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How to Apply
Fellowships At a GlanceFrequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines?
Completed U.S. applications must be postmarked no later than Feb. 1. International applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 15.
Isn't it expensive to be a Knight Fellow in Palo Alto?
Yes, and for that reason, in addition to a $60,000 stipend (paid in 10 monthly installments, September through June), we provide supplements for housing, childcare and health insurance as well as moving and research/equipment expenses. The housing supplements are $3,000 annually for single Fellows, married Fellows and those with domestic partners; $9,500 annually for Fellows with one child and $13,000 annually for Fellows with two or more children. Families with children in their households receive $9,000 for each child under 5 and $3,000 for each child aged 5 to 9 to offset childcare costs. The Knight Fellowships pays a health insurance supplement for Fellows and their families, ranging from $2,500 for single Fellows to $12,500 for a couple with two or more children. A moving supplement is provided of $2,000 per Fellow, coming from within the U.S., and $3,000 per Fellow, coming from outside the U.S. The program also pays for your Stanford tuition and provides a $1,000 book allowance and up to $1,500 towards the purchase of laptop computers, digital cameras, recorders, fees for Continuing Studies or other courses related to the fellowship, computer software, research fees or payments, and travel expenses related to the Fellow's research or study.
Is there an age limit?
There's no official or unofficial age limit. We look for people who have been working as journalists long enough to have achieved a lot, but who are young enough for a Knight Fellowship to pay journalistic dividends for many years to come. In recent years the average age of fellows has been about 40, with about 15 years of experience.
I'm a freelancer. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, full-time freelancers are eligible. Applicants are judged on the quality of their work, their essays, their journalistic potential and their letters of references. Freelancers do not need a leave of absence letter from their employer since they work for themselves.
Can I send in my application materials by fax or email?
No.
I'm not sure whether I should apply as a U.S. or an International journalist.
Each case is different; let us make the call. If you aren't certain, send us an email briefly summarizing your work history, list the countries where you have worked, describe your current position and your plans for the future. One of the determining factors will be whether your audience is primarily in the U.S. or outside it.
Do international applicants have to find their own funding?
International Knight Fellows are funded from a number of sources. International applicants should seek financial sponsorship for their fellowship if possible. But finding funding is not a condition of being awarded a fellowship.
Where do Knight Fellows usually live during their year at Stanford?
Most Fellows live in rental apartments and houses near the campus. We help Fellows as they look for a place to live, we compile a list of available housing nearby, check out rentals you're interested in and offer advice on best areas to live. A number of landlords in the area know our program well and have happily rented to Knight Fellows for many years.
Do I need the approval of my employer to apply for the fellowship?
Yes, all applicants (except freelancers) must submit a letter from their employer supporting their application and granting a leave of absence. If you win a fellowship, you are expected to return to your place of employment at the end of the academic year.
I'm married and have kids - is the Knight Fellowship right for me?
Yes. Many Knight Fellows have found their year at Stanford a wonderful experience not only for them, but for their family as well. Spouses and partners are eligible to take classes and attend Knight Fellowships seminars and events just as the Fellows do. Children of Knight Fellows can attend excellent Palo Alto schools and often form life-long bonds with other Knight children from all over the U.S. and the world. For International or foreign language applicants: Do I need to translate everything I send in, including my work samples?
Yes, all application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted in English or in English translation.
How can I learn more about the fellowships and the application process?
Among the best sources of information are Knight Fellowship alumni, so if you know a former fellow, seek him or her out. You can also contact the Knight Fellowship staff.
But I don't know any former fellows!
Contact us and we will put you in touch with a former fellow who has volunteered to help people like you with their applications. The deadline for requesting a mentor is December 5 for International applications, January 15 for United States applications. Have more questions? Then contact us at the Knight Fellowships office. |
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