowship in the EU and the Google News Initiative is sponsoring the programme.

The programme

We are looking for upcoming journalists, technology and design experts with diverse interests and talents to inform, engage and inspire audiences. We aim to help you innovate with paid mentorships and skill-building in our GNI Fellowship programme that helps newsrooms to work on fostering a representative media landscape.

Selected candidates will be able to learn from experts and connect with other GNI Fellows from across Europe. Depending on the particular matching criteria of each newsroom, our Fellows will research and write stories, contribute to open source data projects and design new digital products. They will be able to create visuals and interactive media and analyse data to accurately frame public debates.

Why should I apply?

You become part of the team in your chosen newsroom for 8 weeks between July and October 2021.
You will be trained through hands-on workshops on data-journalism, fact-checking, business development and audience engagement during a unique virtual bootcamp to develop and learn new skills. Fellows can meet & connect with other Fellows, share useful resources and ask questions to the Fellow alumni.
Fellows are paid by their host organisation for 8 weeks of full-time work and to help cover expenses during the fellowship. The exact amount will be at the discretion of the news organisation and will be up to €5,000.
The European Journalism Centre will check-in with you during the Fellowship to provide you with guidance, training and advice and touch base on your progress and needs within the Fellowship.

Apply here for a fellowship

When should you apply?

25 April, 23:59 CEST, 2021: Deadline to submit your application. [applications closed]
July: News organisations review applications and select a Fellow.
Between July and October (8 weeks): Fellows join their host organisations.
28 + 29 September: All Fellows participate in a two day online bootcamp.

Who can apply?

To be eligible you must be at least 18 years old and enrolled at or accepted to an accredited higher education institution or you have graduated in 2019/2020. You must be from or live in the same country as the newsroom of your choice.

How to apply?

Decide which host organisation is suitable for you based on your interests and skills.
Submit your application via the apply button on our website.

Which candidates are likely to be matched?

You are excited about journalism, especially data-driven journalism, emerging technologies, and/or new forms of storytelling.
You think analytically and have a knack for research and writing.
You are able to work quickly, intelligently, and resourcefully.
You are motivated to work hard to develop your unique skills, experiences and talents and (help us help you) to make newsrooms more representative by reflecting on it’s blind spots whilst bringing in your perspective.
Each news organisation indicates what particular skill set and background they require for the fellow. Some may prefer candidates who have experience with a web programming language like HTML or Javascript, others may prefer a candidate with social media publishing experience. All news organisations value original talents who are passionate about the craft of reporting as well as the role that upcoming technologies can play in it’s pursuit.

Make sure to check our FAQ page to see if you are eligible to apply.