Opportunity Title : Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) Media Fellowship Program 2026

The Media Fellowship Program is offered by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) as part of its Research Grants Program. The initiative is supported through an endowment established by the Government of Canada.

The fellowship was created to encourage Canadian journalists to develop deeper knowledge of Asian countries, regional developments, and issues shaping Canada's relationships with countries across Asia. Since its establishment, the program has supported nearly 100 Canadian journalists.

Through financial support for original research and reporting, the fellowship seeks to strengthen Canadians' understanding of Asia. Fellows are expected to produce journalism that brings significant Asian issues, developments, people, and perspectives to Canadian audiences.

Projects may involve international travel and on-the-ground reporting, allowing journalists to investigate topics that might otherwise be difficult to cover because of travel and research costs.

Selected fellows may receive financial support of up to C$10,000 for their proposed journalism project.

The funding can help cover eligible expenses associated with conducting the assignment, including:

• International and local travel
• Accommodation
• In-country expenses
• Other reasonable costs directly connected to the proposed reporting project

Applicants should provide a realistic and detailed budget explaining how the requested funding will be used.

Applicants are expected to submit several important documents as part of their application.

1. Project Proposal

Applicants must submit a proposal of 500–750 words maximum.

The proposal should explain the motivation and rationale behind the proposed topic and demonstrate why the subject is important to the intended audience.

It should also provide a practical plan showing how the project will be carried out. This should include concrete steps for research and reporting, the proposed execution strategy, and a dissemination plan explaining where the resulting journalism is expected to be published or broadcast.

2. Project Budget

Applicants must provide a detailed budget of up to C$10,000.

The budget should identify expected expenses such as:

• Airfare and other transportation
• Accommodation
• Local transportation
• Research-related expenses
• In-country costs
• Other eligible expenses associated with completing the assignment

Applicants should ensure that their budget is realistic and directly connected to the proposed project.

3. Current CV

A current curriculum vitae should be submitted to demonstrate the applicant's professional journalism experience, previous publications, employment history, and relevant expertise.

4. Two Samples of Previous Work

Applicants must provide two examples of their written or broadcast work.

Where possible, applicants should provide links to previously published or broadcast work. If links are not available, copies can be submitted together as a single PDF or as digital media files where appropriate.

These samples allow the selection committee to assess the applicant's journalism experience and ability to produce high-quality work.

5. Letter From a Prospective Editor or Producer

Applicants must provide a letter from a prospective editor or producer confirming that they are willing, in principle, to publish or broadcast stories resulting from the proposed fellowship trip.

The proposed publication or broadcast remains subject to the organization's normal editorial judgment.

This letter is important because it demonstrates that the proposed project has a potential Canadian media outlet through which its findings can reach the public.

Applicants should make their proposals specific, practical, and journalism-focused. Rather than presenting a broad topic, applicants should identify a clearly defined issue and explain what they intend to investigate.

A strong application should also demonstrate:

• A clear connection to Asia or Canada–Asia relations.
• A compelling reason for undertaking the reporting project.
• A well-defined target audience.
• A realistic travel and research plan.
• A clear publication or broadcast strategy.
• Relevant professional journalism experience.
• A carefully justified budget.
• Strong examples of previous journalism work.

Applicants should also verify visa and travel requirements well in advance if their project involves international travel.