A Nieman Fellowship is an extraordinary, transformative learning opportunity open to journalists working in all media in every country around the world. Those selected for the program spend two full semesters at Harvard auditing classes with some of the university’s greatest thinkers, participating in Nieman events and collaborating with peers. Nieman Fellows are also able to audit classes at other local universities including MIT and Tufts.
Each year, the Nieman Foundation awards paid fellowships to up to 24 journalists working in print, broadcast, digital and audiovisual media. Journalists and other professionals working in positions that support journalism, such as the business or technology departments of news companies, are welcome to apply for one of the foundation’s short-term Visiting Fellowships.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
During their time at Harvard, Nieman Fellows attend seminars, shop talks, masterclasses and journalism conferences designed to strengthen their professional skills and leadership capabilities, thereby helping to fortify the news industry itself. With the knowledge, they gain on campus and the relationships they build, fellows often return to work as journalism entrepreneurs, industry innovators and top managers in their newsrooms.
Benefits
- Nieman Fellows receive a stipend of $75,000 paid over a nine-month period to cover living costs.
- The Nieman Foundation also provides some financial support for health insurance and childcare.
- Individuals who are unable to retain their current health insurance would have the option of purchasing a plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector, which is an independent state agency that serves as a marketplace for MA residents to find, compare, and enroll in health insurance.
- Nieman additionally covers the cost of attending Harvard classes for fellows and their affiliates. Affiliates are the partners and spouses of fellows. They enjoy many of the same privileges as fellows and may attend classes, use Harvard libraries and other facilities, and are welcome to participate in almost all Nieman activities.
Eligibilities
- All applicants for academic-year Nieman Fellowships, including freelancers, must be working journalists with at least five years of full-time media experience.
- Journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count as professional experience.
- Professionals who work in public relations or in a position whose primary focus is not the media are not eligible to apply.
- During the two years prior to applying, an applicant should not have participated in a fellowship lasting four months or longer.
- There are no age limits or academic prerequisites, and a college degree is not required.
- After candidates have been chosen, they must agree in writing to honor all leave stipulations made with their employers; to refrain from professional work during the fellowship year, except as approved by the Nieman curator; and to complete work in a minimum of one course per semester and honor commitments made to faculty as a condition of auditing a class.
- Fellows also must remain in residence in the Cambridge area while classes are in session and participate in all Nieman Foundation programs.
Application Process
- All Nieman Fellowship applicants must complete an online application form.
- Candidates for academic-year fellowships must submit the following information as part of their package: two essays; a professional profile and study plan summary; work samples and three letters of recommendation.
- Candidates for the Nieman Visiting Fellowships complete a streamlined application that requires only biographical information, a résumé and a project proposal.
- Questions about the application process may be sent to fellowship program administrator Nicole Arias.
- You have to provide your Email Address.
- You also have to provide your first name & last name in the application form.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link
