Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards
Offered by Overseas Press Club Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards support college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who aspire to become foreign correspondents. The foundation, the charitable arm of the Overseas Press Club of America, awards 18 scholarships and fellowships each year to students at North American colleges and universities (American students studying abroad may also apply), and students of any nationality are welcome.
Winners receive either a $3,000 scholarship for independent work or a $4,000 fellowship that funds time in an overseas bureau of a leading news organization such as the Associated Press, Reuters, or Bloomberg. That bureau placement is what sets this program apart from most journalism scholarships: it is designed to launch international reporting careers, not just pay tuition.
Selection turns on a one-page autobiographical essay that demonstrates a serious, focused interest in international news, along with a resume that highlights journalism experience and language skills and a work sample in print, photo, video, or audio. The foundation looks for applicants who show genuine engagement with a region or issue overseas rather than a general interest in journalism.
Eligibility
- College junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled in a degree program at the application deadline
- Attending a North American college or university (or an American student studying abroad)
- Demonstrated interest in international journalism as a career
- Open to students of any nationality
How To Apply
- Email a one-page autobiographical cover letter focused on your interest in international journalism, a one-page resume emphasizing journalism experience and language skills, and one work sample (print, photo, video, or audio) to [email protected] by the deadline. Details and instructions are on the foundation's Scholar Awards page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a journalism major to apply?
No. The foundation does not require a specific major — it looks for juniors, seniors, or graduate students with a demonstrated, focused interest in international journalism, shown through the essay, resume, and work sample.
What is the difference between the scholarship and the fellowship?
Winners receive either a $3,000 scholarship for independent work or a $4,000 fellowship that funds time working in an overseas bureau of a major news organization such as the AP, Reuters, or Bloomberg.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Students of any nationality may apply as long as they are enrolled at a North American college or university, though fellows need documentation that allows them to work overseas.