Nova Media Fellowship 2025 | $60,000 Paid Fellowship for Journalists

Nova Media Fellowship Program 2025 | A Fully Funded Opportunity for Journalists

Applications are now open for the Nova Media Fellowship Program 2025 — an incredible opportunity for journalists and media professionals passionate about health reporting. Hosted by the Nova Institute for Health, this year-long, paid fellowship aims to support in-depth, scientifically grounded journalism across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

The fellowship is designed to elevate the quality and quantity of media coverage surrounding critical health topics, helping journalists tackle misinformation and produce solution-oriented stories. If you're a dedicated journalist looking to make an impact in the health sector, this U.S.-based fellowship is your chance to do just that — and get paid for it.

What the Fellowship Offers

Fellows will receive a $60,000 stipend over 12 months, along with up to $7,500 in reimbursable travel expenses. Additionally, the Nova Institute covers all expenses related to in-person events, workshops, and conferences. The fellowship is independent — participants have full editorial control over their projects.

The fellowship starts in September 2025 and includes regular virtual meetings, skill-building sessions, and one mandatory in-person conference from October 12–15, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Focus Areas for 2025–26

Applicants are encouraged to pitch projects that explore:

Children and Adolescents’ Health
Health Inequities and Marginalized Communities
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
Transdisciplinary Approaches to Health

Projects should reflect how these areas are influenced by social, political, and environmental factors, aligning with the Nova Institute's broader health framework.

Who Can Apply?

Full-time U.S.-based journalists with a strong portfolio.
Freelancers or staff reporters with national, regional, or local experience.
Projects can cover international topics, but applicants must currently reside in the United States.
Nova strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women and communities of color.
Applicants must commit to the entire 12-month program and actively engage in monthly online and bi-monthly check-in meetings.

Note: This fellowship is only open to projects that include a concrete publication plan.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

A resume (max 5 pages)
A project proposal (max 1,500 words), including:
- Project summary
- Story treatment
- Outreach strategy
- Relevant experience and values
- Other professional commitments
Three work samples
If selected as a finalist, 1–2 recommendation letters (max one page each)

Finalists will be interviewed virtually by a panel of Nova Institute experts and media professionals.

Application Deadline

Deadline: May 19, 2025
Start Date: Ideally by September 2, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply