Fellowship

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships 2027-2028 in the USA | Fully Funded Fellowship

October 22, 2026

The Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships 2027-2028 at the University of Michigan offer experienced journalists an opportunity to step away from daily newsroom deadlines and focus on ambitious journalism projects, professional development, and collaborative learning.

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships 2027-2028 in the USA

Hosted by Wallace House Center for Journalists, the programme brings together journalists from different countries and professional backgrounds for an academic year in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Fellows receive financial support, access to university resources, leadership workshops, and opportunities to learn from leading journalists, scholars, and media innovators. International journalists, including eligible applicants from Nigeria, can apply before the December 1, 2026 deadline.

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships Overview

The fellowship is designed for accomplished journalists who want to deepen their expertise, explore new reporting approaches, investigate complex issues, or develop innovative journalism projects. Fellows spend their time learning, collaborating, and pursuing individual projects while accessing resources and expertise across the University of Michigan.

Fellowship Name: Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships
Host Institution: University of Michigan
Programme Organiser: Wallace House Center for Journalists
Host Country: United States
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Academic Year: 2027-2028
Duration: Eight months, from late August through April
Eligible Applicants: U.S. and international journalists
Minimum Professional Experience: Five years
Number of Fellows: Up to 19
Stipend: US$85,000
Relocation Support: US$5,000
Application Status: Open
International Deadline: December 1, 2026
U.S. Applicant Deadline: February 1, 2027

Benefits of the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships

Selected fellows receive the following benefits:

A stipend of US$85,000 for living expenses during the fellowship.
An additional US$5,000 for relocation expenses.
Eight months dedicated to professional development and individual journalism projects.
Access to University of Michigan faculty, academic resources and specialised expertise.
Private seminars with newsroom leaders, researchers, media innovators and other experts.
Workshops focused on journalism skills and leadership development.
Opportunities for international travel to understand political, economic and social issues affecting news coverage.
Assistance with finding and securing suitable accommodation in Ann Arbor.
Coverage of health insurance costs under the programme’s terms.
Coverage of costs associated with auditing courses and participating in required workshops and fellowship activities.
Opportunities to collaborate with journalists from different countries and professional backgrounds.
The opportunity for spouses and partners to participate in certain fellowship activities and audit university courses.

The fellowship is a professional development award rather than a degree programme. Applicants should review the official terms to understand the conditions attached to the stipend and relocation support.

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships 2027-2028 must meet the following general requirements:

Have at least five years of professional journalism experience.
Currently work in journalism for a news organisation or as an independent journalist.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to journalism and professional development.
Have a clear journalism project or professional challenge they want to explore during the fellowship.
Be prepared to make the fellowship their primary professional focus.
Be willing to reside in Ann Arbor for the duration of the in-person programme.
Be available to attend required seminars, workshops, and fellowship events.
Submit the required application materials and professional work samples.

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships Eligible Professional Roles

Eligible professional roles include:

Reporters and correspondents.
Editors and newsroom managers.
Investigative journalists.
Data journalists and visual journalists.
Audio producers and journalists working in video.
Audience engagement specialists.
Journalism designers and developers.
Journalism entrepreneurs and organisational change specialists.

However, applicants do not have to be full-time journalists if the majority of their professional work is in journalism.

How to Apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships

Follow these steps to apply for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships 2027-2028.

Visit the official fellowship website: Read the programme overview, eligibility criteria, and application instructions on the Wallace House website.
Select the correct application category: Choose the international application route if you do not hold U.S. citizenship. International applications submitted through the U.S. portal will not be considered.
Create an application account: Register through the official online application platform and save your progress as needed.
Prepare your résumé: Highlight your journalism experience, professional achievements, responsibilities, and areas of specialisation.
Write your personal statement: Explain your professional background, reasons for applying, and what you hope to gain from the fellowship.
Develop your journalism project proposal: Describe the project you want to pursue, its significance, the questions you intend to explore, and how the fellowship would help you achieve your goals.
Prepare your work samples: Submit examples of your journalism according to the instructions for your format. International applicants should generally provide samples from the past three years, with specific recency requirements for photography, video, and audio.
Complete Phase One: Submit the required application information, résumé, personal statement, project proposal, and work samples. International applicants do not need to submit references at this initial stage.
Submit your application: Review all information and confirm that any links to published work remain active during the review process.
Prepare for the next stage: Applicants selected as semifinalists may be invited to complete Phase Two, provide references, and submit additional work samples.

Applicants must write their own application materials and should follow Wallace House’s instructions concerning the use of writing assistance.

Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships 2027-2028 depends on the applicant’s citizenship.

International journalists: December 1, 2026.
U.S. journalists: February 1, 2027.
International fellowship offers: Expected by mid-February 2027.
U.S. fellowship offers: Expected by early May 2027.
Expected arrival in Ann Arbor: Mid-August 2027.
Programme begins: Late August 2027.

Official Website

For verified information about eligibility, funding, application requirements, and deadlines, visit the official University of Michigan programme pages:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowship open to international applicants?

Yes, the programme accepts international journalists as well as U.S. journalists. Applicants must use the application route that matches their citizenship.

2. Can Nigerian journalists apply?

Yes. Nigerian journalists can apply through the international route if they meet the professional experience and other eligibility requirements.

3. How much funding does the fellowship provide?

The standard Knight-Wallace Fellowship provides a US$85,000 stipend plus US$5,000 for relocation expenses. Wallace House also covers specified programme-related costs, including health insurance and required fellowship activities, under its published terms.

4. Do applicants need a university degree?

The published general eligibility criteria focus on professional journalism experience and current work in journalism. The fellowship is not intended for applicants seeking an academic degree.

CHECK THESE OUT: