JSK Journalism Fellowship 2027/28 at Stanford

The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships (JSK) at Stanford University invite journalists and news professionals to apply for the 2027-28 fellowship. Fellows spend nine months at Stanford exploring a question about journalism. Applications close on 2 December 2026.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships, Stanford University
• Funding: $135,000 stipend, plus tuition and health insurance
• Duration: Nine months, September to May
• Location: Stanford University, California, USA
• Target Group: U.S. and international journalists and news professionals
• Deadline: 2 December 2026, 1:00 PM Pacific time

Focus Areas

• A journalism question or challenge you want to pursue
• Leadership through change
• Strengthening trust and resilient democracies
• Collaboration across different viewpoints

About the Fellowship

The program invites people closest to journalism’s hardest problems to help solve them. Fellows step away from daily work and study their question in depth. They do not need a finished project, only a question they cannot let go. Fellows learn alongside a small global cohort. They also take Stanford classes and attend talks.

Spouses, partners, and families are welcome in fellowship life. Fellows must show they can collaborate respectfully with people from different ideological backgrounds.

What Fellows Receive

• A $135,000 stipend for nine months
• Stanford tuition and health insurance
• A health supplement for dependents on Stanford coverage
• Housing advice for fellows and families
• Individual coaching and customized workshops
• Access to a global alumni network of hundreds of journalists

Who Can Apply

Applicants need at least five years of professional experience. Student work and internships do not count. A college degree or newsroom background is not required. Eligible applicants include people who:

• Produce journalistic content in any capacity
• Work in operations or strategy roles at news organizations
• Work for organizations that support journalists directly

Freelancers must do most of their work within journalism. The fellowship does not suit degree seekers, government employees, public relations staff, or full-time academics. It also excludes applicants from organizations that are not editorially independent.

Citizens of countries where the United States has suspended J visa issuance cannot receive a fellowship. Those applicants should wait or apply with a second eligible citizenship.

Required Materials

Applicants create an account and complete the online form.

How to Apply

Create an account on the SurveyMonkey Apply platform. Answer the profile questions to confirm which track fits you. Then complete the online form before the deadline. Organizers grant no extensions. Selected candidates join a Zoom interview. Send questions to jskfellowships@stanford.edu.

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers journalists paid time and support to tackle a pressing problem. Eligible candidates should check visa rules and apply before 2 December 2026.

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