Stern-Bryan Fellowship

Journalists are invited to apply for the 45th Stern-Bryan Fellowship.

Calling early career British journalists

Are you an early career journalist who wants the opportunity to work at one of the world's most prestigious papers? Do you want to follow in the footsteps of journalists such as Cathy Newman, Mary Ann Sieghart, Gabriel Pogrund and Gary Younge?

Every year, a British journalist gets the chance to spend three months at the Washington Post and write for the paper as part of the Stern-Bryan fellowship. The fellow also has a further month to travel in the US.

There are simply no other opportunities in British journalism like the Stern-Bryan fellowship. It is a life changing opportunity that the Post packs full of unforgettable experiences. I was on the road for almost all of my three months and reported from 10 states as Trump battled Harris to take his second term. It was endlessly fun and challenging while learning from some of the best editors in the business'

This year’s winner will have a front-row seat covering the mid-term year of the second Trump presidency. Previous fellows have reported from around the US, travelled on Air Force One, attended events in the White House and followed presidential candidates on the election trail.

Applications will be considered from any British-citizen journalist working in print, radio, television or web, including those working abroad for British outlets.

How to apply

You should explain why you are right for this opportunity and attach:

• Your CV
• Two references, at least one from a present or former editor or producer
• No more than three recent samples of their work.

Please note:

• All documents should be submitted in PDF form (preferably in a single PDF document).
• Television or radio journalists may submit scripts or cite examples of their recent achievements.
• Candidates must obtain their references and submit them with their application.
• In case of joint bylined pieces, candidates must attach a short paragraph explaining which elements of the piece were their contributions.
• Highlight any multimedia contributions to your published work.

The application should be sent by email to Stern.fellowship@gmail.com

Or by post to: Dr Glenda Cooper, Department of Journalism, City St George's, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V OHB.

Application deadline

Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in London late March 2026

Start date: Summer 2026

About the Stern-Bryan Fellowship

The fellowship was begun by Ben Bradlee in honour of Laurence Stern, a Post editor who died at age 50 in 1979. Bradlee and veteran British journalist Godfrey Hodgson turned to Felicity Bryan, a close friend of Stern’s, to be one of the original organisers.

Bryan went on to become one of one of Britain’s leading literary agents, and an irrepressible force at the heart of the fellowship. In 2020, the fellowship was renamed to include her. She died at age 74 in June 2020.

“Ben Bradlee once said to me that the Stern Fellowship was one of the things he was most proud to be associated with, and I feel the same,” Bryan said. Read the full story.

I would say the Stern Fellowship gave me the best journalistic training I ever had. Some of Britain's best journalists are graduates of the Stern Fellowship - and I don't think it's a coincidence.

To any young British journalists on the fence about applying for this - don't let poor self-confidence talk you out of it like mine almost did. As a freelancer, I was astonished to get an interview, let alone be picked for the fellowship itself. The experience changed my life.

I spent some fascinating weeks in the press galleries of the White House and Congress, but the best bit above all was travelling in the press pack on Air Force One. My confidence as a reporter and person in general came on leaps and I couldn't recommend it enough

I hitched a lift with presidential candidate Ralph Nader. I’ll never forget traversing the country with him in his battered old car: there was no better way to learn about the country - and its politics. The Stern Fellowship gave me unbeatable experience and I’ll be forever grateful.

• Journalism at City St George's, University of London