John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027–2028 at Stanford University: Apply for a $135,000 Fellowship for Journalists

Overview

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University provide a nine-month, full-time professional development experience for experienced journalists and those who support journalism. Taking place from September through May in California, the programme gives participants the chance to step away from daily responsibilities to investigate major challenges facing the journalism industry, build leadership skills, and explore new methods for strengthening journalism and public trust. Fellows engage in individual coaching, customized workshops, campus events, and university classes while collaborating with an international cohort.

Who can apply

The programme welcomes experienced journalists, editors, producers, publishers, audience-development professionals, photographers, photojournalists, newsroom operations and strategy personnel, and independent contractors or freelancers whose work is primarily within the journalism sector. Applicants are expected to be intellectually curious, creatively ambitious, willing to question assumptions, and eager to explore difficult problems in journalism rather than arrive with a fully predetermined project or solution.

What you get

Selected fellows receive a $135,000 stipend for the nine-month period, along with Stanford tuition, health insurance, and other forms of support. Participants also gain access to Stanford's academic environment and the global JSK alumni network.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline. The programme does not accept late submissions or grant deadline extensions.

Key dates

The application deadline is December 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The fellowship takes place from September through May during the 2027–2028 academic cycle.