Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence – Applications Open

Qershor 8, 2026
Application ends: Qershor 22, 2026
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Job Description

BIRN Kosovo is pleased to announce the official launch of the second cycle of Kosovo Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence. The program is modeled after the renowned Balkan Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence, which has been supporting investigative journalism since 2007.

Funded by the European Union, the six-month fellowship offers a unique opportunity for 10 aspiring and mid-career journalists aged 18–35 to develop in-depth, high-quality investigative stories on issues of public interest.

Fellowship benefits:

  • €2,000 bursary to support the production of a long-form investigative article;
  • Professional editorial mentorship from award-winning BIRN Kosovo editors with long experience of investigative journalism;
  • Wide publication opportunities, including republication on leading BIRN platforms such as KALLXO.com or Prishtina Insight.

Topics of focus:

Fellows will investigate and write stories that explore critical issues, including:

  • Corruption and public procurement
  • Public spending and transparency
  • Environment, healthcare and education
  • Human rights (minorities, women, workers, LGBTI+ community)
  • Media financing and interethnic media cooperation

Fellows will produce one original investigative article in Albanian, Serbian, or English, and select the media outlet for publication. BIRN Kosovo will ensure the article reaches a broad audience through its partner platforms – KALLXO.com or Prishtina Insight.

Who can apply?

  • Journalists with at least three years of professional experience;
  • Applicants from broadcast, online, public, and private media outlets;
  • Journalists working in Albanian, Serbian, and minority languages are encouraged to apply;
  • Women and members of non-majority communities are strongly encouraged to apply. BIRN is committed to ensuring that at least 50% of selected fellows are women, and at least two fellowships will be awarded to journalists from non-majority communities.

Application details:

  • Deadline: Midnight, June 22, 2026
  • Submit to: euokproposals@birnnetwork.org
  • Languages: Applications may be submitted in Albanian, Serbian, or English

For questions about the fellowship or the application process, please contact: euokproposals@birnnetwork.org by June 14, 2026.