Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships at the University of Michigan’s Wallace House Center for Journalists. This prestigious, fully in-person fellowship supports mid-career journalists from around the world with a minimum of five years of professional experience. The fellowship offers an immersive academic year in Ann Arbor, allowing journalists to pursue independent projects, expand their skills, and engage in deep reflection and professional growth while becoming part of a distinguished global network.

This opportunity is designed for working journalists including reporters, editors, data specialists, photographers, audio producers, and newsroom innovators who are seeking time and space free from daily deadlines to explore new ideas in journalism. The Knight-Wallace Fellowships prioritize diversity of experience, discipline, news format, geography, and newsroom size. Fellows participate in a rigorous program that includes seminars, university engagement, cultural experiences, and community building.

Introduction and Background

The Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships are among the world’s most respected programs for mid-career journalists. Hosted by the Wallace House Center for Journalists at the University of Michigan, the fellowship provides journalists with the opportunity to step away from their professional routines and pursue academic and professional growth during a full academic year in Ann Arbor.

The fellowship emphasizes:

• Independent study
• Professional development
• Cross-disciplinary engagement
• Exploration of new forms of storytelling
• Strengthening news leadership and innovation

For the 2026–2027 academic year, applications are open to both U.S. journalists and international journalists, each with distinct application portals and deadlines. Applicants must apply through the correct pathway based on citizenship, not workplace location.

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships:

• Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in journalism.
• Applicants must currently be working in some aspect of journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist.
• Full-time or majority-time work must be in journalism.

Eligible types of journalists include:

• Reporters
• Editors
• Data journalists
• Visual journalists
• Photojournalists
• Audio producers
• Designers
• Developers
• Engagement specialists
• Journalism entrepreneurs
• Organizational change leaders

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Full-time academics
• Public relations or communications writers
• Lobbyists
• Internal trade writers
• Public advocates
• Individuals seeking a degree

Citizenship Rules

• U.S. citizens must apply as U.S. applicants, even if they:
  • Work abroad
  • Work for a non-U.S. news organization
• Non-U.S. citizens must apply as international applicants, even if they:
  • Work in the United States
  • Work for a U.S.-based news organization
• A Green Card is not equivalent to citizenship.

Program Terms

The Knight-Wallace Fellowship is in-person and requires full-time residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Fellows must:

• Reside in Ann Arbor for the full fellowship year
• Attend all seminars and required events
• Make the fellowship their primary professional focus
• Obtain employer consent for a leave of absence (if currently employed in a newsroom), with the understanding that they will return to their role where applicable

Timeline and Key Dates

Applications for 2026–2027 are now open.

Deadlines

• International applicant deadline: December 1, 2025
• U.S. applicant deadline: February 1, 2026

Notification Period

• International fellows: Offers extended by mid-February 2026
• U.S. fellows: Offers extended by early May 2026

Fellowship Start

• Arrive in Ann Arbor: Mid-August 2026
• Academic year begins: Late August 2026

Selection Process

The Knight-Wallace Fellowship class is curated to reflect:

• Journalistic diversity
• Range of specialties
• Variety of newsroom types and regions
• Balanced representation of international and U.S. journalists

Typical cohort structure:

• Up to six international fellows
• Ten to twelve U.S. fellows

International finalists are interviewed in January–February
U.S. finalists are interviewed in April

U.S. Applicants – Additional Opportunities

For 2026–2027, U.S. journalists are eligible for two specialized tracks:

• Great Lakes Local News Fellowship
• Arts Journalism Fellowship

Applicants for these tracks use the general application but must include essays addressing the specific specialty requirements as described on the Wallace House About page.

Application Process

The application process differs for international and U.S. applicants.

International Applicants

International applications are open. Applicants must complete Phase One only at this stage.

What to Prepare

Applicants must create a login in the online application portal to begin Phase One. The system allows saving progress.

If unable to access the portal, applicants are encouraged to contact the program.

Phase One Requirements

General Information

Applicants must provide:

• Contact information
• Demographic information
• Details about journalism background

Applicants must upload:

1. Résumé
2. Journalism Project Proposal (up to 500 words + 60-word summary)
3. Personal Statement (up to 1,500 words)
4. Three Work Samples

Journalism project proposals should:

• Describe what the applicant hopes to gain
• Identify academic areas of interest at the University of Michigan
• Be authentic and aligned with the applicant’s goals

AI-generated submissions are not allowed. All documents must be written by the applicant.

Work Sample Requirements

• Three samples from the past three years
• Accepted formats include print/digital, photography, video, audio, graphics
• Translations required for non-English work
• Editors must submit a statement of responsibilities (up to 500 words)

References

References are not required in Phase One.
Applicants only enter reference information.
References will be contacted only if the applicant advances to Phase Two.

U.S. Applicants

U.S. journalists apply through the OpenWater platform.

Applicants may save their progress and return at any time before final submission.

Required Documents (U.S. Applicants)

U.S. applicants must upload:

1. Resume
2. Journalism Project Proposal
3. Personal Statement
4. Work Samples (same requirements as international applicants)

All submissions must be written without AI assistance, including for non-native English speakers.

References (U.S. Applicants)

Two professional references must be listed:

1. One professional reference (past or present supervisor/colleague)
2. Current immediate supervisor, confirming qualifications and granting leave

Reference forms are automatically emailed.
Reference deadline: February 7, 2026

Applicants can monitor reference status through their OpenWater account.

Links

All links should be embedded as provided:

• Application Form (Submittable): Go to Application Form
• Wallace House Center for Journalists: Apply – Wallace House Center for Journalists

The Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships at the University of Michigan offer a transformative opportunity for mid-career journalists from around the world. With a focus on professional growth, academic exploration, and cross-disciplinary learning, the program provides an unparalleled environment for journalists seeking to deepen their expertise, pursue meaningful projects, and engage with a global community.

With clear deadlines, structured application phases, and comprehensive guidelines, this fellowship remains one of journalism’s most respected avenues for advancing impactful storytelling and strengthening the future of the profession.