Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 in the Netherlands: Fully Funded Fellowship for Journalists
The Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 (GIJC27) is inviting journalists to apply for fellowships to attend its upcoming international conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Organized by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) in collaboration with the Dutch-Flemish Association of Investigative Journalists (VVOJ), the event will bring together media professionals to explore investigative reporting, data journalism, digital research and cross-border collaboration.
The fellowship program is designed to help journalists who might otherwise struggle to afford participation in an international professional training event. Selected applicants may receive financial support for major conference-related expenses, including round-trip airfare, hotel accommodation and registration fees.
For journalists from Bangladesh and other developing or transitioning countries, this opportunity may be worth considering, particularly for those with experience in digital reporting, public-interest journalism, data-driven stories or investigative work.
GIJC27 Fellowship 2027: At a Glance
| Opportunity Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conference | Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 |
| Fellowship | GIJC27 Fellowship |
| Host organization | Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) |
| Co-host | Dutch-Flemish Association of Investigative Journalists (VVOJ) |
| Location | Rotterdam, the Netherlands |
| Conference dates | October 19–23, 2027 |
| Application deadline | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding | Full and potentially partial fellowships |
| Eligible applicants | Professional journalists meeting the eligibility criteria |
| Application fee | Check the official application form |
| Application method | Online application |
What Is the Global Investigative Journalism Conference?
The Global Investigative Journalism Conference is an international professional gathering focused on strengthening investigative reporting. The 2027 edition will be the 15th conference and will take place at de Doelen ICC Rotterdam.
According to the organizers, the program will include more than 150 expert panels and workshops. Sessions are expected to address emerging technologies, practical investigative methods and the challenges journalists face when researching complex public-interest issues.
Potential subject areas include:
- Investigating corruption and misuse of public resources.
- Data journalism and evidence-based reporting.
- Artificial intelligence and digital investigation tools.
- Online research, verification and open-source intelligence techniques.
- Satellite imagery and other technology-assisted reporting methods.
- Climate change and environmental investigations.
- Cross-border investigations and collaboration between newsrooms.
- Reporting safely in challenging media environments.
The conference is intended to provide practical learning opportunities rather than simply a platform for networking. Participants can explore methods that may be applied to their own reporting and newsroom activities.
Financial Benefits of the GIJC27 Fellowship
The full fellowship is expected to cover several major costs associated with attending the conference. According to the official announcement, the package includes:
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| International airfare | Round-trip airfare to Rotterdam or the nearest major airport |
| Airport transfers | Transport between the airport and conference hotel |
| Accommodation | Hotel stay for four nights |
| Conference registration | Registration fee |
| Conference reception | Cocktail reception on October 19, 2027 |
| Breakfast | Breakfast on conference days, October 20–23 |
| Lunch | Lunch on full conference days, October 20–23 |
| Award ceremony dinner | Dinner on October 22, 2027 |
Important funding note: A full fellowship does not cover every expense. The official announcement states that fellows must pay their own visa fees, per diem and transportation to and from their home-country airport. Applicants should plan for these additional costs before applying.
The number of available fellowships has not yet been finalized. GIJN also indicates that partial fellowships may be available to some applicants. Therefore, applicants should carefully review the funding options in the application form rather than assume that every successful candidate will receive a full package.
Who Can Apply for the GIJC27 Fellowship?
The fellowship is intended for professional journalists working in developing or transitioning countries, with particular consideration for journalists from the Global South and historically underrepresented groups.
Eligible professional backgrounds include:
- Print and newspaper journalists.
- Online and digital journalists.
- Television and video journalists.
- Radio journalists.
- Documentary journalists and filmmakers working in journalism.
- Multimedia journalists.
- Freelance journalists.
Previous experience in investigative journalism or data journalism is considered an advantage.
The organizers also encourage applicants to explain why they need financial assistance to attend the conference. Journalists from countries that are not included in the linked eligibility list may still apply and explain their circumstances in the additional notes section, according to GIJN's announcement.
Applicants should confirm that their country and professional background meet the current requirements before submitting the form.
Is the Fellowship Relevant to Journalists from Bangladesh?
Bangladeshi journalists who meet the official eligibility criteria may find this fellowship relevant to their professional development. However, eligibility should not be assumed solely on the basis of nationality; applicants should check the current country list and application instructions.
The opportunity may be particularly useful for journalists who want to develop their ability to investigate issues involving public services, environmental risks, governance, accountability, financial irregularities or humanitarian challenges.
For example, a journalist working on climate-related displacement, access to essential services or the transparency of humanitarian assistance could use investigative methods to examine documents, verify claims, analyze available data and present evidence-based findings.
These are illustrative examples, not topics that applicants are required to investigate. A strong application should reflect the applicant's actual professional experience and explain how the conference could improve their future reporting.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application
Because fellowship places are limited and competition is expected to be strong, applicants should prepare carefully. The following steps can help them present their professional background clearly.
1. Demonstrate relevant journalism experience
Prepare links to published stories, investigative reports, data-driven articles, documentaries or other journalism work that demonstrates your skills. Choose examples that show the quality and public-interest value of your reporting.
2. Explain why you need the fellowship
Describe the practical financial barriers that would prevent you from attending without support. Keep the explanation specific and accurate.
3. Show what you want to learn
Identify the investigative methods, digital tools or reporting skills you hope to develop. Explain how these skills relate to your current work or future reporting plans.
4. Highlight your potential impact
Describe how you intend to use the knowledge gained at the conference to improve reporting, support your newsroom or share useful techniques with other journalists.
5. Prepare your application in English
The conference's working language is English, and the fellowship application must be submitted in English. Write clearly, provide accurate information and review your answers before submission.
6. Plan for the post-conference requirement
Fellows are required to either produce a story directly related to GIJC27 or give a presentation to colleagues or the wider journalism community based on the knowledge gained at the conference. Applicants should consider how they could fulfil this requirement before applying.
Required Documents and Information
Applicants should consult the official form for the exact documents and fields required. Preparing the following information in advance may make the process easier:
- An up-to-date professional journalism CV or biography.
- Links to published work and relevant reporting samples.
- Details of current employment or freelance journalism activities.
- A clear explanation of professional goals.
- A statement explaining the need for financial assistance.
- Examples demonstrating investigative or data journalism experience, if available.
- A plan for applying or sharing the knowledge gained through the fellowship.
This is a preparation checklist, not an official list of mandatory attachments. Follow the requirements stated in the application form.
Application Deadline and Conference Schedule
The application deadline for the GIJC27 Fellowship is January 31, 2027.
The conference will take place from October 19 to 23, 2027, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. October 19 is the pre-conference day, while the main conference program is scheduled for October 20–23.
Applicants are advised not to wait until the final day to prepare their applications. Allow sufficient time to collect reporting samples, review eligibility requirements and write a strong explanation of why the fellowship would support their professional development.
How to Apply for the GIJC27 Fellowship 2027
Applications are submitted through the official Global Investigative Journalism Network website.
Before applying, read the eligibility requirements, review the funding conditions and prepare your supporting information. Complete the application in English and ensure that every statement accurately represents your professional experience.
Ready to Apply?
Apply for the Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2027 Fellowship in the Netherlands.
APPLY NOW ➜Application Deadline: January 31, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the GIJC27 Fellowship fully funded?
Full fellowships cover several major expenses, including round-trip airfare, four nights of hotel accommodation, airport transfers and conference registration. Meals and specified conference events are also included. Visa fees, per diem and transport to and from the applicant's home-country airport are not covered.
Can freelance journalists apply?
Yes. The official eligibility criteria include freelance journalists working in developing or transitioning countries, subject to the other requirements.
Is investigative journalism experience mandatory?
Previous investigative or data journalism experience is an advantage. Applicants should review the official criteria and demonstrate relevant professional experience in their application.
Can journalists from Bangladesh apply?
Potentially, provided they meet the official eligibility requirements. Check the eligible-country list and the current application instructions before submitting an application.
What is the last date to apply?
The deadline is January 31, 2027.
What must fellows do after the conference?
Fellows must either produce a story directly related to GIJC27 or deliver a presentation to colleagues or the journalism community based on what they learned.
Does the fellowship cover visa costs?
No. According to the official announcement, visa fees are the responsibility of the fellow.
Final Note for Applicants
The GIJC27 Fellowship offers an opportunity to develop investigative reporting skills, learn from international experts and connect with journalists working on public-interest stories around the world. However, receiving funding is competitive, and submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
Interested journalists should rely on the official GIJN announcement for the latest information about eligibility, funding, application requirements and any updates to the program.
Disclaimer: Prothomlink.com shares educational, career and professional development opportunities for informational purposes. We are not the organizer of this fellowship and do not make selection decisions. Applicants should verify all information through the official source before applying.
Source: Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) — official GIJC27 Fellowship announcement.
.jpg.jpeg)
