Are you a journalist who wants time to chase one big question? The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University are open for 2027 to 2028. Fellows step away from daily work for nine months. They explore the question they bring and test new ideas. They also grow as stronger leaders. Selected fellows receive a stipend of 135000 dollars.
The deadline is 2 December 2026 at 1:00 pm Pacific time. There are no extensions and no late applications.
Last Information Checked: 18 October 2026
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
| Fellowship | John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships (JSK) 2027 to 2028 |
| Host | Stanford University |
| Length | Nine months from September through May |
| Stipend | 135000 dollars for the nine months |
| Who can apply | Journalists and people who work in service of journalism |
| Experience | At least five years of professional experience |
| Degree | A college degree is not required |
| Deadline | 2 December 2026 |
What the Fellowship Is
JSK believes that the people closest to journalism’s hardest problems are the best people to solve them. It also believes that stronger journalism builds trust in communities and makes democracies more resilient.
So the fellowship looks for people who are curious and creative. These are people who want to dig deep and question their own thinking. They want real time to follow their question wherever it leads.
You can be a reporter or an editor. You can be a producer or a photographer. You can also build audiences and communities or work as a publisher. The fellowship is open to journalists and to people who work in service of journalism.
For nine months, you leave the daily grind and join Stanford. You explore your question and test new approaches. You grow as a more effective and purposeful leader.
Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: 135000 dollars for the nine months
- Tuition and health coverage
- Settling in help
- Individual coaching and workshops made for you
- Access to the global JSK alumni network
What You Must Do as a Fellow
- Live in residence at Stanford from September through May
- Treat the fellowship as a full time commitment
- Join weekly cohort meetings
- Join one on one coaching sessions every two weeks
- Attend some JSK and Stanford events
- Share your insights and thoughts in public as you go
- Work respectfully with people from different backgrounds and views
Who Can Apply
You need at least five years of professional experience. You do not need a college degree. You do not need experience in a traditional newsroom. Student work and internships are valuable. But they do not count toward the five years.
| Your work | Can you apply |
| You make journalistic content in any role | Yes |
| You work in operations or strategy at a news organisation | Yes |
| You work with an organisation that supports or works directly with journalists | Yes |
| You only have student work or internships | These do not count toward the five years |
How To Apply
- Check that you have five years of professional experience.
- Think about the question you want to explore for nine months.
- Go to the official JSK application page and click apply.
- Fill in the application.
- Submit before 2 December 2026 at 1:00 pm Pacific time.
The fellowship does not give extensions. It does not accept late applications. There are no exceptions.
Key Dates
- 2 December 2026 at 1:00 pm Pacific time: Application deadline
- September through May: Nine months in residence at Stanford for the 2027 to 2028 fellowship