Aries Rufo Fellowship 2025 opens applications for campus journalists

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Shortlisted applicants will take part in Rappler’s election coverage from April to May as part of the screening process

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler and the Journalism for Nation Building Foundation (JNBF) are now accepting applications from campus journalists for its Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship.  

Named in honor of the late investigative reporter Aries Rufo, who covered the church, judiciary, politics, and elections for Newsbreak and Rappler, the fellowship aims to uphold his legacy of fearless journalism.

On its fifth cycle this year, the fellowship program will specifically focus on nurturing the potential of campus journalists, expected to spark positive change within their communities through impactful storytelling and investigative reporting. 

Since the program’s launch in 2021, the fellowship has completed four cycles, two of them covering campus journalists.

What does the fellowship program entail? 

In this program’s latest cycle, the fellowship components include:

• Four-month journalism program.  The program will run for four months, from June 2 to October 2, 2025.
  
  • Orientation:  Accepted fellows will be invited to a virtual orientation on Monday, June 2, at 6 pm.
  • Virtual sessions and meetings: There will be monthly check-ins, training sessions, and consultations for outputs (as needed) scheduled with Rappler editors during the program. Attendance is a must. 
  • Training sessions. These will be conducted by Rappler senior editors and other key members of its research and data teams. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics that will help fellows effectively report on deceptive practices in the digital space, as well as do public interest journalism. 
    
• Virtual learning sessions: These sessions will be conducted every other week or at least twice a month; and are tentatively scheduled on Mondays at 6 pm.
  
• In-person training at Rappler newsroom: Fellows able to complete preliminary outputs within the first few weeks of the program will be invited to the Rappler newsroom for a three-day onsite training on July 9-11 (Wednesday to Friday). Arrival and departure dates are scheduled on July 8 and 12 (Tuesday and Saturday), respectively. Excuse letters will be issued if needed.
  
• Weekly story outputs: Stories about relevant local issues will be submitted on a weekly basis. Accurate and current information must be provided.
  
• Long-form final project: A final requirement is a long-form story (either investigative or in-depth) related to the information ecosystem or the use of social media and/or technology in their respective communities.

Who can apply? How many will be selected? 

The Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship is open to Filipino campus journalists enrolled in an accredited college or university, and is an active member of a campus publication or outlet at the time of application. 

What are the application requirements?

Interested applicants must complete and submit the following:

• Online application form
• Endorsement letter from a journalism professor/faculty member attesting to the student’s skills and capabilities – file to be uploaded in the form 
• Latest one-page résumé including 2 character references – file to be uploaded in the form 

Endorsement letter should be addressed to Chay F. Hofileña, Rappler Investigative Editor and Training Head. 

What is the application and selection process like?

Only initially shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a writing exam and interview between April 7-15. Those who advance will become semi-finalists.

As part of the final screening process, semi-finalists must be available from April 21 to May 19, 2025, to participate in Rappler’s election coverage, working under the guidance of Rappler editors. Their performance during this practicum will be a key factor in the final selection process. 

Final deliberations are scheduled after May 19; accepted fellows will be announced afterwards.

What comes with the fellowship award?

Campus journalists will receive P8,000 per month for four months. 

When is the deadline for application?

Interested applicants must first complete this application form by Sunday, April 6, no later than 11:59 pm. Responses generated by AI will be disqualified. 

For any questions or concerns, email us at fellowships@rappler.com. 

– Rappler.com