The Knight-Wallace Fellowships offer accomplished journalists two rare commodities: time and resources. Journalists eager for growth and deeply committed to the future of journalism spend an academic year at the University of Michigan to access the resources of a world-class university and dive into a journalism project. Areas of focus can include but are not limited to sharpening professional skills, addressing a challenge facing your newsroom, digging into data and research for a long-term reporting project, or developing a journalism venture.
Table of Content
Summary
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Benefits
The program select up to 20 Fellows from all facets of journalism who are ready to take the next career step and join us in Ann Arbor for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Eight-month program from late August through April of immersive study away from daily deadlines
- Individual journalism projects designed to develop topical depth, gain new skills, address a newsroom challenge or explore a journalism venture
- Specialized resources and access to faculty at the University of Michigan
- Private seminars with newsroom leaders, change agents and world-renowned experts for candid, off-the-record conversations
- Workshops to sharpen professional skills and leadership ability
- International travel to bring context to the political, economic and social forces shaping news coverage
- $85,000 stipend plus $5,000 for relocation expenses distributed monthly from August through April for living expenses
- Individual relocation support and assistance with finding and securing housing to meet each Fellow’s housing needs
- Spouses and partners are invited to participate in fellowship activities and audit university courses as well
Requirements
- Qualified applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience and be currently working in some aspect of journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist. The program is looking for a diverse range of journalists, including reporters, editors, data experts, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs and organizational change agents.
- If you are not a full-time journalist, the majority of your work should be in journalism. We do not consider full-time academics, public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, or those seeking a degree.
- If you are a U.S. citizen, apply as a U.S. applicant, even if you work in another country or for a non–U.S. journalism entity. If you are not a U.S. citizen, apply as an international applicant, even if you work in the United States or for an American journalism entity. A Green Card is not the same as citizenship.
Selection Process
All Fellows awarded our in-person fellowship must maintain residency in Ann Arbor for the duration of the fellowship, attend all program seminars and events, and make the fellowship their primary professional focus. Applicants working in a newsroom are encouraged to obtain employer consent granting a leave of absence with the understanding that, upon completion of the fellowship and where applicable, the Fellow will return to their place of employment.
Aplication Timeline:
- The deadline for international applicants (journalists who do not hold a U.S. passport) to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year is December 1, 2025.
- The deadline for U.S. applicants to apply for the 2026-2027 academic year is February 1, 2026.
International fellowship offers are extended by mid-February and U.S. fellowship offers are extended by early May, giving Fellows ample time to plan a move to Ann Arbor in mid-August. As relocating for the fellowship does take some planning, we provide assistance with finding housing based on the needs of individual Fellows.
Application Deadline
December 1, 2025How To Apply
For more details, visit University of Michighan Fellowship webpage
