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The John S. Knight fellowship gives experienced journalism professionals nine months to explore an important question about the field and develop their leadership.
Deadline: 2 December 2026, 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Stanford University, California, USA
Who can apply?
Candidates need at least five years of professional experience in journalism or work directly supporting it. A degree is not required. Student work and internships do not count toward the experience threshold. International applicants should check the programme’s visa-related eligibility guidance.
What the opportunity offers
Fellows receive a $135,000 stipend, Stanford tuition and health-insurance support, coaching, workshops, and access to university resources. Residence at Stanford from September through May is required.
Purpose and programme format
The nine-month residential fellowship runs at Stanford from September to May. It supports journalists exploring a persistent question or challenge affecting journalism, rather than requiring a fully developed project at entry. Fellows use Stanford’s courses and academic community, individual coaching and tailored workshops to test ideas and develop leadership.
Funding and support
- US$135,000 stipend across nine months.
- Stanford tuition and health insurance, plus a health supplement for dependants enrolled in Stanford coverage.
- Guidance on rental housing and relocation for fellows and their families.
- Individual coaching, customized workshops and continuing access to the international alumni network.
Professional eligibility and exclusions
- At least five years of professional experience; student journalism and internships do not count towards that period. A degree or traditional newsroom background is not compulsory.
- Eligible work includes journalism production, news-organization operations or strategy, and organizations directly supporting journalists. Freelancers should do most of their work within journalism.
- The fellowship does not serve degree study, book or reporting projects, public relations, internal or industry communications, government employment or full-time academic work.
- Applicants working with organizations without editorial independence, including government-operated media, are not considered.
- International applicants must be eligible for the required J visa. Where issuance is suspended for a nationality, an eligible second citizenship and passport may provide an application route.
Fellow commitments
- Live at Stanford for the full September–May programme and treat it as full-time.
- Attend weekly cohort meetings, one-to-one coaching every two weeks and occasional programme or university events.
- Share reflections publicly and collaborate respectfully across differing perspectives.
Application and selection
Create an account on JSK’s SurveyMonkey Apply platform, answer the profile questions determining U.S. or international eligibility and complete the online application by 2 December 2026 at 13:00 Pacific Time. Review proceeds in multiple stages over several months, with selected candidates invited to Zoom interviews. Applicants can attend information webinars on 21 October and 5, 6 or 12 November 2026.
How to apply
Read the official eligibility guidance and create an account on the application platform linked from Stanford’s website. Complete the profile and application before the stated cutoff; extensions are not offered.
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