John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships offer journalists an opportunity to step back from demands of daily work and spend an academic year at Stanford University reimagining the future of journalism.
For nine months, fellows focus on becoming more effective, purposeful and resilient leaders in a rapidly changing field. They use this time to explore ideas, experiment with new approaches and develop practices that strengthen journalism’s essential role in building informed democratic communities.
Each fellow pursues a focus that they’ve chosen. It might be improving specific professional skills, addressing a challenge in their news organization or community, exploring ideas for a new venture or deepening expertise in a specific coverage area.
The 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
The fellowship does not support book or reporting projects, and we are not a start-up accelerator.
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Benefits of the Fellowship Program
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.
Being a JSK Fellow is a full-time commitment and requires full participation in the program. You’ll receive a monthly stipend and health coverage through Stanford, allowing you to focus entirely on your fellowship experience.
Fellows are expected to:
- Be in residence at Stanford from September through May.
- Dedicate themselves full-time to the fellowship.
- Participate in weekly cohort meetings and biweekly individual coaching sessions.
- Attend other occasional JSK events and Stanford gatherings.
- Share insights and reflections publicly throughout the year.
- Collaborate respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Name of Organizer
Stanford University
Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2026/2027 JSK Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Minimum of five years of professional experience in journalism or a related field.
2. Student or internship experience is not counted toward the five-year minimum.
3. No college degree is required.
4. You must work primarily in journalism—this includes staff members at news organizations, independent journalists, entrepreneurs, strategists, and innovators.
5. Not open to individuals seeking a degree, government employees, PR professionals, or full-time academics.
6. Those in public information or producing industry communications are not eligible.
7. The fellowship does not support book or reporting projects.
8. Must be committed full-time to the fellowship and reside at Stanford University from September through May.
9. Must participate actively in weekly cohort sessions, biweekly coaching, and JSK community events.
10. Must be willing to share insights publicly and collaborate with a diverse global cohort.
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Duration & Stipend
The JSK Fellowship is a nine-month, full-time residential program held at Stanford University in California, USA.
Start and End Dates:
September 2026 – May 2027
Stipend & Benefits:
- $130,000 stipend for the full fellowship period.
- Full tuition and health insurance for fellows.
- Health supplement for dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage.
- Customized leadership coaching and professional development workshops.
- Full access to Stanford’s academic and creative resources.
- Support with finding housing and relocating to Stanford.
- Membership in the global JSK alumni network, a lifelong professional asset.
Deadline
3rd December,2025.
Apply Now
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