JSK Journalism Fellowship 2027 supports journalists and people who work in service of journalism to explore a pressing question away from daily work. The JSK Fellowship gives selected participants time, coaching, and access to Stanford to develop ideas and leadership.
The program is run by the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University and places a small cohort on campus for nine months (September through May). Fellows receive individualized programming, coaching, and access to Stanford resources and the global JSK alumni network.
JSK Journalism Fellowship Benefits
- A $135,000 stipend for the nine months.
- Stanford tuition and health insurance, plus a health supplement for dependents enrolled in Stanford coverage.
- Advice on finding rental housing and settling into the Stanford area, for you and your family.
- Individual coaching, customized workshops and access to the global JSK alumni network.
- Time to explore Stanford’s academic and creative offerings.
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JSK Journalism Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants need at least five years of professional experience.
- A college degree or experience inside a traditional newsroom isn’t required.
- Student work and internships do not count toward the five-year requirement.
- Applicants may be directly involved in producing journalistic content, in any capacity.
- Applicants may be working in operations or strategy roles in news organizations.
- Applicants may be working with an organization that supports or collaborates directly with journalists.
- Majority of work for independent contractors or freelancers needs to be within the journalism sector.
- Citizens of countries where the U.S. has suspended issuance of certain nonimmigrant visas (specifically J visas) are unable to be offered a fellowship unless they hold an additional passport without visa restriction.
How to Apply for JSK Journalism Fellowship
- Create an account on SurveyMonkey Apply, the application platform.
- Answer profile questions to see whether you qualify for the U.S. or international fellowship.
- Complete the online form.
- Applications are evaluated in a multi-layered process and shortlisted candidates are invited to a Zoom interview.
- Start your application at https://jsk.smapply.org
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Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Wednesday, 2 December 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the JSK Journalism Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, webinars, and how to apply.
What is the JSK Journalism Fellowship?
JSK Journalism Fellowship is a nine-month program at Stanford University (September through May) for journalists and people who work in service of journalism to explore a question, test approaches, and grow as leaders. Fellows participate in coaching, workshops, classes, and cohort meetings while accessing Stanford resources and the JSK alumni network.
Who runs the JSK Journalism Fellowship?
The JSK Journalism Fellowship is run by the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University. Directors, program partners, advisers, and an extensive alumni network provide coaching, customized programming, and guidance throughout the fellowship.
What do JSK Journalism Fellowship receive?
Fellows receive a $135,000 stipend for the nine months, Stanford tuition and health insurance, a health supplement for dependents on Stanford coverage, help finding housing, individual coaching, customized workshops, and access to Stanford academic and creative offerings and the JSK alumni network.
Who can apply to the JSK Journalism fellowship?
Applicants need at least five years of professional experience. A college degree or traditional newsroom experience is not required. The fellowship welcomes people producing journalistic content, those in operations or strategy roles in news organizations, and those working with organizations that support or collaborate with journalists.
Are there people who should not apply?
JSK Journalism Fellowship is not for those seeking a degree, people working in public information or public relations, those producing in-house or industry communications, government employees, or full-time academics. The program does not support book or reporting projects or act as a startup accelerator.
What are the residency and participation requirements?
Fellows must be in residence at Stanford from September through May and treat the fellowship as a full-time commitment. They are expected to join weekly cohort meetings, biweekly one-on-one coaching sessions, attend occasional JSK and Stanford events, share insights publicly, and collaborate respectfully with diverse perspectives.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the 2027-28 fellowships are open and the deadline is Dec. 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. The site states that extensions or late applications are not accepted.
How do I apply?
To apply, create an account on SurveyMonkey Apply (the program’s application platform), answer profile questions to determine U.S. or international eligibility, and complete the online form. The official application portal is https://jsk.smapply.org.
Are there webinars about the fellowship?
Yes. The JSK directors host live webinars to answer questions about the fellowship and application process. The HTML lists webinars on October 21, 2026; November 5, 2026; November 6, 2026; and November 12, 2026, as ways to learn what the program looks for in candidates.
Who evaluates applications and what is the selection process?
Applications are evaluated through a multi-layered process involving JSK directors, several fellowship alumni, and, for U.S. fellowships, the JSK Selection Committee of journalism and Stanford leaders. The process takes a few months and shortlisted candidates are invited to a Zoom interview.
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