Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28 at the University of Michigan: $85,000 Stipend for Journalists, International Deadline 1 December
Offered by Wallace House Center for Journalists, University of Michigan
1 Dec 2026
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28 pays journalists an $85,000 stipend for eight months at the University of Michigan. International applicants apply by 1 December 2026.
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28 gives experienced journalists eight months at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to study, think and work on a project, with an $85,000 stipend. International applicants have until 1 December 2026 to apply. US citizens have until 1 February 2027.
The fellowship is run by Wallace House, the University of Michigan's centre for journalists. It is one of the best-funded mid-career programmes for reporters and editors, and it accepts journalists from outside the United States through a separate international track.
What the Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28 offers
According to Wallace House, fellows receive:
- an $85,000 stipend, paid monthly from August through April
- $5,000 for relocation expenses
- health insurance paid by Wallace House
- individual relocation support and help finding and securing housing
- access to University of Michigan courses and faculty
- private seminars with newsroom leaders and experts, plus professional and leadership workshops
- international travel related to news coverage
Spouses and partners can join fellowship activities and audit university courses.
Who can apply
- Journalists with at least five years of experience.
- You must currently work in journalism, either for a news organisation or as an independent journalist.
- If you are not a full-time journalist, most of your work must still be journalism.
- PR writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates and people seeking a degree are not considered.
International or US applicant?
Wallace House is strict about this. Non-US citizens apply as international applicants, even if they live and work in the United States. US citizens apply as US applicants, even if they work abroad. A Green Card does not count as citizenship. International applications uploaded through the US portal will not be considered.
Key dates
- 1 December 2026: international application deadline
- January–February 2027: interviews for international finalists
- Mid-February 2027: offers to international applicants
- 1 February 2027: US application deadline, with interviews in April and offers by early May 2027
- Late August 2027 to April 2028: fellowship year in Ann Arbor
How to apply
- Read the eligibility rules and guidance on the official Wallace House How to Apply page and its application FAQ.
- Open an account on the Knight-Wallace application portal and choose the international application.
- Prepare the materials the portal asks for. Wallace House does not list fees on its application page.
- Submit before 1 December 2026.
Tips for African journalists
Strong applications usually show a clear question you want to explore during the fellowship and why it matters to your audience. Plan early for references and for any documents that take time to collect. If you want more guidance on presenting your work, our Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 guide covers writing a focused personal statement, which applies here too.
Always apply through the official portal and check the Wallace House website for any updates before you submit.
How to apply
- Read the eligibility rules and application guidance on the Wallace House How to Apply page.
- Create an account on the Knight-Wallace application portal (OpenWater).
- Choose the international application if you are not a US citizen. International applications uploaded through the US portal are not considered.
- Prepare your application materials as the portal and the Wallace House FAQ describe, including your study proposal and work samples if requested.
- Submit before 1 December 2026. International finalists are interviewed in January and February 2027, and offers go out by mid-February 2027.
Eligibility notes
Open to working journalists with at least five years of experience who currently work for a news organisation or as independent journalists; most of their work must be journalism. PR writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates and degree seekers are not considered. Non-US citizens apply as international applicants (deadline 1 December 2026), even if they work in the US; a Green Card does not count as citizenship. US citizens apply by 1 February 2027.
Questions about the programme: https://wallacehouse.umich.edu/contact/ (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.
