Stanford University John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027–2028: $135,000 Stipend
Stanford University is accepting applications for the 2027–2028 John S. Knight (JSK) Journalism Fellowships, an opportunity for experienced journalists and professionals who support journalism to develop their leadership skills, explore new ideas and address challenges facing the media industry.
The nine-month fellowship takes place at Stanford University in California, United States, from September through May. Selected fellows receive a $135,000 stipend, Stanford tuition and health insurance, individual coaching, professional development opportunities and access to a global network of journalism professionals.
Applications are now open, with a deadline of 2 December 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
About the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships
The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University support journalists and journalism-related professionals seeking to address difficult challenges affecting journalism and the communities it serves.
The programme encourages participants to examine important questions arising from their work, challenge existing assumptions and explore innovative approaches to strengthening journalism, public trust and democracy.
Rather than requiring applicants to arrive with a fully developed project, the fellowship seeks individuals with important questions, intellectual curiosity and the motivation to investigate new possibilities.
Fellowship Overview
- Programme: John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships
- Host institution: Stanford University
- Location: Stanford, California, United States
- Fellowship period: September 2027 to May 2028
- Duration: Nine months
- Stipend: $135,000
- Application deadline: 2 December 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time
- Eligible applicants: Journalists and professionals working in support of journalism
- Application method: Online application
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Successful applicants receive financial support and access to professional development opportunities during the fellowship.
1. Financial support
Each fellow receives a $135,000 stipend for the nine-month programme.
2. Tuition and health insurance
The fellowship includes Stanford tuition and health insurance, as well as a health supplement for eligible dependants enrolled in Stanford coverage.
3. Leadership development
Fellows receive individual coaching, customised workshops and guidance from programme directors, advisers and partners to help them develop as effective leaders.
4. Academic opportunities
Participants can explore Stanford’s academic and creative offerings, attend talks and engage with the university’s wider intellectual community.
5. Professional networks
Fellows join an international cohort and gain access to a global alumni network that supports ongoing collaboration and professional learning.
6. Family inclusion
The programme welcomes spouses, partners and family members into fellowship life. Guidance on finding rental housing and settling into the Stanford area is also provided.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must have at least five years of professional experience. A university degree and experience working in a traditional newsroom are not mandatory. However, student work and internships do not count towards the five-year requirement.
The programme welcomes applications from professionals who are:
- Directly involved in producing journalistic content in any capacity.
- Working in operations or strategy roles within news organisations.
- Employed by or working with organisations that support or collaborate directly with journalists.
Applicants may work as employees or independent contractors. For freelancers and independent contractors, the majority of their work must be within the journalism sector.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The fellowship is not designed for individuals seeking a degree, working in public relations or public information, producing in-house or industry communications, employed by government, or working as full-time academics.
The programme does not support book or reporting projects and is not a startup accelerator. Applicants working for or with organisations that are not editorially independent, including government-operated media, are also excluded.
International applicants should review the programme’s visa eligibility guidance carefully. The fellowship notes that applicants holding citizenship and passports from countries subject to US nonimmigrant visa issuance restrictions affecting J visas may be unable to participate unless they also hold eligible citizenship and a passport from another country.
Fellowship Requirements
Selected fellows are expected to reside at Stanford University from September through May and treat the programme as a full-time commitment.
Participants must attend weekly cohort meetings, participate in biweekly individual coaching sessions, attend occasional Stanford and JSK events, share their insights publicly and collaborate respectfully with people holding diverse ideological perspectives.
The programme is designed to be shaped by the fellows’ questions, experiences and collective learning.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship are open. Interested candidates should complete the online application through the programme’s application platform.
Follow these steps:
- Create an account on the SurveyMonkey Apply platform.
- Complete the initial profile questions to determine eligibility for the US or international fellowship.
- Complete and submit the online application form.
Applications undergo a multi-stage review process. A small number of candidates will be invited to a Zoom interview, with selection involving JSK directors, fellowship alumni and, for US fellowships, the JSK Selection Committee.
Application deadline: 2 December 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The programme does not offer deadline extensions or accept late applications.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships offer experienced journalists and journalism-support professionals an opportunity to step away from their usual responsibilities, examine important industry challenges and develop their leadership capabilities at Stanford University.
With a $135,000 stipend, health insurance, tuition and tailored professional development, the programme is a significant opportunity for eligible candidates seeking to contribute to the future of journalism.
Applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully and submit their applications before the December 2026 deadline.
