John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027–2028 at Stanford University — $135,000 Stipend

About the programme

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University are designed for experienced journalists and professionals working to strengthen journalism and improve how news and information serve communities.

The programme gives fellows time away from their normal professional responsibilities to examine a challenge in journalism, test new ideas, develop leadership skills and learn from people with different experiences and viewpoints.

Fellows join a small international cohort and have access to Stanford’s academic environment, individual coaching, customised workshops and a global alumni network.

Applicants do not need to arrive with a fully developed project. Instead, the programme seeks people with important questions about journalism, a desire to explore possible solutions and an openness to having their ideas challenged.

Who can apply?

Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience. Student work and internships do not count towards this requirement.

A university degree or previous employment in a traditional newsroom is not compulsory.

The programme welcomes applications from:

• Journalists and other professionals directly involved in producing journalistic content.
• Editors, producers, photographers and audience or community engagement professionals.
• Independent journalists and journalism entrepreneurs.
• Professionals working in operations or strategy roles within news organisations.
• People working with organisations that support or collaborate directly with journalists.

Freelancers and independent contractors may apply, but the majority of their work must be within the journalism sector.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they can work respectfully with people who have different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints.

Who is not eligible?

The programme is not intended for people who are primarily seeking a university degree, public relations professionals, government employees, full-time academics or people producing in-house or industry communications.

The fellowship does not fund book-writing or reporting projects and is not a startup accelerator.

What does the fellowship provide?

Successful applicants receive the following benefits:

• $135,000 stipend for the nine-month programme.
• Stanford tuition coverage.
• Stanford health insurance for fellows.
• Health coverage support for eligible dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage.
• Individual coaching and customised workshops.
• Opportunities to explore Stanford classes, talks and other academic and creative activities.
• Access to a global network of JSK alumni.
• Guidance on finding rental accommodation and settling into the Stanford area.

The stipend and support are intended to help fellows focus on the programme full-time. Applicants should review the official terms for details of what is and is not covered.

Fellowship expectations

The fellowship requires a full-time commitment. Selected fellows are expected to:

• Live in the Stanford area and participate in person from September through May.
• Attend weekly cohort meetings.
• Participate in individual coaching sessions, scheduled biweekly.
• Attend occasional JSK and Stanford events.
• Share their insights and reflections publicly during the programme.
• Collaborate respectfully with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Applicants should consider their professional and personal commitments before applying, particularly because the programme requires nine months of in-person participation.

How to apply

Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship are open. Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official JSK Fellowship application page.
2. Open the application portal and create an account.
3. Answer the initial profile questions to determine whether you should apply through the U.S. or international fellowship route.
4. Complete the online application form, including questions about your professional experience, goals and interest in the programme.

5. Prepare and submit the required supporting materials:

   • Your résumé.
   • One example of your professional work.
   • Contact information for three professional references.
   • A one-minute selfie video explaining what you want to be doing in journalism three to five years from now.
6. Disclose any use of artificial intelligence tools in preparing your application, as requested by the application form.
7. Review your submission and submit it before the deadline.

The programme requests contact details for three professional references; applicants are not required to submit three reference letters at the initial application stage.

Documents and materials required

• Résumé.
• One professional work sample.
• Contact details for three professional references.
• Completed online application form.
• One-minute selfie video.
• Any additional information requested in the official application portal.

Application materials must be submitted in English. If your work sample is in another language, the official FAQ says you may submit the original with a brief English summary.

Important dates

• Application deadline: December 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Initial application evaluations: Expected to be completed in early March 2027.
• Interviews: Scheduled for March 2027.
• International fellowship offers: Expected in April 2027.
• U.S. fellowship offers: Expected in May 2027.
• Fellowship begins: September 2027.

The programme does not accept late applications or grant deadline extensions.

Important information for international applicants

International applicants should carefully review the visa requirements before applying. Fellows and eligible dependents normally use J-1 and J-2 visas associated with the programme.

The official JSK website states that it cannot offer a fellowship to citizens of countries for which the United States has suspended issuance of the required J visas. Visa restrictions may change, so applicants should confirm their eligibility through the official programme website.