JSK Journalism Fellowships

Stanford University is accepting applications for the 2027-2028 John S. Knight (JSK) Journalism Fellowships. The program is designed for journalists and media professionals seeking dedicated time away from regular workplace demands to explore urgent challenges facing the profession and develop leadership skills.

Selected fellows will participate in a nine-month residential cohort at Stanford from September to May, supported by an individual stipend of USD 135,000, paid tuition, and health coverage. The deadline to submit an application is December 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time.

What is funded

The fellowship provides full residential support at Stanford University for the academic year running from September through May. Each fellow receives a stipend of USD 135,000, full Stanford tuition, and health insurance, along with a supplemental health allowance for qualifying dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage. Fellows also receive guidance and logistical advice on securing rental housing in the area.

In addition to monetary and healthcare support, the fellowship covers personalized coaching, structured leadership workshops, and access to academic courses and lectures across Stanford University. Fellows are also integrated into an international alumni network and are encouraged to include their families in fellowship activities.

Who can apply

Applicants must possess a minimum of five years of professional experience in journalism or media operations. Eligible candidates include content creators, reporters, editors, photojournalists, audience coordinators, publishers, newsroom strategists, and professionals working with organizations that directly support journalists. A university degree or prior experience in a traditional newsroom is not required.

Both full-time employees and independent contractors are eligible, provided that freelancers dedicate more than 50 percent of their working time to journalism. However, candidates seeking an academic degree, working in public relations or internal corporate communications, employed by governments, or working for organizations lacking editorial independence are ineligible.

Conditions and requirements

Recipients must reside at Stanford University for the full nine-month term, treating the fellowship as a full-time commitment. Fellows must take part in mandatory weekly cohort meetings, biweekly individual coaching, and occasional university events, while regularly sharing their reflections publicly.

Practical tip. Frame your application around a persistent question or systemic problem rather than pitching a finished reporting series, book, or commercial startup. Reviewers look for self-reflective practitioners who are willing to re-examine their assumptions and collaborate respectfully across diverse viewpoints.

How to apply

Candidates must register and submit their applications through the online application portal prior to the deadline on December 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. The initial step requires completing profile questions to identify whether the candidate qualifies for the United States or international track.

Submitted materials undergo a multi-stage review process involving program directors, fellowship alumni, and a dedicated selection committee. Shortlisted candidates are subsequently contacted to participate in an online interview via Zoom before final fellowship offers are extended.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: jsk.stanford.edu.