About the programme
Fellows spend September through May in residence at Stanford, exploring their own question in a small international cohort with individual coaching, workshops, classes and talks. The programme is not a degree, a book or reporting grant, or a startup accelerator. Fellows must be full-time and join weekly cohort meetings and biweekly coaching sessions, and share their insights publicly.
Duration: Nine months, September to May
Eligibility
- At least five years of professional experience (student work and internships do not count)
- Working in journalism content production, news operations or strategy, or with an organisation that directly supports journalists; freelancers must spend over 50% of work in journalism
- Citizens of countries where the US has suspended J visa issuance cannot be offered a fellowship (unless holding another eligible citizenship)
- Proficiency in written and spoken English; application materials in English
- Not seeking a degree; not in public relations, in-house/industry communications, government employment, or full-time academia; not working for non-editorially independent outlets such as government-operated media
- Ability to collaborate respectfully with people from different ideological backgrounds
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- A college degree is not required
- Restless, curious applicants with a question they cannot let go of, open to having their thinking challenged
What you will need
- Online application form
- Resume
- One work example
- Contact details for three professional references (no letters required)
How to apply
- Create an account on SurveyMonkey Apply and answer profile questions to determine U.S. or international fellowship eligibility
- Complete the online application form
- Multi-layered evaluation; initial evaluations early March
- Zoom interviews in March
- International offers in April, US offers in May
- Fellows relocate in August; orientation early September
- Optional webinars: November 5, 6 and 12, 2026
Applications are submitted on Stanford University (John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships)’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
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Source and verification
- Official source
- Stanford University (John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships) · Application
- Last checked
- 13 Nov 2026, verified by our editors
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