Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027-2028 (Stipend available)
Overview
The Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027-2028 provide accomplished journalists with an academic year at the University of Michigan to pursue an individual journalism project and utilize the resources of a major university. Fellows spend eight months away from daily reporting deadlines, engaging in a program that runs from late August through April. The fellowship aims to give journalists time and resources for professional growth, allowing them to focus on areas such as developing a journalism venture, tackling a newsroom challenge, enhancing professional skills, or conducting data and research for long-term reporting.
Fellows participate in private seminars featuring off-the-record discussions with newsroom leaders, world-renowned experts, and change agents. They also attend workshops designed to build leadership ability and sharpen professional skills, alongside international travel intended to provide context on the social, economic, and political forces influencing news coverage. Spouses and partners are included, with invitations to audit university courses and take part in fellowship activities.
Who can apply
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience and be actively working in some capacity of journalism for a news organization or working as an independent journalist. The fellowship seeks a diverse group of professionals, which includes reporters, editors, visual journalists, data experts, audio producers, designers, engagement specialists, developers, organizational change agents, and entrepreneurs.
For applicants who are not employed full-time in journalism, the majority of their work must still be dedicated to journalism. Public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, and individuals seeking an academic degree are not considered. Citizenship determines the application category rather than current work location or employer. U.S. citizens apply as U.S. applicants, while non-U.S. citizens apply as international applicants, noting that a Green Card does not equate to citizenship.
What you get
Participants receive a stipend of $85,000 alongside an additional $5,000 for relocation expenses, which are paid out monthly from August through April to cover living costs. Wallace House covers the expenses for health insurance, auditing courses, and participation in all required workshops and fellowship activities. Additionally, Fellows receive individual relocation support and assistance to find and secure housing matching their needs.
Key dates
The application deadline is December 1, 2026 for international applicants, and February 1, 2027 for U.S. applicants.