JSK (John S. Knight) Journalism Fellowships – Stanford University

The JSK Journalism Fellowships at Stanford University support experienced journalists and media innovators who want to step back from daily work and rethink the future of journalism. The fellowship offers a nine-month, fully supported professional experience focused on leadership, resilience and collaborative innovation.

What’s Offered

• A generous stipend of US $130,000 for the nine-month fellowship year.

• Stanford tuition coverage and health insurance for fellows (with supplements available for dependents).

• Full access to Stanford’s academic and creative ecosystem — libraries, talks, seminars and courses — to deepen expertise and spark fresh ideas.

• Individual coaching, leadership workshops, cohort meetings and connection to the global JSK alumni network.

Eligibility Criteria

• At least five years of full-time professional journalism experience — this includes work in traditional newsrooms, independent media, entrepreneurial journalism and related innovation roles.

• Proficiency in English is expected for full participation in the fellowship and program activities.

• Applicants should be committed to journalism that strengthens democratic communities and expands access to reliable information.

Process & Structure

• The fellowship is residential — fellows live in the Stanford area (Palo Alto, California) from September through May and participate full-time.

• Applicants complete an online application with professional history, goals and supporting materials, then undergo review and, for those shortlisted, interviews.

• Fellows explore self-designed projects, engage in leadership development activities, attend workshops and collaborate with a diverse international cohort.

Fields of Focus
This fellowship is ideal for journalists, editors, media innovators, news entrepreneurs, strategists and independent reporters focused on tackling press freedom, media sustainability, misinformation and trust in information.

Deadline

• The 2026–27 JSK Fellowship application deadline is 3 December 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.