Tarbell Fellowship 2027 to 2028: paid year as an AI reporter

The Tarbell Fellowship is a one year program from the Tarbell Center for AI Journalism for journalists and subject matter experts who want to report on artificial intelligence. Applications for the 2027 to 2028 cohort are open now.

Fellows first take a three month remote course on AI and journalism fundamentals, from 7 June to 6 August 2027. It is full time and ends with a weeklong summit in person in August, with travel and accommodation paid. From September 2027 to May 2028 fellows work as AI reporters inside a partner newsroom. Past hosts include CBS News, MIT Technology Review and TIME.

Salaries for fellows range from $75,000 to $120,000, depending on experience and the cost of living in the placement city. Senior fellows, who need at least seven years of experience in AI or journalism, are paid $115,000 to $135,000 and help with mentoring during the course. All applicants are considered for the senior role automatically.

The program mainly looks for people with the right to work where partner newsrooms are based. As of September 2026 that means cities in the U.S., the U.K. and Hong Kong. Tarbell looks for experience in journalism or AI, strong writing, curiosity and a real interest in how AI affects society. An AI governance expert or machine learning researcher can apply, and so can an early or mid career journalist.

The first stage is an online form with a CV, short questions and one to three writing samples, at most 4,500 words in total. Applications close on 22 November 2026. A work test follows in December and January, then interviews with Tarbell and with newsrooms until March. Fellows are selected in late March 2027.

Quick answers

How much does it pay?

Salaries for fellows range from $75,000 to $120,000; senior fellows $115,000 to $135,000. It is paid to the person as a stipend.

When is the deadline?

The deadline is 22 November 2026.

Who can apply?

Journalists and subject matter experts in AI, aged 18 or older by 7 June 2027, primarily those with the right to work in the U.S., the U.K. or Hong Kong. No university degree is required. Senior fellows need at least seven years of relevant experience. It is limited to applicants in North America, United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, HK.

How do I apply?

Through the official page at airtable.com. The link is at the top of this page.

Do I need journalism experience?

No. Many successful candidates had no journalism experience, but they must show strong AI subject knowledge and do well on the writing tests.

Can I use AI to write my application?

No. Tarbell uses AI detectors and will disqualify applicants whose writing samples are AI generated.

Will the fellowship sponsor a visa?

Sometimes, but this is uncommon and needs the approval of the partner newsroom.