2026 Fellowship Application

BECOME ONE OF OUR INAUGURAL FELLOWS

The Constructive Institute Asia Pacific Hub (CIAPH) at Monash University is offering 14 funded places for our inaugural four-week fellowship which is to be held in Melbourne, in 2026.

The fellowships are for journalists, editors and news leaders eager to reimagine journalism through a constructive lens and we welcome applicants from all media platforms.

We’re looking for journalists who:

  • lead and inspire change within their teams and beyond
  • apply an innovation mindset to their approach to journalism
  • champion constructive, solutions-focused reporting that informs and empowers audiences
  • bring at least seven years of experience and a readiness to learn, share and innovate.

Co-designed by CIAPH and the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership, the fellowship is designed to give journalists and news leaders the space, support and inspiration to step back from daily work demands and reimagine their craft – with a constructive focus.

Fellows will gather in Melbourne for two intensive blocks of a fortnight. The first block in mid-April, and then the second block in September.

During this time, they will explore how constructive approaches to reporting and storytelling can help rebuild trust in news, deepen understanding of complex issues, and strengthen democracy by supporting engaged and informed communities.

Each fellow will nominate a constructive journalism project they want to develop over the course of the program, drawing on the input from the fellowship cohort and subject matter experts at Monash University.

Flights and accommodation will be provided for interstate fellows, and for two journalists from the Asia Pacific region.

We strongly encourage applications from First Nations journalists and news leaders.

An independent panel will select fellows based on merit and with a view to having a diverse range of projects, ideas and participants in the fellowship cohort.

Applicants must submit the following.

  • A five-minute video, telling us about yourself and why you want to be part of the program
  • A 250-word summary of your career
  • A 250-word summary of a constructive journalism idea/project
  • A statement of support from your employer (template provided)

Freelance applicants must be able to demonstrate an ongoing relationship with at least one media organisation - with a statement of support preferable - and submit a delivery plan for their nominated project.

For more information, head to our FAQ.

Applications open at 9:00am AEST on the 22nd of January, and close at 11:59pm AEST on the 24th of February, 2026.

To apply, fill out our application form here, or scan the QR code below.