The Knight-Wallace Journalism Fellowships at the University of Michigan's Wallace House are open to journalists with at least five years of experience, and international applicants must apply by 1 December 2026 for the 2027-28 academic year. Fellows live in Ann Arbor for the whole fellowship, which begins in late August 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official application pages so the eligibility rules, deadlines and two-phase international process are clear in one place.
What the Knight-Wallace Fellowship Is
Knight-Wallace is an in-person journalism fellowship hosted by Wallace House at the University of Michigan. Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year are open, and Fellows spend the academic year in Ann Arbor. If you are comparing formats, our guide explains what a fellowship is and how it differs from a scholarship, and you can browse more fellowships on Youth Works Hub.
Who Can Apply
Qualified applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience and be currently working in some aspect of journalism, either for a news organisation or as an independent journalist.
🗞️ Roles considered: Reporters, editors, data experts, visual journalists, audio producers, engagement specialists, designers, developers, entrepreneurs and organisational change agents
⏱️ Experience: A minimum of five years
💼 Not full-time in journalism: If you are not a full-time journalist, the majority of your work should be in journalism
🚫 Not considered: Public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists, public advocates and those seeking a degree
International or U.S. Applicant: Which Track Applies to You
🛂 U.S. citizens: Apply as a U.S. applicant, even if you work in another country or for a non-U.S. journalism entity
🌐 Everyone else: If you are not a U.S. citizen, apply as an international applicant, even if you work in the United States or for an American journalism entity
🪪 Green Card: A Green Card is not the same as citizenship
International applications uploaded under the U.S. application portal will not be considered.
Fellowship Terms
🏠 Residency: All Fellows awarded the in-person fellowship must maintain residency in Ann Arbor for the duration of the fellowship
📚 Attendance: Fellows attend all programme seminars and events
🎯 Focus: Fellows make the fellowship their primary professional focus
✈️ Leave from work: Applicants working in a newsroom are encouraged to obtain employer consent granting a leave of absence, with the understanding that, where applicable, the Fellow returns to their place of employment after the fellowship
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Stipend and What Is Covered
The Wallace House programme page describes a stipend of $85,000 plus $5,000 for relocation expenses, distributed monthly from August through April for living expenses. Health insurance, auditing courses, and participation in the required workshops and fellowship activities are paid for by Wallace House.
Visas for International Fellows
Wallace House sponsors J-1 visas for Fellows and J-2 visas for their legal spouses and dependent children. Because the visa process for successful international applicants takes time, the international deadline is earlier than the U.S. deadline.
Selection and Cohort Size
Typically, up to six international colleagues join ten to twelve U.S. journalists. International finalists are interviewed in January and February to allow time for visa processing after selections are made. U.S. finalists are interviewed in April.
Timeline for 2027-28
📅 October 2026: Applications for the 2027-2028 academic year open
⏳ 1 December 2026: Deadline for international applicants
📆 1 February 2027: Deadline for U.S. applicants
📬 Mid-February 2027: Offers extended to international Fellows
📨 Early May 2027: Offers extended to Fellows with U.S. citizenship
🍂 Late August 2027: The 2027-2028 academic year begins, and Fellows are expected to arrive in Ann Arbor by mid-August
How to Apply
Application forms are hosted on the OpenWater platform. The international application process is split into two parts: international applicants start by completing only phase one, and Wallace House notifies them if they are required to submit phase two. Phase one covers a résumé, personal statement, project proposal and work samples.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for the Knight-Wallace Fellowship 2027-28?
International applicants must apply by 1 December 2026. U.S. applicants have until 1 February 2027.
Who counts as an international applicant?
Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, even if they work in the United States or for an American journalism organisation. A Green Card is not the same as citizenship.
How many years of experience do I need?
A minimum of five years of experience, and you need to be currently working in journalism for a news organisation or as an independent journalist.
Does Wallace House sponsor visas?
Yes. Wallace House sponsors J-1 visas for Fellows and J-2 visas for their legal spouses and dependent children.
Can I apply if I am seeking a degree?
No. Those seeking a degree are not considered, and neither are public relations writers, internal trade writers, lobbyists or public advocates.
Deadline
⏳ 01 December 2026 (international applicants)
Links
🔗 Application information: https://wallacehouse.umich.edu/knight-wallace/how-to-apply/
🔗 Application portal: https://knightwallacefellowshipapplications.secure-platform.com/site
📞 Phone: (734) 998-7666
