Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP): The Essential Guide

Published on: August 30, 202520 views
Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP): The Essential Guide

If you’re a mid‑career journalist in South Asia who reports on politics, the economy, public policy, or governance, the Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) is a standout, fully funded opportunity to sharpen your craft in London and build a regional‑plus‑UK network.

TL;DR

  • What it is: A short, intensive fellowship (around eight weeks) in the UK focused on journalism’s role in good governance and democratic accountability.

  • Who it’s for: Mid‑career journalists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

  • Host: University of Westminster (London).

  • Funding: Programme fees, living stipend, and return economy airfare.

  • Cohort: A small, competitive group (often around twenty fellows) selected for leadership and public‑interest impact.

Always check the official Chevening page for the current application window and any policy changes.

Why SAJP matters

SAJP is designed for journalists who hold power to account. Expect:

  • Seminars and workshops on accountability reporting, media ethics, and policy.

  • Newsroom and institution visits across the UK.

  • Peer learning with accomplished journalists from across South Asia.

  • A collaborative capstone/symposium to share insights and stories.

Eligibility (high‑level)

Applicants generally:

  • Hold citizenship of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka.

  • Are mid‑career with substantial experience (commonly 7+ years) in political/economic reporting or closely related beats.

  • Have a postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional training/experience.

  • Demonstrate a strong working command of English (assessed via application/interview).

  • Meet broader Chevening fellowship terms, including the commitment to return home after the award.

Full, binding criteria live on the official website. If in doubt, follow the Chevening guidance over any summary.

What you get (benefits)

  • All programme fees covered

  • Living allowance for the fellowship period

  • Return economy airfare

  • Access to UK media and policy networks

  • Chevening alumni community across the region and beyond

Insights from the SAJP Symposium

  • Media power & authoritarianism: Governments can shape coverage through ownership, censorship, and intimidation—undermining transparent investigations.

  • Democracy under watch: Expanding surveillance and digital monitoring create a chilling effect; many journalists self‑censor to avoid backlash.

  • Misinformation & polarisation: From elections to public health, falsehoods spread fast. Fact‑checking, digital verification, and media literacy are essential.

Lessons in media ethics & governance

  • Integrity in reporting: Prioritise accuracy, impartiality, and accountability—especially on politically sensitive beats.

  • Resist political influence: Build resilient newsroom cultures and clear processes that protect editorial independence.

  • Cross‑border learning: Use collaborative investigations and cross‑verification networks to mitigate censorship and share skills.

  • Leadership & mentorship: Invest in training so ethical standards scale across desks and generations.

Applying these lessons in Bangladesh (a practical lens)

  1. Strengthen fact‑checking networks: Create independent units and cross‑newsroom verification to reduce vulnerability to misinformation.

  2. Expand ethical‑journalism training: Universities, press clubs, and NGOs can run modules on ethics and governance inspired by SAJP models.

  3. Build cross‑border partnerships: Collaborate with peers across South Asia to exchange tools, methods, and safety practices.

  4. Advocate smart legal reform: Journalist bodies and civil society can push for updates that protect press freedom and transparency.

  5. Leverage digital tools: Apply data journalism, OSINT, and verification platforms to deliver evidence‑based reporting despite constraints.

While contexts vary across South Asia, the challenges—and the opportunities for reform—are strikingly similar. SAJP’s forum-style learning helps convert insights into newsroom practice at home.

How to apply (practical roadmap)

  1. Check the official SAJP page for the current call and create/login to the application portal.

  2. Craft impact‑driven answers: show leadership, integrity, and measurable public‑interest outcomes.

  3. Prepare a portfolio of your strongest work (investigations, policy stories, explanatory pieces) with clear impact metrics (policy change, audience reach, follow‑ups, accountability actions).

  4. Add two referees in the application (you’ll typically submit two reference letters if shortlisted for interview).

  5. Submit early and keep originals/clips handy for verification.

What selectors look for

  • Leadership & influence (mentoring, launching initiatives, setting standards)

  • Public‑interest impact (tangible outcomes, not just headlines)

  • Networking & collaboration (building coalitions, sharing skills)

  • Clear, realistic goals for applying the fellowship learning back home

Pro‑tips to stand out

  • Be specific: Replace general claims with crisp results (“led a data‑driven series that triggered procurement reform”).

  • Think regional: Highlight cross‑border significance and why UK exposure strengthens your reporting.

  • Show growth: Reflect on lessons learned, corrections issued, and how you’ve improved newsroom practices.

  • Brief your referees: Share your CV and draft answers so references reinforce your narrative.

FAQs (quick answers)

Is SAJP only for print journalists? No. Strong broadcast, digital, multimedia, and investigative profiles are welcome.

Do I need IELTS? There’s no universal test requirement advertised for SAJP; English ability is assessed through your application/interview. Check the current call.

Can I stay in the UK afterward? Chevening requires fellows to return home when the award ends. Plan projects accordingly.

Is there an age limit? Chevening prioritizes experience and leadership over age. See the current eligibility notes.

Can freelancers apply? Yes—if you can show a strong track record and impact.

 

Useful links

 

Final word

If your work sits at the intersection of public interest, policy, and accountability, SAJP is built for you. Keep your application precise, measurable, and mission‑driven—and always confirm the current requirements and deadline on the official site before you apply.

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