Call for John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship 2026-27 at Standford University is open now!!!
The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships (JSK) at Stanford University offer journalists a transformative opportunity to pause their day-to-day work and dedicate an academic year to exploring the future of journalism. This prestigious nine-month, full-time fellowship brings together up to 20 innovative journalists from around the world to engage in deep reflection, collaboration, and experimentation in one of the world’s most dynamic academic environments.
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During the fellowship, participants focus on becoming more effective, purposeful, and resilient leaders in the rapidly evolving field of journalism. Each fellow identifies a personal focus area—this may include improving professional skills, tackling a pressing challenge within their organization or community, exploring a new entrepreneurial idea, or developing deeper expertise in a specific reporting area. Through this freedom, fellows are encouraged to reimagine journalism’s role in strengthening informed, democratic societies.
JSK Fellows are fully immersed in Stanford life from September to May, with access to the university’s exceptional intellectual and creative resources. The program provides a monthly stipend and health coverage, allowing fellows to dedicate themselves entirely to professional and personal growth. They participate in weekly cohort meetings, biweekly coaching sessions, and various Stanford and JSK events designed to inspire creativity, leadership, and collaboration. Fellows are also encouraged to share their insights publicly throughout the year, contributing meaningfully to the global dialogue on journalism innovation.
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As a JSK Fellow, participants gain more than just time and support—they join a close-knit, global community of journalism leaders who continue to collaborate and exchange ideas long after the program ends. With hundreds of alumni working across continents, the JSK network serves as a powerful source of lifelong inspiration, mentorship, and solidarity.
Rooted at Stanford University, the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships program empowers diverse journalists to act as effective change agents, defend press freedom, and help build more resilient democratic communities worldwide. If you’re a journalist ready to challenge conventions, embrace innovation, and create lasting impact, JSK offers the platform to make your vision a reality.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
As a JSK Fellow, you’ll receive:
- Individual coaching and customized workshops to strengthen leadership, resilience and the ability to navigate change.
- A purposefully designed cohort experience that fosters genuine connection, collaboration and peer learning.
- Time and freedom to explore Stanford’s extraordinary academic and creative offerings.
- Access to the global JSK alumni network, a lifelong source of support and inspiration.
- A stipend of $130,000 for the nine-month fellowship.
- Stanford tuition and health insurance for fellows, plus a health supplement for dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage.
- Advice on finding rental housing and practical tips about settling in to the Stanford area for you and your family.
Eligibilities
- Applicants must have at least five years of professional work experience in journalism.
- No college degree or traditional newsroom experience is required.
- Student or internship experience is valuable but does not count toward the five-year minimum.
- Applicants who are not full-time journalists must have the majority of their work in journalism.
- Open to journalists in news organizations, independent journalists, journalism entrepreneurs, strategists, and innovators.
Their program is not open to:
- Individuals seeking a degree.
- Those working in public information or public relations.
- Professionals producing in-house or industry communications.
- Employees of government agencies.
- Full-time academics.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward. It’s designed to help them understand who you are, what drives you and how you hope to grow during the fellowship.
To apply:
- Register for an account on SurveyMonkey Apply (their application platform)
- Answer a few profile questions to determine whether you qualify for the U.S. or international fellowship.
- Complete the online application form, which includes questions about your career journey, what you hope to contribute to a JSK cohort and how the fellowship aligns with your professional goals.
- Submit supporting materials:
- A one-minute selfie video describing what you want to be doing in journalism three to five years from now.
- Your resume.
- One work sample.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- Disclose any use of artificial intelligence tools in preparing your application. A dedicated section in the form will ask about this.
Application Deadline: December 3, 2025
Application ClosedOfficial link
