WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship 2027: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

WCSJ Fellowship

Fellowships
UK
September 15, 2026

WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship 2027: Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship supports journalists, media professionals, journalism students, and eligible students or professionals in related fields who need financial help to attend the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 in London.

The conference will take place in London from 6–9 September 2027 and is hosted by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) and the World Federation of Science Journalists (WFSJ).

The fellowship can provide support for travel to London, visa application costs, limited local transport, up to six nights of accommodation, and full conference registration. It also includes conference refreshments and lunches. There is no per diem payment.

The current application deadline is 23 October 2026 at 23:59 BST.

Quick Details

Detail	Information
Opportunity Name	WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship
Provider	WCSJ2027 / Association of British Science Writers and World Federation of Science Journalists
Host Country	United Kingdom
Host City	London
Host University/Institution	Not applicable
Study Level	Not a degree scholarship; open to eligible journalists and students
Eligible Nationalities	International applicants; no geographical quotas
Eligible Fields	Journalism, science journalism, media studies, science communication, and related fields
Funding	Travel, visa costs, limited local transport, accommodation, conference registration and selected conference costs
Tuition Coverage	Not applicable
Accommodation	Up to six nights
Monthly Stipend	Not applicable; no per diem
Travel Support	Travel to and from London
Language Requirement	Applicants must be able to understand and communicate sufficiently in English for the conference; written application materials must be in English
Application Fee	Not specified on the official source
Application Deadline	23 October 2026, 23:59 BST
Conference Dates	6–9 September 2027
Official Application	Online WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship application

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What Is the WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship?

The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship is designed to help people who would otherwise have difficulty attending the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 because of limited access to funding.

WCSJ2027 is the 14th World Conference of Science Journalists. It will be held at Central Hall Westminster in London under the theme “Strengthening science journalism through global networks.”

The conference will bring together science journalists, writers, communicators and other professionals to discuss science journalism, professional development, reporting and current scientific issues.

The fellowship is particularly aimed at improving international participation and giving applicants with limited financial resources a better opportunity to attend.

What Does the WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship Cover?

Successful applicants can receive support for several costs related to attending the conference.

Travel to London

The fellowship can support travel to and from London. This can include approved travel by:

Air
Rail
Coach
Bus

WCSJ2027 will arrange and pay for approved travel and accommodation directly in the relevant cases.

Visa Costs

The fellowship can cover the approved UK visa application fee for selected applicants who need a visa.

However, applicants are still responsible for applying for the visa and obtaining it.

The fellowship does not cover travel or other costs related to travelling to a place to submit a passport or visa application.

Accommodation

Successful fellows can receive up to six nights of accommodation.

Additional hotel nights and personal hotel expenses are not covered.

Local Transport

Limited local transport related to attending the conference can be supported.

For example, this may include transport between an airport, railway station or bus station and the conference arrangements.

The fellowship does not cover all local transport in London or local transport in the applicant’s home country.

Conference Registration

The fellowship includes full conference registration.

It also includes refreshments and lunches provided as part of the conference programme.

What Is Not Covered?

The fellowship does not provide a general daily allowance.

According to the published information, it does not cover:

Per diem payments
Personal expenses
Meals outside the conference
Travel insurance
Health expenses
Local transport in the applicant’s home country
Unrelated local transport in London
Additional hotel nights
Personal hotel expenses
Costs related to travelling to apply for a passport or visa

This means applicants should not assume that every cost of an international trip to London will be paid.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to several groups.

Journalists and Media Professionals

Journalists and other media professionals covering science or related subjects can apply.

Relevant areas may include:

Science
Engineering
Climate
Health
Technology
Other science-related subjects

Journalism does not have to be the applicant’s only profession.

Applicants may work:

Full-time
Part-time
As freelancers
In print media
Online media
Broadcasting
Podcasts
Other media formats

However, applicants need to demonstrate professional involvement in journalism.

Journalism Students

Students studying areas such as the following can apply:

Journalism
Science journalism
Media studies
Science communication
Related fields

Students must be of legal age in their home country and able to travel independently.

Researchers and Teachers

People involved in research or teaching in journalism, media studies or science communication may also apply.

However, they must have a proven track record in journalism, such as published journalistic work or other relevant media work.

A person who works only in research, teaching, public relations or science communication without professional journalism involvement is not eligible under the published criteria.

Is There a Minimum Number of Years of Experience?

No.

The official FAQ states that there is no minimum number of years of professional experience.

The information about years of experience is collected for statistical purposes.

This means a person should not assume that they need five or ten years of journalism experience before applying.

The quality and relevance of the applicant’s professional work are more important parts of the assessment.

Can Students Apply Without Published Journalism Work?

Students may have some flexibility.

Published work is preferred whenever possible. Examples may include work published through:

A university newspaper
A student radio station
A blog
Other suitable media platforms

If a student does not have enough published work, the fellowship information allows supervised long-form coursework to be submitted in certain circumstances, together with a short statement from the supervising teacher confirming the work.

This option is especially useful for students who are beginning their journalism careers.

WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship Requirements

Applicants will need to provide information about their professional or educational background.

The application asks for items such as:

Current employer, institution or professional affiliation
Current role
Years of professional experience
CV or résumé
Professional biography
Three examples of professional work
Supporting letter

The CV or résumé should be no more than two pages.

Examples of work can include written, audio, video or multimedia work.

The application form accepts formats such as PDF, MP3, MP4, JPEG and PNG for uploaded work.

Motivation Questions

Applicants also need to explain why they want to attend WCSJ2027.

The application asks applicants to explain:

Why they want to attend the conference
What they hope to learn
How the conference will benefit their work
What expertise they can contribute to the WCSJ2027 community
How they plan to share what they learn after the conference
Why they need additional financial support

The current application form gives the motivation statement a limit of 500 words and asks for a separate 150-word response about sharing knowledge after WCSJ2027.

Supporting Letter

Applicants must provide a supporting letter from an appropriate person or organisation.

Depending on the applicant’s situation, this may come from:

An employer
An editor
An educational institution
The head of an educational department
A professional association

For freelancers, an editor they regularly work with may be appropriate.

The letter should explain how attending WCSJ2027 could help the applicant professionally and how the applicant’s expertise could contribute to the conference community.

The supporting letter must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.

Work Samples

Applicants are asked to provide three examples of their work.

These may include:

Articles
Audio work
Video work
Multimedia work
Other accepted journalism materials

Applicants should be named co-authors or clearly explain their contribution to collaborative work.

If the work was originally produced in another language, applicants can provide an English translation or transcript together with the original work.

AI tools may be used to assist with translation or transcription, but the translation must remain faithful to the original. The original work must also be supplied.

Importantly, English ability is not used to judge the quality of journalism originally produced in another language.

English Language Requirement

English is the language of the conference.

Applicants should be able to understand the main points of presentations and discussions and communicate well enough to participate in professional conversations.

However, applicants do not need to be native English speakers.

Written application materials such as the CV, biography, motivation statement and funding statement must be provided in English.

Applicants should write their own application answers. The official information says applicants are not expected to have perfect English; the content of their answers is more important than native-level English.

Passport Requirement

Applicants should have a passport valid until at least the end of September 2027.

If an applicant does not yet have a valid passport, they can provide evidence that they have already applied for a new passport or renewal.

For example, evidence could include:

An official confirmation email
Application receipt
Application confirmation
Screenshot from the relevant authority

A valid passport will be needed before WCSJ2027 can make the necessary travel arrangements.

UK Visa Requirement

Applicants should check whether they need a UK visa before applying.

The official fellowship information says that selected applicants who need a UK visa will receive a letter to support their visa application.

However, receiving the fellowship does not mean that a UK visa is guaranteed.

The applicant remains responsible for applying for and obtaining the visa.

If a selected applicant’s UK visa is refused, the applicant cannot use the Travel Fellowship to attend WCSJ2027 in person. The published FAQ says they will instead receive full online registration for the conference.

Applicants should check their individual UK visa requirements through the official UK government website before making travel plans.

Check UK visa requirements on GOV.UK

How Are Applications Selected?

The WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship uses a competitive international selection process.

Applications are assessed in two main stages.

Stage 1: Professional Review

Professional reviewers assess areas such as:

Professional work
Journalism experience
Motivation
Potential contribution
Professional development
Quality of submitted work

Stage 2: Administrative and Eligibility Review

Authorised WCSJ2027 administrators check eligibility and other programme objectives.

This includes consideration of:

Financial need
International representation
Diversity
Overall composition of the fellowship group

The country where an applicant is usually based may also be considered.

Applicants based in countries classified by the World Bank as low-income or lower-middle-income receive additional consideration under the published selection approach. The classification used will be the one in effect at the application deadline.

This does not mean that applicants from those countries automatically receive a fellowship.

WCSJ2027 Selection Criteria

The published selection criteria include several important areas.

Commitment to Journalism

Applicants should show commitment to accurate, fair, critical and independent journalism.

Professional Development

Experience with journalism networks, professional associations, training, teaching or other activities related to the profession can be relevant.

Motivation

Applicants should clearly explain why attending WCSJ2027 specifically is important to them.

A general statement about wanting to travel to the UK is unlikely to demonstrate the same level of relevance as a clear explanation connected to the conference.

Potential Benefit and Contribution

Applicants should explain:

What they hope to learn
How the experience will help their work
What knowledge or experience they can share with other participants

Sharing Knowledge

Applicants should explain how they will share what they learn after returning home.

This could involve sharing knowledge with colleagues, professional communities or audiences in their country or region.

Quality of Professional Work

The quality of the submitted work is an important part of the assessment.

The selection process primarily considers the three examples provided by the applicant.

Financial Need

Applicants should explain what funding is already available and why they would not be able to attend WCSJ2027 without additional support.

You do not need to provide personal or family income information according to the published FAQ.

Having some financial support does not automatically prevent you from applying. Applicants can explain which costs they can already cover and what additional support they need.

Is There a Geographic Quota?

No geographical quotas are specified.

However, WCSJ2027 wants to create a balanced and internationally representative group of Travel Fellows.

The applicant’s country of residence may therefore be considered as part of the selection process.

For applicants from countries with limited funding opportunities, this can be an important part of the overall application context.

WCSJ2027 Fellowship Deadline

The current deadline is:

23 October 2026 at 23:59 BST

Applicants should not wait until the final day.

The application requires several materials, including work samples and a supporting letter, so preparing everything early can reduce the risk of missing the deadline.

Successful applicants are expected to be notified by the end of February 2027.

When Is WCSJ2027?

The World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 will take place in London from:

6–9 September 2027

The official conference information lists Central Hall Westminster, London as the venue.

Applicants selected for a Travel Fellowship should be available for the full conference period. The fellowship information also refers to availability through 10 September for travel arrangements, so applicants should keep their schedule flexible around the conference dates.

How to Apply for the WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship

Applications must be submitted online.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

First, make sure you meet the fellowship’s requirements.

You should be able to demonstrate relevant journalism involvement, professional work or eligible student experience.

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Prepare a clear CV of no more than two pages.

Focus on relevant:

Journalism experience
Media work
Education
Professional activities
Science communication experience
Related achievements

Step 3: Prepare Your Work Samples

Select three strong examples of your work.

Choose work that best demonstrates your journalism ability and commitment to accurate and independent reporting.

If your work is not in English, prepare the original work together with a faithful English translation or transcript where required.

Step 4: Request a Supporting Letter

Ask an appropriate employer, editor, educational institution or professional association for the required supporting letter.

Do this early because the other person may need time to prepare and approve the letter.

Step 5: Write Your Motivation Statement

Explain clearly:

Why you want to attend WCSJ2027
What you want to learn
How it will help your work
What you can contribute
Why you need financial support

Avoid general statements that could apply to any conference.

Step 6: Explain Your Financial Need

State what support you already have and what additional support you need.

Be honest and specific.

You do not need to provide personal or family income information according to the official FAQ.

Step 7: Review Your Passport

Check that your passport is valid until at least the end of September 2027.

If you have applied for a new passport or renewal, prepare evidence of the application.

Step 8: Submit the Online Application

The official application must be submitted through the online form.

Apply through the official WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship application form

The organisers also provide an offline version of the form to help applicants prepare their answers, but the offline version cannot be submitted as the application.

Practical Tips for a Strong Application

Choose Your Best Three Work Samples

Do not simply upload the three newest pieces.

Choose the work that best demonstrates your journalism skills, subject knowledge, accuracy and professional development.

Connect Your Goals to WCSJ2027

Explain why this particular conference matters to your work.

For example, discuss the specific skills, knowledge, networks or reporting opportunities you hope to gain.

Explain the Benefit to Your Community

The fellowship wants applicants to think beyond their own professional development.

Explain how you will share what you learn with colleagues, students, media organisations or other professional communities.

Be Clear About Financial Need

Do not simply write that London is expensive.

Explain your current access to funding and why additional support is necessary for you to attend.

Prepare Your Supporting Letter Early

A missing supporting letter could create problems because the organisers need enough information to assess the application.

Check Every File Before Submission

Make sure:

Your CV is within the required length
Work samples open correctly
Links work
Translations are complete
Supporting documents are included
Written answers are in English
Your passport information is accurate

Do Not Use an Unofficial Application Website

There is no need to pay a third-party website to submit this fellowship application.

Use the official WCSJ2027 application form.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some mistakes can make an otherwise strong application weaker.

Avoid:

Submitting after the deadline
Leaving required questions unanswered
Uploading weak work samples
Forgetting the supporting letter
Providing inaccurate personal information
Failing to explain financial need
Writing a generic motivation statement
Submitting work without the required original version or translation
Assuming the fellowship guarantees a UK visa
Assuming every London travel expense is covered
Treating the fellowship as a university scholarship
Using unofficial application websites

Is the WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship Fully Funded?

It is safer not to describe it as a traditional fully funded scholarship.

The fellowship provides substantial travel support, including approved travel to London, visa application costs, limited local transport, up to six nights of accommodation and full conference registration.

However, it does not cover every personal expense. There is no per diem, and costs such as travel insurance, health expenses, meals outside the conference and several other expenses are excluded.

Therefore, applicants should read the funding conditions carefully before assuming that they will have no personal costs.

Does the Fellowship Pay a Monthly Stipend?

No.

This is a conference travel fellowship, not a study scholarship with a monthly living allowance.

The official information specifically states that per diem payments are not provided.

Can Afghan Journalists Apply?

The fellowship is designed for international participation and does not set geographical quotas.

However, applicants must meet the published eligibility and selection criteria.

An Afghan applicant should therefore demonstrate relevant journalism or eligible student experience, provide the required work samples, explain the motivation for attending and clearly describe their financial need.

Being from Afghanistan alone does not guarantee selection.

Applicants based in countries classified as low-income or lower-middle-income receive additional consideration under the published selection approach, using the World Bank classification in effect at the application deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship?

It is a travel support programme for eligible journalists, media professionals, journalism students and related applicants who need financial assistance to attend the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 in London.

2. What is the WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship deadline?

The deadline is 23 October 2026 at 23:59 BST.

3. How many nights of accommodation are covered?

The fellowship can provide up to six nights of accommodation.

4. Does the fellowship cover the UK visa fee?

Yes. For selected applicants who require a UK visa, approved visa application costs can be covered. However, applicants are responsible for applying for and obtaining the visa.

5. Do I need several years of journalism experience?

No. There is no minimum number of years of professional experience.

Applicants are assessed on their professional work, motivation, potential contribution and other published selection criteria.

6. Can students apply?

Yes. Students in journalism, science journalism, media studies, science communication and related fields can apply if they meet the stated conditions.