JSK Journalism Fellowship 2027–28 at Stanford: $135,000 Stipend, Deadline 2 December
Offered by John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships, Stanford University
2 Dec 2026
The JSK Journalism Fellowship 2027–28 at Stanford pays a $135,000 stipend plus tuition and health cover for nine months. Who can apply and how, by 2 December.
The John S. Knight (JSK) Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University are open for the 2027–28 cohort. Selected fellows spend nine months at Stanford with a $135,000 stipend, Stanford tuition and health insurance. Applications close on 2 December 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time, and JSK says it does not accept late applications or grant extensions.
The JSK Journalism Fellowship is one of the best-paid mid-career programmes for people working in news. It is open to applicants worldwide, with some visa-related exceptions explained below.
What the JSK Journalism Fellowship 2027–28 offers
According to the official JSK page, fellows receive:
- a $135,000 stipend for the nine months;
- Stanford tuition and health insurance;
- a health supplement for dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage;
- help finding rental housing and settling in the Stanford area, for you and your family;
- individual coaching, customised workshops and access to the JSK alumni network.
Fellows live at Stanford from September to May. It is a full-time commitment, with weekly cohort meetings, coaching sessions every two weeks and occasional JSK and Stanford events.
Who can apply
The basic requirement is at least five years of professional experience. Student work and internships do not count toward those five years. You do not need a university degree, and you do not need to have worked in a traditional newsroom.
Eligible applicants include people who:
- produce journalism directly, as reporters, editors, photographers, producers and similar roles;
- work in operations or strategy roles at news organisations;
- work for organisations that support or collaborate directly with journalists.
Both employees and independent contractors can apply. Freelancers must do most of their work in journalism.
Who is not eligible
- government employees;
- full-time academics;
- people working in PR, public information or in-house communications.
A note for international applicants
JSK says it cannot offer a fellowship to citizens of countries where the United States has suspended J visa issuance. If you hold citizenship and a passport from another country without that restriction, you may apply using that citizenship. Check the current list of affected countries before you start, as it can change.
The official page does not state an English-language test requirement. In practice, the programme runs in English, so you should be comfortable working in it every day.
How to apply
- Read the full rules on the JSK Become a Fellow page.
- Create an account on JSK's application portal (SurveyMonkey Apply).
- Answer the profile questions. These sort you into the U.S. or the international fellowship.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit before 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on 2 December 2026.
The official page does not list a fixed set of documents beyond the online form, so read each question in the portal carefully before you begin. JSK says the selection process takes a few months and narrows the pool to a small number of people invited to a Zoom interview.
Information webinars
JSK is running information webinars on 5, 6 and 12 November 2026 (one was also held on 21 October). If you are unsure whether your role counts, a webinar is the quickest way to ask.
Tips for a strong JSK application
- Show your five years clearly. List dates and roles so the reviewer can see you meet the minimum without guessing.
- Explain what you want to explore. Fellows are expected to share insights publicly, so a clear question or problem you want to work on helps.
- Connect it to your audience. If you work in African media, explain what your newsroom or community would gain from your year at Stanford.
- Start early. There are no extensions, and portal problems on the last day are your risk.
Looking for other funded programmes this cycle? See our listing for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Leadership Fellowship 2027.
Questions: jskfellowships@stanford.edu or +1 650-723-4937.
Source: John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships, Stanford University (official page, checked 22 October 2026).
How to apply
- Read the eligibility rules on the JSK Become a Fellow page.
- Create an account on the JSK application portal (SurveyMonkey Apply, jsk.smapply.org).
- Answer the profile questions, which route you to the U.S. or international fellowship.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit before 1:00 p.m. Pacific time on 2 December 2026. Late applications and extensions are not accepted.
Eligibility notes
At least five years of professional experience (student work and internships do not count); no degree required. Open to journalists, news operations and strategy staff, and people at organisations that support journalists, as employees or independent contractors; freelancers must do most of their work in journalism. Not eligible: government employees, full-time academics, and people in PR, public information or in-house communications. Citizens of countries where the US has suspended J visa issuance cannot be offered a fellowship unless they apply with another eligible citizenship.
Questions about the programme: jskfellowships@stanford.edu (shown as the organisation published it — we do not handle applications).
Details can change without notice. Confirm everything on the organisation's own page before you apply — see our disclaimer. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
