Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28: $85,000 Stipend for Journalists at the University of Michigan
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28 at the University of Michigan is now open for experienced journalists seeking time, resources and academic access to pursue an ambitious journalism project.
- Funding$85,000
- Duration8 months
- Who can applyInternational and U.S. journalists
- Application feeFree
Overview
International journalists must apply by December 1, 2026. U.S. journalists have until February 1, 2027.
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship is an eight-month residential fellowship at the University of Michigan for accomplished journalists who want to step away from daily deadlines and work on an ambitious journalism project.
Fellows have access to University of Michigan faculty and resources, private seminars, professional workshops and opportunities to develop their journalism projects. Projects can include long-term reporting, data and research, newsroom challenges, professional development or developing a journalism venture.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Fellowship
- Host
- University of Michigan – Wallace House
- Location
- Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Duration
- 8 months
- Start
- Late August 2027
- Applications open
- October 2026
- International finalist interviews
- January–February 2027
- International offers
- Mid-February 2027
- Fellowship begins
- Late August 2027
Funding
- Stipend
- $85,000
- Application fee
- Free
- Relocation support
- $5,000
Eligibility
- Nationality
- International and U.S. journalists
- Work experience
- Minimum 5 years
- Minimum degree required
- No degree requirement stated
Who can apply
Applicants must:
- Have at least 5 years of professional journalism experience
- Currently work in journalism for a news organization or as an independent journalist
- Have the majority of their professional work in journalism if they are not full-time journalists
- Be prepared to make the fellowship their primary professional focus
- Develop a meaningful journalism project for the fellowship
The fellowship considers a broad range of journalism professionals, including reporters, editors, data experts, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs and organizational change agents.
Wallace House does not consider applicants who are primarily:
- Public relations writers
- Internal trade writers
- Lobbyists
- Public advocates
- Full-time academics
- Individuals seeking a degree
Applicants should be prepared to submit materials including:
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- Journalism project proposal
- Journalism work samples
- Two professional references
International applicants initially complete Phase One of the application. Additional information may be requested during Phase Two.
Important: Wallace House explicitly requires applicants to write their application submissions themselves and does not permit AI assistance for the application materials.
What you get
Selected Fellows receive:
- $85,000 stipend distributed monthly from August through April
- $5,000 relocation support
- Health insurance
- Costs associated with auditing University courses
- Costs associated with required workshops and fellowship activities
- Assistance finding and securing housing in Ann Arbor
- International travel as part of the fellowship program
- Access to University of Michigan faculty, resources and seminars
Is the Knight-Wallace Fellowship Fully Funded?
The $85,000 stipend is intended for living expenses and the program separately provides $5,000 for relocation. Wallace House covers health insurance, auditing courses and required fellowship activities. Housing assistance is provided, but the official information does not state that housing is universally free.
How to apply
- Review the Knight-Wallace Fellowship eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your résumé, personal statement, journalism project proposal and work samples.
- Create an application account through the official application platform.
- Select the correct application route based on your citizenship.
- Submit the application before the applicable deadline.
- International finalists may be interviewed during January–February 2027.
Hidden Charges and Extra Expenses
| Expense | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Application fee | No fee stated |
| Fellowship stipend | $85,000 |
| Relocation | $5,000 |
| Health insurance | Covered |
| University course auditing | Covered |
| Required fellowship activities | Covered |
| Housing | Assistance provided; not guaranteed free |
| Personal living expenses | Paid from stipend |
Nationality
The fellowship accepts U.S. and international journalists.
Applicants are classified according to citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens apply as international applicants, even if they currently work for a U.S. journalism organization. Wallace House sponsors J-1 visas for Fellows and J-2 visas for eligible spouses and dependent children.
Work Experience
Applicants need a minimum of 5 years of journalism experience.
Official Links
Fellowship Information: Knight-Wallace Fellowships – Wallace House
Application: Knight-Wallace Fellowship Application
Final Note
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28 is particularly suited to experienced journalists who have a strong project idea and want dedicated time to develop their reporting, leadership skills or journalism venture at the University of Michigan.
For international applicants, the key deadline to remember is December 1, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027–28 open?
Yes. Applications for the 2027–28 academic year are currently open.
How much does the fellowship pay?
Selected Fellows receive an $85,000 stipend plus $5,000 for relocation expenses.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated by Wallace House.
Can international journalists apply?
Yes. International journalists can apply. The international deadline is December 1, 2026.
Do I need a degree?
No specific degree requirement is stated.
Do I need journalism experience?
Yes. Applicants need at least five years of experience and must currently be working in journalism.
Does the fellowship provide housing?
Wallace House helps Fellows find and secure housing in Ann Arbor based on their individual needs, but it does not state that housing is automatically free.
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