Applications are now open for the IACC Young Journalists Program 2026, a fully funded international opportunity for young journalists from around the world. Organized by Transparency International as part of the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC), the program will take place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from 1–4 December 2026.
The program will bring together 10 outstanding journalists to cover one of the world's leading conferences on transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption. Participants will gain hands-on reporting experience, interact with international experts and policymakers, and expand their professional networks while attending the conference with all major expenses covered.
Program Summary
- Host Country: Dominican Republic
- Program Location: Punta Cana
- Host Organization: Transparency International / International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC)
- Program Name: IACC Young Journalists Program 2026
- Program Type: International Journalism Program
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Conference Dates: 1–4 December 2026
- Duration: 4 Days
- Number of Participants: 10
- Eligible Nationality: All Nationalities
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
Program Level
The IACC Young Journalists Program is a professional development and conference program designed for early-career journalists. It is not a degree program.
Program Focus Areas
Participants will engage in discussions and reporting related to:
- Anti-Corruption
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Public Policy
- Governance
- Human Rights
- Investigative Journalism
- Political Reporting
- Economic Reporting
- Social Issues
- Public Interest Journalism
- International Affairs
Financial Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Economy-class return airfare to Punta Cana
- Five nights of hotel accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the program
- Reimbursement of approved visa processing costs
- Full access to the International Anti-Corruption Conference
- Opportunities to network with global journalists, policymakers, and experts
- Professional reporting experience at an international conference
Eligible Nationality
The program is open to applicants from all countries.
Journalists of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a journalist currently working in the media industry.
- Be under 35 years of age on 6 December 2026.
- Have experience reporting on political, economic, social, governance, or public interest issues.
- Work in print, digital, television, radio, or multimedia journalism.
- Have a good command of the English language.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption reporting.
- Be available to attend the conference in the Dominican Republic from 1–4 December 2026.
Participant Responsibilities
Successful participants will be expected to:
- Attend conference sessions and workshops.
- Interview international leaders, experts, and civil society representatives.
- Produce at least one journalistic report related to the conference.
- Pitch their story to a recognized media outlet after the event.
- Follow the program's terms of reference and code of conduct.
Why Apply?
The IACC Young Journalists Program offers an exceptional opportunity for young media professionals to gain international reporting experience while covering one of the world's most influential conferences on anti-corruption and good governance.
Participants will benefit from:
- International exposure
- Professional journalism experience
- Networking with leading journalists and policymakers
- Improved reporting and interviewing skills
- Greater understanding of global governance and transparency issues
- Career development opportunities within international journalism
Application Process
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official IACC website.
- Read the program guidelines and eligibility requirements.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Wait for the selection results from the program organizers.
Required Documents
Applicants may be asked to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Passport or national identification document
- Samples of published journalistic work
- Motivation statement or personal essay
- Professional portfolio (if applicable)
- Any additional documents requested by the organizers
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the IACC Young Journalists Program 2026 is:
15 July 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Official Call: https://iaccseries.org/apply-for-the-iacc-2026-young-journalists-initiative/
