Nieman Fellowship 2027–28 at Harvard: a $90,000 stipend for nine months of study for journalists with 5 years’ experience, international applications by 1 December

The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University is accepting applications for the Nieman Fellowships 2027-28. This long-standing mid-career program offers selected journalists an academic year of study and intellectual exploration at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Selected fellows receive a living stipend of USD 90,000 paid across nine months, along with supplemental allowances for health insurance and childcare. Non-U.S. citizens must apply by 1 December 2026, while U.S. citizens have an application deadline of 31 January 2027.

What is funded

The fellowship supports an academic year of non-degree study and professional development at Harvard University. Fellows receive a stipend of USD 90,000 distributed over nine months to cover living expenses during their time in residence.

In addition to the base stipend, the foundation provides allowances to assist with healthcare and family expenses. Funding includes a health insurance allowance of up to USD 6,250 for the fellow, up to USD 6,250 for an eligible partner, and up to USD 3,750 for each dependent child under the age of 18. Childcare assistance is also available for fellows with children under the age of 12.

Who can apply

The program is open to working journalists with a minimum of five years of full-time media experience. Applicants can be reporters, editors, photographers, producers, filmmakers, or other practitioners across print, digital, audio, and broadcast journalism. Candidates who do not regularly publish work as part of their daily role may submit a statement describing their institutional duties instead.

Both international and American practitioners are eligible, though they apply under separate tracks. Non-U.S. citizens, including those currently employed in the United States, apply via the International Nieman Fellowship track. U.S. citizens, including those living abroad, apply under the U.S. fellowship category. Dual citizens holding American and foreign nationality are instructed to contact the foundation for category placement.

Conditions and requirements

Applicants must secure a nonimmigrant J visa to participate in the fellowship at Harvard. If a candidate is a national of a country subject to U.S. suspension of J-visa issuance, the donor recommends waiting until restrictions are lifted, unless the candidate holds an additional unrestricted passport and citizenship.

The fellowship is an intensive sabbatical experience and is not structured as a writing residency, meaning book proposals are explicitly ineligible. Candidates applying specifically for the affiliated Nieman-Berkman Fellowship for Journalism Innovation must detail how their research project will influence the broader journalism industry.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the Nieman Foundation online portal. The complete submission package includes two core essays, a professional profile of up to 100 words, a 50-word study proposal summary, work samples, and three letters of recommendation. The essays consist of a personal statement of up to 1,000 words covering career trajectory and goals, as well as a 500-word study proposal outlining research interests and relevant Harvard resources.

Work sample specifications depend on the applicant’s primary medium, with an emphasis on work published or broadcast in the 12 months immediately preceding application. Print and digital journalists must submit four published samples via non-paywalled links or PDFs, visual journalists must submit at least five samples totaling a minimum of 10 images, and broadcast applicants must provide three to five pieces with total viewing or listening time capped at 30 minutes. If original samples are not in English, written English summaries must be provided.

Practical tip. Audit all work sample URLs before submission to ensure they are accessible without registration or subscription paywalls. If any selected investigative or daily reporting sits behind a paywall, download the materials and upload them as clear, individual PDF files.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: nieman.harvard.edu.