AK Travels Limited

Applications are now open for the Young Journalist Award 2026, a prestigious international journalism competition organised by the Thomson Foundation in partnership with the UK Foreign Press Association (FPA).

The annual award recognises outstanding young journalists whose reporting has demonstrated excellence in investigative journalism, accountability reporting and coverage of important social issues. Three finalists will be invited on a fully funded visit to London, United Kingdom, where they will attend the Foreign Press Association Media Awards and the overall winner will be announced.

The competition is open to young professional journalists from eligible countries around the world who have produced impactful journalism within the past year.

Summary

• Programme: Young Journalist Award 2026
• Organisers: Thomson Foundation & UK Foreign Press Association (FPA)
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Award Type: International Journalism Competition
• Main Benefit: Fully Funded Visit to London for Three Finalists
• Eligible Applicants: Professional Journalists from Eligible Countries
• Age Requirement: 30 Years or Younger (as of 30 November 2026)
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: 9 August 2026 (Midnight London Time)

About the Young Journalist Award

The Young Journalist Award celebrates emerging journalists who have produced original, impactful reporting that informs the public, exposes wrongdoing and holds those in power accountable.

Presented annually, the competition provides international recognition for talented journalists working across print, television, radio and digital media. Finalists gain global exposure while connecting with leading journalists and editors during the award events in London.

Award Benefits

The three finalists will receive:

• Fully funded trip to London, United Kingdom
• Invitation to attend the UK Foreign Press Association Media Awards
• Visits to leading UK newsrooms
• Specialised journalism training organised by the Thomson Foundation
• International networking opportunities with senior journalists and editors
• Global recognition for outstanding journalism

The overall winner will be announced during the awards ceremony in London.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 30 years old or younger on 30 November 2026.
• Be from, or reporting in, a country with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of USD 20,000 or less.
• Be a professional journalist.
• Submit three original published or broadcast stories produced during the 12 months before 9 August 2026.
• Demonstrate high-quality journalism with evidence of impact.

Entries may be submitted in print, audio, video or multimedia formats. If the original work is not in English, an English translation must be provided.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• Three published or broadcast journalism pieces
• A short summary (maximum 200 words) for each story explaining its significance and impact
• Verification letter from an editor or employer
• English translations where applicable
• Details of any collaboration involved in producing the stories

All submitted work must be original and published within the eligibility period.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Visit the official Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award application page.

Step 2

Confirm that you meet the age and country eligibility requirements.

Step 3

Select three pieces of published or broadcast journalism completed within the required eligibility period.

Step 4

Prepare the required summaries, verification letter and any English translations.

Step 5

Complete the online entry form and upload all required materials.

Step 6

Submit your application before 9 August 2026 (midnight London time).

Important Deadline

• Application Deadline: 9 August 2026 (Midnight London Time)

Related Opportunities

• Biodiversity Fellowships for Journalists 2026 in Armenia (Fully Funded)
• Young Journalists Program 2026 in Dominican Republic (Fully Funded)
• Youth Democracy Summit 2026 in Rome, Italy

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This competition rewards quality journalism rather than quantity. Choose your three strongest stories—those that demonstrate originality, public impact and ethical reporting. The summaries accompanying each story are equally important, as they help the judges understand the significance of your work and the difference it made.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com