The Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC27) Fellowship 2027 is an international opportunity for professional journalists to attend the 15th Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from October 19–23, 2027. Organized by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) in collaboration with the Dutch-Flemish Association of Investigative Journalists (VVOJ), the conference brings together journalists, editors, trainers, and media professionals from around the world. The fellowship primarily supports journalists from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups, helping selected participants access international training and professional networking. Full fellowships cover round-trip airfare to Rotterdam, four nights of hotel accommodation, conference registration, airport transfers, and specified meals and events. The application deadline is January 31, 2027.

Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 Details

  • Host Country: Netherlands
  • Host City: Rotterdam
  • Conference Dates: October 19–23, 2027
  • Organizers: Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and VVOJ
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2027

About the Global Investigative Journalism Conference

The Global Investigative Journalism Conference is a major international gathering dedicated to investigative reporting, data journalism, and professional journalism training. The 2027 edition will take place in Rotterdam and is expected to feature more than 150 expert panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Participants will explore investigative techniques, online research, artificial intelligence in journalism, cross-border investigations, climate reporting, corruption, satellite imagery, and data-driven reporting. The conference also creates opportunities to exchange experiences with journalists from different countries and learn practical approaches to complex reporting challenges.

The fellowship program helps journalists who may not otherwise be able to afford international conference participation. Selection is competitive, and applicants should explain how the training will strengthen their reporting and benefit their professional or journalistic community.

Financial Benefits

Full Fellowship

According to the official GIJC27 fellowship page, selected full fellows receive:

  • Round-trip airfare: Airfare to Rotterdam or the nearest major airport.
  • Hotel accommodation: Four nights of accommodation.
  • Airport transfers: Transportation between the airport and the conference hotel.
  • Conference registration: Registration fees covered.
  • Welcome reception: Access to the cocktail reception on October 19, 2027.
  • Breakfast: Breakfast on conference days from October 20–23.
  • Lunch: Lunch on full conference days from October 20–23.
  • Award ceremony dinner: Access to the dinner on October 22.
  • Professional development: Participation in conference sessions, workshops, and networking activities.

Important: The fellowship does not cover visa fees, a daily allowance (per diem), or transportation between the fellow’s home and their departure airport. Applicants should budget for these expenses. The number of full fellowships available for 2027 has not yet been finalized, and partial fellowships may also be offered.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is intended for working journalists who can benefit from the conference’s practical training. The official eligibility criteria include:

  • Be a professional journalist working in print, online, television, video, radio, documentary, or multimedia journalism.
  • Freelance journalists may apply.
  • Journalists working in developing or transitioning countries are eligible under the published criteria.
  • Applicants from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups receive priority.
  • Experience in investigative journalism or data journalism is an advantage.
  • Have a working knowledge of English, as conference sessions and workshops are conducted in English.
  • Submit the fellowship application in English.
  • Demonstrate how participation will support professional development and investigative reporting.

Applicants from countries outside the organizer’s listed eligibility group may still apply if they cannot afford to attend. They should explain their circumstances in the application’s “Additional Notes” section. Consult the official fellowship page for the eligible-country list and full selection criteria.

Conference Topics and Activities

GIJC27 will focus on practical investigative journalism methods and emerging tools. Expected areas include:

  • Investigative reporting techniques and online research.
  • Data journalism and digital investigation.
  • Artificial intelligence and journalism.
  • Cross-border investigative collaboration.
  • Climate change and environmental reporting.
  • Corruption investigations and accountability reporting.
  • Satellite imagery and technology-assisted investigations.
  • Workshops, expert panels, and international networking.

The program is designed to help journalists develop practical skills that they can apply in their own reporting environments.

Required Documents and Application Information

Applicants should prepare accurate information about their professional journalism background and experience. The official application form provides the specific information required.

Before applying, prepare details such as:

  • Personal and contact information.
  • Country of residence and nationality.
  • Current journalism role or freelance work.
  • Relevant reporting experience and investigative work.
  • Reasons for wanting to attend the conference.
  • How the fellowship will help improve your work or benefit your journalism community.
  • Additional information about financial need, where applicable.

Complete the official form in English and follow the organizer’s instructions. Do not assume that a particular certificate or document is mandatory unless it is requested in the application form.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the Official Fellowship Website: Open https://gijc2027.org/fellowships/ and read the eligibility criteria and fellowship requirements.
  2. Check Country Eligibility: Review the organizer’s list of eligible countries and the guidance for applicants who need financial support.
  3. Prepare Your Application: Describe your journalism experience, reporting interests, and how you would use the training.
  4. Complete the Online Form: Enter the required information accurately and answer all application questions in English.
  5. Explain Your Financial Need: If you need support but your country is not on the listed eligibility list, explain your circumstances in the “Additional Notes” section.
  6. Submit Before the Deadline: Submit the completed fellowship application before January 31, 2027.
  7. Follow the Fellowship Requirements: If selected, attend the conference and complete the required post-conference activity.

Official Fellowship Application: https://gijc2027.org/fellowships/

Post-Conference Requirement

Selected fellows must share the knowledge gained from the conference after returning to their professional or journalism community. According to the official guidelines, fellows must either produce a story directly related to GIJC27 or give a presentation about what they learned to colleagues or the wider journalism community. Applicants should consider this commitment before applying.

Application Deadline

  • Fellowship Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
  • Pre-Conference Reception: October 19, 2027
  • Main Conference: October 20–23, 2027
  • Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Applicants should submit their fellowship applications before the deadline and carefully review the official eligibility requirements. Fellowship places are competitive, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

Official Website and Application Link

Official Conference Website: https://gijc2027.org/

Official Fellowship Details and Application: https://gijc2027.org/fellowships/

Organizing Network: https://gijn.org/

Conference Organizer Contact: fellowships@gijn.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 fully funded?

Full fellowships are available for selected journalists. They cover round-trip airfare to Rotterdam, four nights of accommodation, conference registration, airport transfers, and specified meals and events. Visa fees, a daily allowance, and transport to and from the applicant’s home airport are not covered.

Who can apply for the GIJC27 fellowship?

Professional journalists working in print, online, television, video, radio, documentary, or multimedia journalism can apply, including eligible freelance journalists. Applicants from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups receive priority.

Can freelance journalists apply?

Yes. The official eligibility criteria explicitly include freelance journalists.

Is investigative journalism experience mandatory?

Experience in investigative or data journalism is an advantage. Applicants should review the full official criteria and explain their relevant reporting experience.

What is the application deadline?

The official deadline is January 31, 2027.

Do applicants need IELTS?

The official fellowship page requires working knowledge of English and an application written in English. It does not list IELTS as a specific requirement.

Does the fellowship cover visa fees?

No. Visa fees are not included, and applicants must budget for them separately.

What must selected fellows do after the conference?

They must either produce a story directly related to GIJC27 or give a presentation sharing what they learned with colleagues or the journalism community.

Where can I apply?

Visit the official fellowship page at https://gijc2027.org/fellowships/ and follow the application instructions.

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