Critical Voices Fellowships 2026 (Cohort 2)
Exile Hub is excited to announce the open call for the Critical Voices Fellowship 2026 (Cohort 2) in partnership with Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT)! This is your chance to join a transformative program designed specifically for exiled Myanmar media professionals who bravely face threats while voicing crucial critiques and producing well-informed content.
WHY APPLY
The Critical Voices Fellowship offers unparalleled support to enhance your role in critical journalism on a global scale. As a Fellow, you will connect with an international network of journalists, gaining access to:
● State-of-the-Art Resources: Utilize media equipment, multimedia production studios, and dedicated workspaces at Exile Hub facilities in Thailand.
● Comprehensive Training: Participate in workshops and training sessions tailored to your needs, along with psychosocial support, mentoring, and technical guidance.
● Financial Support: Receive a monthly stipend for three months to help cover living expenses as you focus on your important work.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
We welcome applications from all media professionals, including:
● Journalist (News Reporter/ Investigative
● Journalist/ Broadcast Journalist/ Editor)
● Photojournalist
● Filmmaker
● Content Creator/ Blogger
● Producer
● Illustrator and Animator
● Fact-checker
THEMES
● News and Current Affairs
● Politics/ Crime, Conflict and War Reporting
● Business and Economics
● Environment/ Climate
● Social Issues (Human Rights, Gender Equality, GBV, Ethnic Issue)
● Education
● Culture/ Technical/ Science
● Opinion and Editorial
*We especially encourage women, members of ethnic minority groups, and those from the LGBTQI community to apply, as they often face unique challenges.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants should:
● Be a Myanmar media professional currently working in the country and in exile.
● Demonstrate financial need or insecurity and a commitment to strengthening critical journalism.
● Applicants currently facing active threats will be given priority.
● Previous recipients of the Critical Voices Fellowship are not eligible to apply.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
● Completed Fellowship Application Form in detail.
● CV, proof of work, or a reference to confirm your contributions.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
March 31, 2026
FURTHER INFO
1) Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Applicants who demonstrate financial need or insecurity (such as loss of income or urgent medical needs) and show a strong commitment to strengthening critical journalism. For example: all professional groups involved in media production, including journalists, citizen journalists, photojournalists, filmmakers, bloggers, producers, illustrators, and more!
2) Who receives priority consideration?
Priority is given to individuals facing active threats, as well as women, members of ethnic minority groups, and members of the LGBTQI+ community.
3) I previously received the Critical Voices Fellowship. Can I apply again?
No. Individuals who have already received support through the Critical Voices Fellowship are not eligible to apply.
4) Who are Human Rights Defenders?
In alignment with the standard international framework, such as the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, a Human Rights Defender (HRD) is an individual who, peacefully and individually or in association with others, acts to promote, protect, or document human rights.
5) What work samples should I submit with my application?
Please provide links to your recent work, highlighting work from 2026 related to the themes of this fellowship. If you do not have work published in 2026, you may share relevant prior work.
6) What should I include in my project proposal / fellowship plan?
You should outline a project you wish to realise, a planned contribution to the community, or specific goals for your personal and professional development during the 3-month fellowship period.
7) How long does the fellowship last?
The Critical Voices Fellowship covers a full duration of 3 months. During this time, fellows work on their proposed project, complete training modules, and engage in peer-learning activities.
8) What kind of training, mentorship, and support will fellows receive during the 3 months?
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive support package designed for personal safety, professional development, digital security, mental wellbeing and project realisation over the 3-month period. You will receive a stipend to cover living expenses or urgent emergency/medical needs, mentorship and capacity building, community and networking, and wellbeing activities for self-care.
9) How are applications reviewed, and when will I hear back?
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee against criteria including the level of support needed, the strength of the proposal, and commitment for the fellowship duration. After selection, you will be informed of your application status by email.