Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Toronto Metropolitan University CERC Migration Journalism Fellowship Program. The CERC Migration and Bridging Divides Journalism Fellowship invites experienced journalists to apply for a prestigious one-month residency at Toronto Metropolitan University, a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research on migration and integration and build relationships with leading scholars and policy thinkers in Canada and beyond.
This fellowship is designed for staff or freelance journalists with a proven track record in covering immigration, politics, social issues, global affairs, or the economy, who are eager to enrich their reporting through deeper insight into migration dynamics. This is a rare chance to step away from the newsroom, immerse yourself in a focused period of learning and exchange, and bring sharper depth and authority to your journalism. During the residency, the fellow will be encouraged to share with researchers their perspectives on journalism practice and effective ways to communicate research with the media. There is no expectation that journalists will produce stories about TMU during or after their residency.
Requirements
- Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of media work experience, with examples of work that covers complex issues that are international in scope.
Benefits
- A stipend, including a travel allowance, to contribute to expenses related to their stay for a total value of $5,000 CAD.
- A collaborative environment where journalists and scholars learn from one another.
- A dedicated academic host from the research team to support your interests and research connections
- Access to an office space and resources available in the CERC Migration facility.
- Networking and professional development through participation in CERC Migration’s research events and workshops.
The residency takes place in Toronto, Canada, and must occur for a consecutive period of 20 to 35 days between March 1- November 30, 2026 (excluding July and August).
Application Procedure:
- Condensed CV (maximum four pages)
- Cover letter (maximum two pages) describing the following:
- The motivation for your stay and how it will benefit your work as a journalist. How does your work fit into any of either: a) CERC Migration Research Themes and existing projects, or b) Bridging Divides Research Themes and existing projects
- Description of proposed activities during your stay (e.g., conduct field research, provide a media training presentation, or workshop on your research project, engage with local organizations/stakeholders, etc).
- Which member of the CERC Migration research team or Bridging Divides research team (*please double check that the researcher you identify is based at TMU – Bridging Divides is a partnership between four universities) would like to work with as your proposed academic host. Please provide a first and second choice. Note: The academic host cannot be Anna Triandafyllidou, and a host would be assigned based on their availability and at the discretion of CERC Migration and Bridging Divides.
- Proposed dates of the visit (note: the residency should take place for consecutive 20 to 35 days between March 1- November 30, 2026, excluding July and August).
Additional Document:
- 2-3 relevant work samples (please upload all written samples in PDF format); for other digital content, please provide links
- Optional recommendation letter from a supervisor/editor at a media outlet that has published or produced your work
Selection Criteria
- Successful candidates will be notified by January 2026.
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