Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation. Experienced journalists seeking an opportunity to advance their careers, develop ambitious reporting projects, and explore new approaches to journalism can apply for the Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–2028 at the University of Michigan in the United States.
The prestigious fellowship provides selected journalists with an academic year of immersive study, access to university resources, professional development opportunities, and time to pursue an individual journalism project.
For the 2027–2028 fellowship year, selected Fellows receive a US$85,000 stipend plus US$5,000 for relocation expenses. The fellowship also provides relocation assistance, housing support, and coverage of specified fellowship-related costs.
International journalists must submit their applications by December 1, 2026, while U.S. applicants have until February 1, 2027.
Key details
| Fellowship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | Knight-Wallace Fellowships |
| Host institution | University of Michigan |
| Program organizer | Wallace House Center for Journalists |
| Location | Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States |
| Fellowship year | 2027–2028 |
| Duration | Eight months |
| Program period | Late August 2027 through April 2028 |
| Stipend | US$85,000 |
| Relocation support | US$5,000 |
| Additional support | Health insurance, auditing courses, required workshops and fellowship activities |
| Target applicants | Experienced journalists |
| Minimum experience | Five years |
| International applicants | Eligible |
| International deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| U.S. applicant deadline | February 1, 2027 |
| Application platform | OpenWater |
| Fellowship format | In-person, based in Ann Arbor |
About the Knight-Wallace Fellowships
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation
The Knight-Wallace Fellowships are offered by the Wallace House Center for Journalists at the University of Michigan.
The program has supported journalists since 1973 and is designed for accomplished professionals who want to deepen their knowledge, strengthen their journalism skills, and explore ideas that could shape their careers and the future of journalism.
Selected Fellows spend an academic year at the University of Michigan, where they can access university resources, work with faculty, participate in seminars, and develop individual journalism projects.
The fellowship is intended to give journalists time away from daily newsroom deadlines to think critically, pursue new ideas, and explore professional opportunities.
Fellows may use the experience to develop a long-term reporting project, investigate a newsroom challenge, improve their professional skills, explore journalism innovation, or develop a journalism venture.
Wallace House selects up to 19 Fellows from different areas of journalism and professional backgrounds.
What the fellowship offers
1. US$85,000 stipend
Selected Knight-Wallace Fellows receive a US$85,000 stipend, distributed monthly from August through April.
The stipend is intended to support Fellows’ living expenses while they participate in the fellowship.
Recipients should plan their finances around the program’s in-person requirements and the need to make the fellowship their primary professional focus.
2. US$5,000 relocation support
The fellowship also provides US$5,000 for relocation expenses.
This support is intended to help Fellows move to Ann Arbor for the program.
Relocation is an important consideration for international applicants, particularly those moving from outside the United States.
Wallace House also provides individual relocation assistance and helps Fellows find and secure housing based on their needs.
3. Health insurance and fellowship-related costs
Wallace House states that it pays the costs of:
- Health insurance
- Auditing courses
- Required workshops
- Fellowship activities
These benefits are provided in addition to the stipend and relocation support.
Applicants should review the official fellowship terms to understand which costs are covered and which personal expenses they will need to manage.
4. Immersive study at the University of Michigan
The fellowship provides an eight-month period of immersive study from late August through April.
Fellows have access to specialized university resources and faculty expertise.
The program is designed to help journalists deepen their knowledge, explore new subjects, and develop skills relevant to their professional goals.
5. Individual journalism projects
Each Fellow develops an individual journalism project.
Projects may focus on:
- Developing a long-term reporting project
- Exploring data and research
- Addressing a challenge facing a newsroom
- Sharpening professional skills
- Developing a journalism venture
- Exploring new approaches to journalism and news innovation
Applicants should identify a project that reflects their professional interests and explains what they hope to gain from the fellowship.
6. Seminars and professional development
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation
The fellowship includes private seminars with newsroom leaders, change agents, and experts.
Fellows also participate in workshops designed to sharpen professional skills and leadership ability.
The program provides opportunities to learn from journalists and professionals working across different areas of journalism.
7. International travel
International travel is part of the Knight-Wallace fellowship experience.
The program uses travel to help Fellows understand political, economic, and social forces shaping news coverage.
The exact travel arrangements and destinations should be confirmed through the fellowship’s official program information.
8. Housing assistance
Wallace House helps Fellows find housing in Ann Arbor.
The organization works with university personnel and local landlords who have experience accommodating previous Fellows.
Housing assistance is tailored to individual needs, making it particularly relevant for international journalists relocating for the academic year.
Who can apply?
The Knight-Wallace Fellowships are intended for experienced journalists who are currently working in journalism.
Applicants must have:
- At least five years of professional experience
- Current work in journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist
- A clear interest in professional development
- A journalism project or area of study they want to pursue
- The ability to participate in the in-person fellowship in Ann Arbor
The fellowship welcomes applicants from different areas of journalism.
Eligible professional backgrounds may include:
- Reporters
- Editors
- Data experts
- Visual journalists
- Audio producers
- Engagement specialists
- Designers
- Developers
- Journalism entrepreneurs
- Organizational change agents
Applicants who are not full-time journalists should demonstrate that the majority of their work is in journalism.
The fellowship does not consider public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates, or applicants seeking a degree.
International applicants
International journalists are eligible to apply for the Knight-Wallace Fellowships.
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must apply through the international application process, even if they work in the United States or for an American journalism organization.
A U.S. Green Card does not make an applicant a U.S. citizen for the fellowship’s application classification.
International applicants should use the correct application portal because the university states that international applications submitted through the U.S. application portal will not be considered.
Can journalists from Zimbabwe apply?
Journalists from Zimbabwe may apply as international applicants if they meet the fellowship’s professional eligibility requirements.
Applicants should demonstrate at least five years of journalism experience and currently work in journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist.
However, eligibility does not guarantee selection.
The fellowship is competitive and selects a limited group of journalists from different regions, professional backgrounds, and journalism specialties.
Fellowship residency requirements
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship is an in-person program based in Ann Arbor.
Selected Fellows must:
- Maintain residency in Ann Arbor for the duration of the fellowship
- Attend program seminars and events
- Make the fellowship their primary professional focus
- Participate in the fellowship’s academic and professional activities
Applicants working in newsrooms are encouraged to obtain employer approval for a leave of absence.
The fellowship expects journalists to focus on their fellowship projects rather than continue taking on new assignments.
Applicants should consider these requirements before applying, especially if they have ongoing employment or professional commitments.
Application deadline
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship has different deadlines for international and U.S. applicants.
| Applicant category | Deadline |
|---|---|
| International journalists | December 1, 2026 |
| U.S. journalists | February 1, 2027 |
International applicants should submit their applications by December 1, 2026.
The international deadline is earlier because successful applicants need additional time for visa processing.
International fellowship offers are expected by mid-February 2027.
U.S. fellowship offers are expected by early May 2027.
The 2027–2028 fellowship year begins in late August 2027, and Fellows are expected to arrive in Ann Arbor by mid-August.
How to apply for the Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–2028
Step 1: Review the international or U.S. application requirements
Applicants should first determine which application process applies to them.
U.S. citizens must apply as U.S. applicants, even if they work outside the United States.
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must apply as international applicants, even if they work for an American journalism organization.
Step 2: Create an application account
Applications are hosted through the OpenWater platform.
Applicants can create a login, save their information, and return to the application before submitting it.
International applicants should use the international application portal.
Step 3: Prepare your résumé
Applicants must submit a résumé that includes:
- Relevant professional positions held since completing formal education
- Educational background
- Professional awards received
The résumé should accurately represent the applicant’s journalism experience and professional accomplishments.
Step 4: Prepare your journalism project proposal
Applicants must submit a journalism project proposal of no more than 500 words.
The proposal should explain what the applicant hopes to gain for themselves, their news organization, or journalism more broadly.
Applicants should identify the academic areas, subjects, or university resources they want to explore.
The proposal should be creative, authentic, and connected to the applicant’s professional goals.
Applicants must also summarize their fellowship project in 60 words or less.
Step 5: Prepare your personal statement
Applicants must submit a personal statement of up to 1,500 words.
The statement should explain:
- What inspires the applicant as a journalist
- Relevant life experiences
- Professional interests
- Core ethical values
- Why they want to apply at this stage of their career
- Their professional aspirations
- How the fellowship could help them achieve their goals
Important: Wallace House explicitly requires applicants to write their own submissions without AI support, including applicants for whom English is a second language. Applicants should therefore prepare their résumé, project proposal, personal statement, and other application responses independently and should not use AI-generated application writing.
Step 6: Submit three work samples
Applicants must submit three samples of their journalism work.
Samples should generally be from the past three years, with specific requirements for certain formats.
For print and digital work, samples should include publication dates.
Photography samples should include captions identifying when and where the photographs were published.
Video and audio submissions should have a total viewing or listening time of no more than 30 minutes and should include publication or broadcast dates and descriptions of the applicant’s role.
Editors and managers may submit a statement of no more than 500 words describing their responsibilities and approach to their work.
Work samples in languages other than English must include English translations.
Applicants should ensure that any submitted links remain active throughout the application review period.
Step 7: Submit Phase One
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation
International applicants are required to complete Phase One of the application at this stage.
References are not required during Phase One.
Applicants invited to Phase Two will be asked to provide references and may be asked for additional work samples.
Step 8: Submit the application before the deadline
International applicants should submit their completed application through the correct OpenWater portal by December 1, 2026.
Applicants should carefully review their documents and ensure that all required materials are included.
Selection process
Wallace House selects Fellows who represent a diversity of experience, journalism specialties, geographic regions, and types and sizes of news organizations.
The fellowship typically includes:
- Up to six international journalists
- Ten to twelve U.S. journalists
International finalists are interviewed in January and February.
International fellowship offers are expected by mid-February 2027.
The selection process is competitive, and applicants should demonstrate how the fellowship would support their professional development and journalism project.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Knight-Wallace Fellowship pay?
The fellowship provides a US$85,000 stipend distributed monthly from August through April.
It also provides US$5,000 for relocation expenses.
Is the relocation support separate from the stipend?
Yes. The official fellowship page lists the US$85,000 stipend and US$5,000 relocation support as separate benefits.
Does the fellowship cover health insurance?
Wallace House states that it pays health insurance costs, along with costs for auditing courses and participating in required workshops and fellowship activities.
Can international journalists apply?
Yes. International journalists who are not U.S. citizens may apply through the international application process.
Can Zimbabwean journalists apply?
Journalists from Zimbabwe may apply if they meet the fellowship’s professional eligibility requirements and complete the international application.
How much journalism experience is required?
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience and currently work in journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist.
Is the fellowship online or in person?
The fellowship is an in-person program based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Fellows must maintain residency there for the duration of the fellowship and participate in program activities.
What is the deadline for international applicants?
The international application deadline for the 2027–2028 fellowship is December 1, 2026.
When does the fellowship begin?
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation
The 2027–2028 academic year begins in late August 2027.
Fellows are expected to arrive in Ann Arbor by mid-August.
Can Fellows continue working in their newsrooms?
The fellowship must be their primary professional focus.
Applicants working in newsrooms are encouraged to obtain employer consent for a leave of absence.
Fellows may not accept new assignments during the fellowship and are expected to limit regular professional work related to journalism.
Does Wallace House help Fellows find accommodation?
Yes. Wallace House provides individual relocation support and assistance finding and securing housing in Ann Arbor based on each Fellow’s needs.
Final thoughts
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–28 Offer Journalists a US$85,000 Stipend Plus US$5,000 for Relocation. The Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–2028 provide an opportunity for experienced journalists to pursue professional development, develop ambitious journalism projects, and access the resources of the University of Michigan.
The package includes a US$85,000 stipend, US$5,000 relocation support, health insurance, fellowship-related costs, and housing assistance.
The program is particularly relevant to journalists with at least five years of experience who want to deepen their expertise, explore new areas of journalism, or develop projects that could influence their news organizations and the wider journalism field.
International applicants, including journalists from Zimbabwe, should carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications early.
The international deadline is December 1, 2026.
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Key details
- Opportunity: Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2027–2028
- Host: University of Michigan
- Organizer: Wallace House Center for Journalists
- Location: Ann Arbor, United States
- Duration: Eight months
- Stipend: US$85,000
- Relocation support: US$5,000
- Minimum experience: Five years
- International applicants: Eligible
- International deadline: December 1, 2026
- U.S. deadline: February 1, 2027
- Application platform: OpenWater
- Program begins: Late August 2027
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