Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Overseas Press Club Foundation

Overview

The Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards support college and graduate students pursuing international journalism. The program funds academic projects and short-term fellowships to help launch early journalism careers focused on global issues. Awards are intended for students at North American institutions and American students studying abroad, with an emphasis on reporting that extends beyond local domestic coverage. The Foundation prioritizes applicants who plan to pursue international journalism rather than return to local reporting roles.

Description: Competitive annual awards provide financial support and career-building opportunities for students interested in international reporting.

• Program supports early-career students focused on international journalism.
• Open to students at North American colleges/universities and Americans abroad.
• Designed to launch journalism careers, not assist mid-career professionals.

Eligibility

Applicants must be college juniors, seniors, or graduate students enrolled in a degree program at the application deadline. Students of any nationality who are enrolled at North American institutions are eligible, as are American students studying abroad. Candidates should demonstrate a clear interest in international journalism and a plan for how the award will advance their career. The program explicitly favors those intending to pursue international reporting rather than local reporting in their countries of origin.

Eligibility: Enrollment in a degree program (junior, senior, or graduate level) and demonstrated interest in international journalism.

• Must be enrolled as a junior, senior, or graduate student at the deadline.
• Open to students of any nationality at North American institutions and Americans abroad.
• Focus on applicants aiming for international journalism careers.

Award Value

In a typical year the Foundation grants approximately 18 scholar awards to pursue academic or professional placements. Recipients receive either a $3,000 scholarship for independent projects or a $4,000 fellowship intended to fund time in the bureau of a leading news organization. Several awards are reserved for applicants who demonstrate expertise or interest in international business and economic coverage. Funds are intended to support reporting, research, or bureau placements that further students’ journalism careers.

Award Value: Typical awards are $3,000 for independent work or $4,000 for fellowships in news bureaus; about 18 awards are granted annually.

• Approximately 18 awards granted each year.
• $3,000 for independent scholarship projects; $4,000 for bureau fellowships.
• Some awards reserved for international business/economic reporting.

Application Requirements

Each application must include three core elements: a one-page cover letter, a one-page resume, and a work sample (print, photo, video, or audio). The cover letter should be autobiographical, explain the applicant’s interest in journalism and a specific region or issue, and describe how the award would advance their career. The resume should emphasize journalism experience, language and media skills, and visa/passport status for overseas work. Judges value concise, well-proofread submissions that demonstrate original reporting and a clear narrative arc.

Application Materials: One-page cover letter, one-page resume, and one work sample (choose one format).

• Cover letter: one page, autobiographical, career objectives and context.
• Resume: one page, emphasize journalism experience and relevant skills.
• Work sample: choose one format (print, photo, video, or audio) and follow specific requirements.

Work Sample Details

Applicants must submit one work sample in print, photo, video, or audio format; additional contextual writing is required for some formats. Print submissions should be 600–800 words focused on an international issue or region aligned with the applicant’s interests. Photo entries require a PDF or link to images plus an approximately 500-word contextualizing statement. Video and audio entries should be 2–7 minutes long, presented via a link, include an approximately 500-word contextual statement, credit all team members, and demonstrate a full story arc.

Work Sample Types: Specific length and contextualization requirements apply to print, photo, and multimedia submissions.

• Print: 600–800 words on an international topic; indicate prior publication and edits.
• Photo: PDF or online link plus ~500-word contextual statement explaining significance.
• Video/Audio: 2–7 minutes via link, ~500-word context, full story arc, and team credits.

Additional Notes

Previously published material may be reformatted to meet application requirements, but do not submit a clip or URL for the writing sample itself. Judges favor submissions that show original reporting, strong perspective, and a clear beginning, middle, and end; excessively long entries risk disqualification. Applicants with an interest in international business or economic coverage are encouraged to submit samples that demonstrate knowledge of trade, finance, emerging markets, immigration, climate, or public health. Carefully proofread all materials before submission.

Notes: Reformat published work as needed; no URL for writing samples; emphasize original reporting and clarity.

• Reformat published work to meet length and format requirements.
• Do not submit a clip or URL for the writing sample (print).
• Judges prefer original reporting with a clear narrative arc; proofread carefully.
• Business/economic reporting applicants should provide relevant demonstration of expertise.