Call for Application: Knight-Wallace Fellowship Program for Journalists 2027–2028

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 Knight-Wallace Fellowship Program for Journalists, an opportunity for experienced journalists to step away from their normal professional routines and spend an academic year developing ambitious journalism projects at the University of Michigan.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to journalists seeking deeper expertise, fresh perspectives and stronger leadership skills at a time when the media industry is being reshaped by technology, artificial intelligence, misinformation and changing audience behaviour.

For African and other international journalists, the fellowship offers an opportunity to engage with a diverse global community while accessing the University of Michigan’s academic resources and journalism network.

About the Knight-Wallace Fellowship

The Knight-Wallace Fellowships, hosted by Wallace House at the University of Michigan, have supported accomplished journalists since 1973. The program combines individual study with collaborative learning, seminars and professional development.

Fellows develop an individual journalism project while participating in seminars with journalism leaders, scholars, innovators and social change experts. The program typically brings together up to six international journalists alongside 10–12 U.S. journalists, creating a diverse environment for exchanging ideas and experiences.

The fellowship is designed for journalists who want to investigate an important issue, develop new professional skills, address challenges within their newsroom or explore an innovative journalism venture.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Selected fellows can expect:

• An immersive academic year at the University of Michigan.
• Time and space to pursue an ambitious journalism project.
• Access to university resources, experts and academic communities.
• Biweekly seminars, workshops and professional learning opportunities.
• Collaboration with an international cohort of experienced journalists.
• Exposure to journalism innovators, scholars and social changemakers.
• Opportunities to broaden professional networks and perspectives.
• Support with finding housing in Ann Arbor based on individual needs.
• For international fellows, Wallace House sponsors J-1 visas for fellows and J-2 visas for eligible spouses and dependent children.

Note: The official application information does not publish a specific fellowship grant amount, so applicants should not assume a particular cash award.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to U.S. and international journalists who:

• Have at least five years of professional experience.
• Currently work primarily in journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist.
• May work as reporters, editors, data journalists, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs or journalism-focused organizational change agents.
• Are prepared to live in Ann Arbor for the fellowship year.
• Can make the fellowship their primary professional focus.

Public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates and people applying primarily to obtain a degree are not eligible.

Application Process and Key Dates

International and U.S. applicants have different deadlines based on citizenship.

• International applicants: December 1, 2026
• U.S. applicants: February 1, 2027
• International fellowship offers: By mid-February 2027
• U.S. fellowship offers: By early May 2027
• Fellowship year: Begins in late August 2027
• Expected arrival in Ann Arbor: Mid-August 2027

International applicants should use the international application portal; applications submitted through the U.S. portal will not be considered.

How to Strengthen Your Application

A strong application should demonstrate more than years of journalism experience. Your proposed project should show why this fellowship matters now and what you intend to accomplish with the opportunity.

For international applicants, the first phase requires a résumé, a journalism project proposal of no more than 500 words, a personal statement of up to 1,500 words and three work samples.

Consider these tips:

1. Choose a focused project. Explain the problem, question or opportunity you want to explore and why it matters.
2. Show evidence of impact. Highlight reporting, investigations or projects that demonstrate your contribution to journalism.
3. Connect your experience to your future. Explain how the fellowship will help you grow and how the resulting work could benefit your audience, newsroom or wider field.
4. Research the University of Michigan. Identify relevant academic areas, experts and resources that could support your project.
5. Use strong work samples. Select recent pieces that best demonstrate your skills and professional growth.
6. Start early. International applicants have an earlier deadline, partly because of the additional visa-processing time.

One important requirement: Wallace House states that applicants must write their submissions without AI assistance, including applicants whose first language is not English.

Why You Should Apply

For an experienced journalist, the Knight-Wallace Fellowship can provide something that is increasingly difficult to find: dedicated time to think deeply, learn and produce ambitious work.

Rather than simply adding another credential to your résumé, the fellowship is designed around professional growth, experimentation and meaningful journalism. If you have a compelling project that could contribute to public understanding or advance the practice of journalism, this opportunity deserves serious consideration.

Explore similar opportunities on OpportunityPool.org.

Conclusion

The Knight-Wallace Fellowship is an excellent opportunity for experienced journalists ready to deepen their expertise, develop an ambitious project and connect with an international community of media professionals.

If you are an international journalist, December 1, 2026 is your deadline. Start preparing your application and work samples early, review the official requirements carefully and submit through the correct international application portal.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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