The Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship is open for applications to all practicing journalists from all over the world. Journalists eager for growth and deeply committed to the future of journalism spend an academic year at the University of Michigan to access the resources at the University and dive into a journalism project. The fellowship is facilitated and hosted by the University of Michigan, USA.
The Knight Wallace Fellowship is packaged to help journalists who want to grow as journalist and leader, believing that their best work is ahead of them. Areas of focus can include but are not limited to sharpening professional skills, addressing a challenge facing newsroom, digging into data and research for a long-term reporting project, or developing a journalism venture.
SUMMARY
- Fellowship Sponsor: University of Michigan, USA
- Host Institution(s): University of Michigan, USA
- Fellowship Type: Full Time, Fully Funded
- Fellowship Worth: $85,000 stipend plus $5,000 for relocation expenses
- Number of Awards: 19
- Study Level: Not Required
- Nationality: All Nationalities
See Also: Tarbell Fellowship for Early-Career Journalists 2027 [$75,000–$120,000 Stipend]
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the Knight Wallace Fellowship:
- Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience and be currently working in some aspect of journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist. Diverse range of journalists, including reporters, editors, data experts, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs and organizational change agents are encouraged to apply.
- If you are a U.S. citizen, apply as a U.S. applicant, even if you work in another country or for a non–U.S. journalism entity. If you are not a U.S. citizen, apply as an international applicant, even if you work in the United States or for an American journalism entity. A Green Card is not the same as citizenship.
- If you are not a full-time journalist, the majority of your work should be in journalism. Consideration is not given to public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, or those seeking a degree.
Knight Wallace Journalism Fellowship | Benefits
As a JSK Fellow, you will benefit from:
- Eight-month program from late August through April of immersive study away from daily deadlines
- Individual journalism projects designed to develop topical depth, gain new skills, address a newsroom challenge or explore a journalism venture
- Specialized resources and access to faculty at the University of Michigan
- Private seminars with newsroom leaders, change agents and world-renowned experts for candid, off-the-record conversations
- Workshops to sharpen professional skills and leadership ability
- International travel to bring context to the political, economic and social forces shaping news coverage
- $85,000 stipend plus $5,000 for relocation expenses distributed monthly from August through April for living expenses (costs for health insurance, auditing courses, and participating in required workshops and fellowship activities paid for by Wallace House)
- Individual relocation support and assistance with finding and securing housing to meet each Fellow’s housing needs
- Spouses and partners are invited to participate in fellowship activities and audit university courses as well.
Application Procedure
Before you submit your Knight Wallace Fellowship application, you will need to review “application and fellowship FAQ” on the official website. Also review “preparing your international application or preparing your U.S. application”.
Applicants will be required to fill out their application form. Application forms are hosted on the OpenWater platform.
Application Deadline: International applicants – December 1, 2026; and for U.S. applicants, February 1, 2027.
