9 journalism opportunities closing in October 2026

If you’re looking to advance your journalism career, these 9 journalism opportunities closing in October 2026 offer valuable chances to gain recognition, develop new skills, and expand your professional network.

The opportunities are open to journalists at different career stages, including student journalists, early-career reporters, and experienced media professionals.

The October opportunities cover areas such as campus journalism, business reporting, press freedom, science journalism, public health, satire and reporting on conflict & trauma, and include fellowships, awards, travel support, and competitions, giving journalists different ways to strengthen their portfolios and pursue professional growth before the end of the year.

 

1. 2026 Alfred Opubor Next-Gen Awards for Campus Journalism:DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1, 2026 — The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) invites student journalists in Nigeria to submit entries for the 2026 Alfred Opubor Next-Gen Awards for Campus Journalism. APPLY HERE
2. Naija Feminists Media 2026 fellowship on reproductive health: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 9, 2026 — Naija Feminists Media (NFM) invites media professionals to apply for its 2026 Editorial Fellowship on reproductive health. APPLY HERE
3. Call for applications: McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 12, 2026 — The fall 2026 edition of the McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism is open for applications. APPLY HERE
4. Nominations for 2026 Free Press Awards are open: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 16, 2026 — Nominations are currently open for the 2026 Free Press Awards, which recognise journalists and media professionals who have a strong commitment to press freedom and independent information. APPLY HERE
5. 2027 Ochberg Fellowship open for applications: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 20, 2026 — Senior and mid-career journalists who wish to deepen their knowledge of emotional trauma and psychological injury, and improve reporting on violence, conflict and tragedy can apply for the 2027 Ochberg Fellowship. APPLY HERE
6. WCSJ2027 Travel Fellowship open to journalists, journalism students: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 23, 2026 — Journalists and journalism students are invited to apply for the World Conference of Science Journalists 2027 (WCSJ2027) Travel Fellowships. APPLY HERE
7. Merck Foundation media awards on diabetes and hypertension reporting: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 30, 2026 —Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 seeks entries on diabetes and hypertension reporting. APPLY HERE
8. Punocracy seeks entries for 2026 Prize for Satire competition: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2026 — Punocracy has opened entries for the fourth edition of its Prize for Satire competition, which promotes satire as a tool for socio-political commentary. APPLY HERE
9. The Open Notebook Early-Career Fellowship 2027: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2026 — The Open Notebook is inviting applications from early-career science journalists for its 2027 fellowship programme. APPLY HERE

 

MORE MEDIA AND JOURNALISM OPPORTUNITIES FROM I-79 MEDIA

Looking to spice up the year with brand new goals and ambitions? You can select from the list of applications.

1. AIPS seeks entries for 2026 Sport Media Awards, offers up to USD 5,000 in prizes: DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 4, 2026 — The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) is accepting entries for the 2026 AIPS Sport Media Awards. APPLY HERE
2. Remote social media assistant internship at Hope for HIV/AIDS International: DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 26, 2026 — Hope for HIV/AIDS International invites applications worldwide for its Remote Social Media Assistant Internship. APPLY HERE
3. Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship seeks applications from journalists in Africa: DEADLINE:  NOVEMBER 30, 2026 — The Asharami Square Energy Reporting Fellowship is inviting journalists across Africa to submit original stories that explore the continent’s energy and environmental challenges. APPLY HERE
4. Safe Haven Fellowship seeks applications from researchers, journalists, artists: DEADLINE: DECEMBER 14, 2026 — The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) is accepting applications for the 2027-2028 session of its Safe Haven Fellowship. APPLY HERE
5. 2027 FASPE journalism programme open for applications: DEADLINE: JANUARY 3, 2027 — The Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) has opened applications for its 2027 Journalism Fellowship, an intensive two-week programme focused on professional ethics and ethical leadership. APPLY HERE

 

ROLLING OPPORTUNITIES

Seeking funds for your next media projects? This Rolling Story Grants section is tailored for you.

1. 2026 Creative Changemakers Fellowship open for applications: Emerging creatives who are passionate about civic engagement, accountability, transparency, and making governance work for the people through their content can apply for the 2026 Creative Changemakers Fellowship (CCMF). APPLY HERE
2. Development, production funding for feature documentary filmmakers worldwide: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Feature documentary filmmakers from around the world can submit projects for development or production financing to Impact Partners. APPLY HERE
3. Nigerian NewsDirect hiring Managing Editor, Business Development Manager, Digital Media Manager, Reporters: NewsDirect Global Concepts Ltd, publishers of Nigerian NewsDirect newspaper, has the following vacancies: Managing Editor, Business Development & Marketing Manager, Digital Media Manager and Reporters/Correspondents. APPLY HERE
4. Managing editor (Africa) needed at Mongabay: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Mongabay, a leading environmental science and conservation news organisation, is inviting applications for the position of Managing Editor (Africa). APPLY HERE
5. The Whistler newspaper hiring judiciary correspondent: The Whistler newspaper is currently seeking a Judiciary Correspondent. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3-5 years of court/legal reporting experience, a Bachelor’s degree (Law, Mass Communication or Journalism is preferred), and a deep understanding of the Nigerian legal system, court procedures and key laws. APPLY HERE
6. OSINT research fellowship for journalists, researchers in northern Nigeria: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) seeks applications for its OSINT and Conflict Research Fellowship aimed at countering violent narratives in Northern Nigeria. APPLY HERE
7. Mongabay is hiring Copy Editor: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Mongabay, an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organisation, is hiring a Copy Editor. APPLY HERE
8. Zikoko is hiring a Citizen Reporter: Zikoko, a publication of Big Cabal Media (BCM), wants an experienced Citizen Reporter to join its team. APPLY HERE
9. Climate Home News seeks pitches from freelance journalists, others: Climate Home News accepts article pitches from freelance journalists, experts and organisations working on climate policy. APPLY HERE
10. Mongabay seeks investigations editor: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Mongabay, an award-winning global environmental news platform, is hiring an Investigations Editor to manage its growing body of cross-border investigative reporting on environmental destruction and accountability. APPLY HERE
11. Pulitzer Centre offering ocean and fisheries reporting grant: The Pulitzer Centre, a nonprofit organisation that supports independent global journalism, is accepting proposals for its ocean and fisheries reporting grant. APPLY HERE
12. Naija Feminists Media seeks contributors, writers: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Naija Feminists Media is accepting articles from feminist writers who are interested in sharing original work on feminist topics. APPLY HERE
13. Apply for grants at Fund for Investigative Journalism: The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is offering grants to journalists for the production of impactful investigative stories. APPLY HERE
14. Grant writing course for journalists: Journalists who want to learn the ins and outs of applying for grants can enroll for this course: Grant Writing for Journalists. APPLY HERE
15. Pulitzer Centre seeks proposals on climate change and its effects on workers and work: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Centre has reporting grants for its initiative focused on climate change and its effects on workers and work. APPLY HERE
16. Pulitzer Centre seeks proposals for transparency and governance reporting grants: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center invites applications from freelance and staff journalists worldwide for its Transparency & Governance Reporting Grants. APPLY HERE
17. Grants for underreported stories in Sub-Saharan Africa:  DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center is offering grants for underreported stories in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proposals should focus on issues such as water and sanitation, land degradation and coastal erosion, education, maternal health, and climate resilience. APPLY HERE
18. Pulitzer Center has grants for data journalism projects: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting is offering grants for innovative data-driven journalism projects that spotlight underreported issues. APPLY HERE
19. MDIF Ventures wants to invest in growing media companies: The Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) Ventures wants to invest in young and growing media companies with a positive social impact and potential to scale. APPLY HERE
20. Women journalists can apply for IWMF Emergency Fund: Women journalists are invited to apply for the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) Emergency Fund. APPLY HERE

 

STORY PITCHES

Where to submit story pitches? No worries, we’ve got you! Check below for exciting offers.

1. Pitch stories to The Republic: Writers, storytellers, journalists, essayists and others can pitch stories that help us understand our time to The Republic. APPLY HERE
2. Mongabay seeks video pitches on environmental stories: Mongabay’s Global team invites experienced video journalists, producers, cinematographers, editors and animators to submit pitches for environmental video stories. APPLY HERE
3. Journalists can pitch stories to Coda: Journalists can now pitch stories that reveal the patterns beneath the headlines to Coda. Coda Media is a journalism studio that deploys rigorous reporting and powerful storytelling to expose and explore the deep roots of global transformation. APPLY HERE
4. MIT Technology Review seeks pitches from freelance journalists, writers: MIT Technology Review is inviting freelance journalists and writers to submit story pitches on technology, science and their impact on society. APPLY HERE
5. Reporters, photographers can submit pitches to FERN: Reporters and photographers can pitch stories that are in-depth, investigative and explanatory to the Food & Environment Reporting Network (FERN). APPLY HERE
6. Africast seeks pitches for accountability stories: DEADLINE: ROLLING Africast, a new media startup, is currently accepting pitches for accountability stories under the Civic Media Lab project. APPLY HERE
7. Submit story pitches to Coda: Coda Media, a journalism studio, is accepting pitches for stories that reveal the patterns beneath the headlines. APPLY HERE
8. Pitch Mongabay stories about Africa: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Mongabay Africa is accepting pitches for stories about Africa. This reporting project aims to foreground the voices of those impacted by environmental changes. APPLY HERE
9. Submit investigative story pitches to Follow the Money: Follow the Money is inviting pitches from freelance journalists or reporters working with media outlets that are open to collaboration. APPLY HERE
10. MIT Technology Review seeks pitches from freelance writers: MIT Technology Review is accepting pitches from freelance writers of all skill levels and from all backgrounds. APPLY HERE
11. Call for pitches: Climate Home News seeks stories on mineral supply chains: Journalists with at least three years’ experience can pitch original story ideas about the trends shaping supply chains for energy transition minerals and how to address their sustainability challenges. APPLY HERE
12. The Harbinger seeks agriculture, agritech, climate impact stories: The Harbinger seeks Agriculture, AgriTech & Climate impact stories from passionate writers, journalists, storytellers and researchers across the globe. APPLY HERE
13. Current Conservation seeks submissions; Current Conservation, a not-for-profit quarterly print and online magazine, is accepting articles, illustrations and photo essays. APPLY HERE
14. Pin Africa seeks pitches from African journalists, photographers and content creators: Pin Africa seeks pitches from African journalists, photographers and content creators passionate about positively elevating stories about the continent. APPLY HERE
15. Accountability Amplifiers Initiative seeks story pitches from campus journalists: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Accountability Amplifiers Initiative seeks story pitches from campus journalists to investigate accountability and transparency issues at the subnational levels. APPLY HERE
16. Contributions needed on climate issues in Africa: Individuals and organisations passionate about shedding light on climate issues in relation to China’s development in Africa can apply for this project. APPLY HERE
17. Call for contributions: Chinese Energy Initiatives in Africa: The China-Global South Project (CGSP) seeks contributors to shed light on energy issues and projects related to Chinese energy initiatives in Africa. APPLY HERE
18. Submit pitches on clean energy supply chains: Climate Home News is currently accepting pitches for story ideas on clean energy supply chains. Journalists from all countries, with at least three years’ experience and fluent spoken and written English are welcome to apply. APPLY HERE
19. The Revelator seeks pitches on environmental issues: The Revelator is actively seeking both expert commentaries and freelance journalism related to environmental issues. APPLY HERE
20. IJNet seeks pitches on resources helpful to journalists: The International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) is accepting pitches related to journalism tools, apps or resources that can help journalists globally. Writers will be compensated US$200 per article. APPLY HERE
21. GIJN seeks contributors to write articles related to investigative journalism: The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) seeks contributors interested in writing articles related to investigative journalism. APPLY HERE
22. Mongabay Africa seeks pitches on climate change and land degradation: Mongabay Africa is offering paid reporting opportunities on stories focused on climate change and land degradation. APPLY HERE
23. BBC Africa Eye seeks pitches for investigative story ideas: BBC Africa Eye is currently accepting pitches for investigative story ideas. BBC Africa Eye is an investigative documentary programme that makes films from across the continent. APPLY HERE
24. The SolutionsPaper seeks stories related to religious and ethnic extremism: The SolutionsPaper is looking for solutions-oriented pitches on stories related to religious and ethnic extremism. APPLY HERE
25. Submit climate solutions pitches: The BBC Future Planet is looking for pitches on climate solutions for its Climate Guardians project. APPLY HERE
26. Social Voices wants pitches on health technologies, health and development: Social Voices invites journalists to submit pitches on how initiatives are tackling a health or development challenge. APPLY HERE
27. Mongabay seeks stories about Africa: Mongabay invites proposals from journalists for conventional news stories, in-depth features, investigative reports, profiles, and case studies. APPLY HERE
28. Rest of World seeks story pitches from Africa: Rest of World covers local stories with global relevance that explore the impact of technology on people and institutions outside the Western bubble. APPLY HERE
29. Journalists can submit pitches on technology in Africa, others: Rest of World invites journalists to submit pitches about technology in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. APPLY HERE