Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards 2025 for Aspiring International Journalists
Deadline: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Award Value: $3,000 – $4,000 USD
Location: North America and Abroad
Host Organization: Overseas Press Club Foundation (OPCF)
About the Scholarship
The Overseas Press Club Foundation (OPCF) is inviting applications for the 2025 Scholar Awards, an esteemed program supporting the next generation of international journalists. This annual initiative recognizes outstanding graduate and undergraduate students committed to pursuing global reporting and storytelling.
Each year, the Foundation grants 18 prestigious awards—either a $3,000 scholarship for independent academic work or a $4,000 fellowship that provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at major international news organizations, including Reuters, Bloomberg, and the Associated Press.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants must:
✅ Be college juniors, seniors, or graduate students enrolled in a degree program by the application deadline.
✅ Be studying at a North American college or university, or be an American student studying abroad.
✅ Demonstrate a clear interest in international journalism and global reporting.
This program focuses on students aiming to launch international journalism careers—not mid-career professionals or those pursuing domestic reporting only.
Awards Breakdown
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Scholarship: $3,000 USD (for independent academic or reporting projects)
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Fellowship: $4,000 USD (to support time working with major media outlets such as Bloomberg, Reuters, or AP)
Application Requirements
Each application must include three key components:
1️⃣ Cover Letter (One Page)
An autobiographical letter outlining:
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Your interest in journalism and international reporting
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The region or issue you’re passionate about
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How you plan to use the award to advance your journalism career
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Any notable experiences, gaps, or turning points in your journey
2️⃣ Resume (One Page)
Your resume should highlight:
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Journalism experience
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Language proficiency and multimedia skills
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Past reporting assignments, freelance work, or unpublished projects
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Visa or passport details (if relevant for overseas work)
3️⃣ Work Sample (Choose One Category)
Applicants must submit a sample of original journalism work in one of the following formats:
Print Journalism:
A 600–800-word article focused on an international issue or region of interest. The work can be previously published or created for this application.
Photojournalism:
A PDF portfolio or link to published work, plus a 500-word contextual essay explaining the images’ significance and how they were captured.
Video or Audio Journalism:
A 2–7-minute piece featuring an international story. Include a 500-word essay describing the project’s background, production process, and your role in creating it.
Additional Notes
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Four of the 18 awards are dedicated to international business or economics reporting.
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Judges look for strong original reporting, creativity, and clear storytelling structure.
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All work must be your own. Responsible AI use must be disclosed.
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Overly lengthy or poorly proofread submissions may be disqualified.
Key Dates
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Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
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Winner Notification: Mid-January 2026
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Awards Reception: March 2026, New York City
Winners will attend a two-day event in New York, including training workshops, networking sessions, and the Scholar Awards ceremony. Winners also gain membership in the Overseas Press Club.
How to Apply
Send your complete application—cover letter, resume, and work sample—to:
foundation@opcofamerica.org
For questions, contact:
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Katri Reilly, Executive Director – katri@opcofamerica.org
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General Inquiries: foundation@opcofamerica.org
Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards 2025 – $4,000 Fellowships for Future International Journalists
Apply for the 2025 Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards. Win up to $4,000 and gain experience at top media outlets like Reuters, AP, and Bloomberg. Deadline: November 15, 2025.