Applying for a Knight Fellowship

Join us in re-imagining the future of journalism

Are you passionate about journalistic innovation, entrepreneurship or leadership? Interested in re-imagining the future of journalism and pursuing real-world solutions to the challenges facing the industry? A Knight Fellowship at Stanford could be for you.

Each year, we give 20 journalists and journalism entrepreneurs the resources and freedom to pursue and test their ideas for improving the quality of news and information reaching the public. We collaborate with them to make the most of the amazing creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that are synonymous with Stanford University and Silicon Valley.

If you are interested in applying, the first step is to review the eligibility and selection criteria for U.S. or international candidates. If you’re not certain which category you should apply in, send us an email with your resume to info@kf.stanford.edu.

We accept online applications only. Follow these instructions to apply.

If you have questions that are not addressed in the FAQ below, please email them to us at info@kf.stanford.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application deadlines?

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Fellowship year.

What is the primary goal of the Knight Fellowships program?

We want to serve the needs of journalism and journalists by focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership and giving top-notch journalists a chance and the resources to make a difference in our profession.

Can you tell me more about what you are looking for in the proposals that applicants submit explaining what they'd do during a fellowship year?

We're looking for proposals that focus on a particular journalism challenge, problem or opportunity, with an emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership. Applicants should explain not only how they would spend the year, but also what they hope to have to show for their work at the end.

You mentioned focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. What does that mean?

We define innovation broadly. Some fellows pursuevery innovative approaches to journalism in their home countries that involve no creation of technological tools. At the same time, we also have fellows who develop technological innovations or explore funding and business models that could lead to launch of journalistic ventures. We define entrepreneurship similarly broadly: seeing opportunities, finding creative ways to take advantage of these opportunities and being accountable for the risks and the outcome.

Are there some examples of projects past fellows have pursued?

You can see the results of the 2011 Fellows' efforts here:
Re-Engineering Journalism – 20 Visions from the 2011 John S. Knight Fellows.

Can fellows do other things during the year?

Yes. In fact, we encourage and expect them to take full advantage of their year at Stanford by participating in activities and seminars that we organize, exploring the wide array of classes, research institutes and cultural activities that the university and Silicon Valley offer. Fellows should expect to spend about one-third to one-half of their time working on their projects.

If I develop a prototype or beta of a news venture or product during my fellowship, would the Knight Fellowships be willing to become an investor or provide seed loans at the end of my year to help me get it launched?

No. We do not arrange or provide such funding.

Are you looking for anything particular in international applicants?

We are particularly interested in people who can have a direct impact on the development of a free press and flow of information in their countries and, to that end, we encourage journalists from countries where the press is either under threat or still in the process of becoming an independent press. We also continue to seek and consider international journalists from countries with a more robust press, especially those who propose to focus their work here on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit - official or unofficial, upper or lower. We look for people who have been working long enough to achieve a lot, but who are young enough for a Knight Fellowship to pay journalistic dividends. We are seeking fellows with a broad range of experience, media and skills.

As part of the application process, am I required to get a promise of a leave of absence from my employer?

Not necessarily. Whether you get a leave of absence is really between you and your employer. However, if you do get a leave of absence and, as part of that, agree to return to your company at the end of the fellowship, we expect you to keep that agreement. Even if you don't get an official leave of absence, it will help your chances of winning a fellowship if your employer endorses your application.

There are two reasons not to submit a leave letter:

You are a freelancer, therefore no leave letter is required.
You choose not to request a leave letter from your employer. Note: If you choose not to get this letter before you apply, then you must state the following on your application: "I will request a leave of absence if I am selected as a Knight Fellow. And in the event, I am not granted the leave, I am prepared to leave my position." (You will have an opportunity to write this statement in the Remarks section of the application under "Job Information.")

Are freelance and independent journalists eligible to apply?

Yes. Applicants are judged on the quality of their work, their essays, their journalistic potential and their letters of reference. These journalists do not need to have a letter of endorsement or leave of absence from an employer, since they work for themselves.

I am 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, listing the countries in which you've worked and describing your current work and plans for the future. A key factor we consider: Whether your audience is primarily in the U.S. or abroad.

I submitted an application last year and I'd like to reapply this year. Can I use my old application and PIN number?

No; you must create a new online application each year with a new PIN. Some application requirements may change year to year, so you'll need to fill out the most current application and provide a fresh set of supporting materials for your application.

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; $10,000 annually for Fellows with one child and $13,000 annually for Fellows with two or more children. Families with children in their households receive $12,000 for one child under age 5, $9,000 for each additional child under age 5, and $6,000 for each child aged 5 to 17 to offset childcare costs. The Knight Fellowships pays a health insurance supplement for Fellows and their families, ranging from approximately $3,400 for single Fellows to $7,650 for a couple with two or more children.

A moving allowance is provided. Fellows coming to the program who live within the United States receive $2,000 to $4,000, depending on family size. Fellows coming from outside the United States receive $3,000 to $6,000, depending on family size. The program also pays for your Stanford tuition and provides a $1,000 book allowance and up to $3,000 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.

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.

One organization that provides funding for international journalists is the Fulbright Scholar Program; for more information, please visit their web site at www.iie.org/cies/.

In addition, some news organizations provide their employees with full or partial funding. Other sources of support come from Knight Fellowship funds that are designated for specific purposes, including one that funds a journalist from Latin America. Regardless of the source of funding, all decisions to award fellowships are made by the Knight Fellowships program.
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.

I have a family - can the Knight Fellowship work 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.

Have more questions? Then contact us at the Knight Fellowships office.