The Knight-Wallace Fellowships, administered by the Wallace House Center for Journalists at the University of Michigan, have been empowering journalists since 1973. This prestigious program offers experienced journalists an immersive, in-residence experience designed to support professional growth, foster innovative approaches to news reporting, and strengthen the capacity of journalists to inform public discourse. Fellows gain dedicated time away from routine work to explore new ideas, develop expertise in various fields, and broaden their professional networks within a stimulating academic environment. The fellowship requires a full commitment for the 2026-2027 academic year in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2026-2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Michigan (Wallace House) |
| Program Level | Professional In-Residence Fellowship |
| Duration | Academic Year (Starts Late August 2026) |
| Target Audience | Mid-Career Journalists (5+ years experience) |
| Focus | Professional Growth, Innovative Reporting, Focused Study |
| Residency | Required in Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| International Applicant Deadline | December 1, 2025 |
| U.S. Applicant Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
Knight-Wallace Fellowships Details
The Fellowship is a unique opportunity that prioritizes advancing journalism excellence and supporting diverse perspectives in media. The program is built around the core expectation that Fellows treat the program as their primary professional focus, fully engaging in all seminars and events.
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The selection process is rigorous, aiming for a diverse and high-caliber cohort reflecting a range of experiences, specialties, and geographic regions. Cohorts typically consist of 10–12 U.S. journalists and up to 6 international journalists.
Benefits and Specific Fellowship Award Tiers
The Fellowship’s primary benefit is the provision of dedicated time and resources for professional transformation and intellectual study, supported by financial assistance (stipend) and logistical/academic access.
Tier 1: Core Professional & Residency Support
This tier outlines the fundamental benefits that facilitate the Fellow’s full commitment to the program.
- Value: Immersive, in-residence experience during the full academic year.
- Criteria: Provides dedicated time for focused study and professional development away from routine demands.
- Value: Residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with full commitment required.
- Criteria: Fellows must treat the fellowship as their primary professional focus.
- Value: Financial Stipend (value not specified in source) and Logistical Support.
- Criteria: Provided to cover living costs and enable full-time participation in the program.
Tier 2: Academic Access and Network Expansion
This category covers the intellectual and networking opportunities integral to the program.
- Opportunity to explore new ideas and develop expertise across various fields (e.g., education, technology, health, medicine).
- Broaden professional networks with a high-caliber cohort and academic professionals.
- Attendance at all seminars and events throughout the academic year.
- Rigorous review of applications and proposed study projects, enhancing the visibility of the Fellow’s work.
Tier 3: Specialized Focus and Recognition
These benefits relate to specialized tracks and the recognition conferred by the Wallace House.
- Access to specialized fellowships (e.g., Great Lakes Local News Fellowship, Arts Journalism Fellowship).
- Opportunity to pursue immersive study projects across a variety of fields, including international reporting, technology, and news innovation.
- Recognition from the Wallace House Center for Journalists, also home to the prestigious Livingston Awards.
Eligibility Requirements for Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2026-2027
Applicants must demonstrate substantial commitment and experience in journalism and meet specific professional criteria.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Minimum of five years of professional journalism experience.
- Current engagement in journalism, either with a news organization or as an independent journalist.
- Eligible professional roles include: Reporters, editors, data journalists, visual/audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, media entrepreneurs, and organizational change agents.
- Study Status:
- Applicants should not be full-time academics, PR professionals, lobbyists, or public advocates.
- Journalists currently employed in newsrooms are encouraged to obtain employer consent for a leave of absence.
- Visa Status:
- Non-U.S. citizens must apply as international applicants, regardless of employment location or Green Card status.
- U.S. citizens must apply as U.S. applicants.
- Program Admission:
- Applicants for specialized fellowships (e.g., Arts, Great Lakes) must complete the general application and submit essays addressing the specific focus area.
How to Apply for Knight-Wallace Fellowships 2026-2027 (Step by Step)
The application process requires careful preparation and submission via the official platform.
- Review Guidelines and FAQs: Review the Application and Fellowship FAQs and prepare submissions using the specific international or U.S. application guidelines.
- Identify Study Project: Develop a clear concept for the proposed study project, which will be evaluated during the selection process.
- Complete Online Submission: Complete and submit the application form via the OpenWater platform before the relevant deadline (International: Dec 1, 2025 / U.S.: Feb 1, 2026).
- Engage with Program: Participate in webinars for prospective applicants featuring fellowship alumni for insights and advice (optional but recommended).
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026 (U.S.)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main purpose of the Knight-Wallace Fellowships?
The primary purpose is to provide mid-career journalists with an immersive, in-residence experience at the University of Michigan to support professional growth, develop expertise, and foster innovative approaches to news reporting.
2. What is the minimum professional journalism experience required for applicants?
Applicants must have a minimum of five years of professional journalism experience to be eligible for the Knight-Wallace Fellowships.
3. Who is ineligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants should not be full-time academics, public relations professionals, lobbyists, or public advocates.
4. What are the key application deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year?
The deadline for International applicants is December 1, 2025. The deadline for U.S. applicants is February 1, 2026.
5. When are the fellowship offers typically announced?
Fellowship offers are extended in phases: International Fellows in mid-February 2026 and U.S. Fellows in early May 2026.
6. Where is the required residency located during the academic year?
Fellows are required to commit fully and maintain residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the entire duration of the academic year.
7. What is the cohort composition for a typical academic year?
A typical cohort includes 10–12 U.S. journalists and up to 6 international journalists, ensuring a diverse range of experiences and specialties.
8. What is the difference between International and U.S. application status?
U.S. citizens must apply as U.S. applicants, while non-U.S. citizens must apply as international applicants, regardless of their current employment location or U.S. Green Card status.
9. What are some examples of specialized fellowships offered?
Specialized fellowships for the 2026-2027 academic year include the Great Lakes Local News Fellowship and the Arts Journalism Fellowship.
10. What is the expected commitment of a Fellow currently employed in a newsroom?
Employed journalists are expected to obtain employer consent for a leave of absence, with the understanding that they will return to their positions after the fellowship concludes
