John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027–28 at Stanford University

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027–28 at Stanford University offer a nine-month residential programme for experienced journalists and professionals working in journalism. Selected fellows receive a $135,000 stipend, Stanford tuition, health insurance, individual coaching, and professional development opportunities. Applications are open until December 2 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time.

Quick Overview

Programme: John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships (JSK)

Opportunity Type: Journalism Fellowship

Host Institution: Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California, United States

Programme Format: Full-time, residential

Duration: Nine months (September–May)

Financial Support: $135,000 stipend, Stanford tuition, health insurance, and additional support

Application Deadline: December 2, 1:00 p.m. Pacific time

About the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships support professionals who want to explore important challenges facing journalism and develop new approaches to addressing them.

The programme welcomes journalists and professionals working in roles that contribute directly to journalism. It focuses on developing leadership, encouraging new thinking, and strengthening collaboration across the journalism sector.

During the nine-month fellowship, participants step away from their regular professional responsibilities to pursue questions related to journalism.

Fellows can take Stanford classes, attend university talks, participate in customised workshops, and exchange ideas with other professionals.

Applicants are not required to have a fully developed project before applying. Instead, the programme looks for individuals with meaningful questions about journalism and the motivation to explore them.

Benefits and Financial Coverage

Selected JSK Fellows receive financial support and access to academic and professional development resources.

Confirmed benefits include:

✓ $135,000 stipend for the nine-month fellowship

✓ Stanford tuition

✓ Health insurance

✓ Health supplement for dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage

✓ Advice on finding rental housing and settling into the Stanford area

✓ Individual coaching

✓ Customised professional development workshops

✓ Access to Stanford classes, talks, and academic activities

✓ Access to the global JSK alumni network

Spouses, partners, and family members are also welcome to participate in fellowship life.

The programme provides guidance on finding housing but does not list housing as a directly covered expense.

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Eligibility Criteria

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships welcome applicants with professional experience in journalism or work that directly supports journalism.

Candidates must have at least five years of professional experience.

Eligible professional backgrounds include:

• Journalists directly involved in producing journalistic content
• Editors, producers, and photographers
• Professionals working in operations or strategy roles at news organisations
• Publishers and audience or community engagement professionals
• Individuals working with organisations that support or collaborate directly with journalists
• Independent contractors and freelancers whose work is primarily within the journalism sector

A college degree is not required. Applicants also do not need previous experience working inside a traditional newsroom.

However, student work and internships do not count towards the five-year professional experience requirement.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The fellowship is not intended for individuals who:

• Are seeking a degree
• Work in public information or public relations
• Produce in-house or industry communications
• Are government employees
• Are full-time academics

The programme does not support book projects, reporting projects, or startup acceleration.

Applicants working for or with organisations that lack editorial independence, including government-operated media, are not considered.

International Applicant Requirements

The fellowship considers international applicants. However, certain U.S. visa restrictions may affect eligibility.

Applicants who hold citizenship in countries where the United States has suspended the issuance of relevant nonimmigrant visas, specifically J visas, cannot be offered a fellowship.

Individuals with citizenship and a passport from another country without the relevant visa restriction may apply using that citizenship.

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Fellowship Commitments

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships require full-time participation at Stanford University.

Selected fellows must:

• Reside at Stanford from September through May.
• Treat the fellowship as a full-time commitment.
• Attend weekly cohort meetings.
• Participate in one-on-one coaching sessions every two weeks.
• Attend occasional JSK and Stanford events.
• Share insights and reflections publicly during the fellowship.
• Collaborate respectfully with professionals from different backgrounds and perspectives.

The programme emphasises openness to new ideas and the ability to work constructively with people who hold different viewpoints.

Application Process

Applications for the 2027–28 John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships are submitted through the official SurveyMonkey Apply platform.

Applicants should follow these steps:

• Step 1: Create an account on the official SurveyMonkey Apply platform.
• Step 2: Answer the initial profile questions to determine eligibility for the U.S. or international fellowship.
• Step 3: Complete the online application form.
• Step 4: Submit the completed application before the official deadline.

Applicants should review the programme’s eligibility requirements before beginning the application.

The fellowship does not accept late applications or provide deadline extensions.

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Selection Process

The JSK Fellowship uses a multi-stage application evaluation process.

Applications are reviewed by a selection team that includes JSK directors and fellowship alumni.

For U.S. fellowships, the selection process also involves the JSK Selection Committee, which includes journalism and Stanford leaders.

After the initial evaluation stages, a small number of applicants are invited to participate in interviews conducted through Zoom.

The selection process takes several months.

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Application Deadline

The application deadline for the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027–28 is:

December 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time.

The fellowship does not accept applications submitted after the deadline, and extensions are not available.

Official Link

Submit your application through the official application link below.

Apply for John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships⁠