Journalism Fellowships

William Southam Journalism Fellows are outstanding Canadian journalists in mid-career who are invited to spend a year at Massey College, a graduate college within the University of Toronto. The objective of the fellowship program is to encourage improvement in journalism, offering journalists an opportunity to broaden their horizons by studying in a university setting.

Fellows are selected by a committee appointed by the President of the University and the Principal of Massey College. They are chosen for professional competence and future potential as effective and responsible journalists.

Three or more fellowships for Canadian journalists are awarded annually, tenable for one academic year, September to May.

Applicants must be full-time news or editorial employees with Canadian newspapers, news services, radio, television, or magazines, with at least five years’ experience. Freelance journalists working consistently in the media over a five-year period are also eligible.

Fellows enrol in any graduate or undergraduate courses, and have access to the full facilities of the University. There are no educational prerequisites for a Fellowship. Fellows do not receive credits or degrees for work done during the year.

The academic program typically combines general education with concentration in at least two courses; one course must be taken in full and all assignments completed.

In a parallel extra-curricular program, the Fellows meet regularly for informal seminars to discuss contemporary issues with guests invited from a wide variety of professions.

To obtain the maximum benefit of the program, the successful candidates agree to refrain from all professional work, including writing and broadcasting, during the period of the Fellowship. Personal holidays or travel is restricted to University holiday periods. Those selected are appointed Fellows-at-Large at the University of Toronto, with all the privileges of a Senior Resident at Massey College.

Fellows are invited, throughout the fellowship, to create a piece of reportage (in the format of their choice) that reflects Massey’s academic pursuits. Fellows will be expected to share  their work through publication on the Massey College website.

The Fellowships underwrite: (1) A stipend of $4,900 per month, for the eight-month university year, from September to April; (2) All university fees; (3) Travel expenses up to the cost of economy air fare to and from Toronto for the Fellow; (4) Travel expenses for organized trips during the program.

If you are interested in the Gordon N. Fisher/JHR Journalism Fellowship, please see the information and application instructions below.