THE prestigious Knight-Wallace Fellowships at the University of Michigan have opened applications for the 2025-2026 academic year, welcoming experienced journalists from the U.S. and abroad to apply.
Since 1973, the programme has provided mid-career journalists a unique opportunity for professional growth, allowing them to engage in a year of in-depth study and reflection on issues impacting their work and the broader media landscape.
International journalists interested in the fellowship must submit their applications by December 1, 2024, while U.S. applicants have until February 1, 2025.
The fellowship year is set to begin on August 25, 2025, with Fellows required to reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the duration. Fellows are expected to participate fully in program seminars and events, making the fellowship their primary focus.
“All Fellows awarded our in-person fellowship must maintain residency in Ann Arbor for the duration of the fellowship, attend all program seminars and events, and make the fellowship their primary professional focus.
“Applicants working in a newsroom are encouraged to obtain employer consent granting a leave of absence with the understanding that, upon completion of the fellowship and where applicable, the Fellow will return to their place of employment,” the call for application read.
Candidates must also have at least five years of professional experience in journalism and be currently engaged in the field. Eligible applicants include a diverse array of journalism professionals such as reporters, editors, data analysts, visual journalists, audio producers, and others contributing to the media industry.
The programme is particularly interested in applicants working on immersive study projects covering public policy, health, technology, and international reporting.
For the upcoming fellowship year, three specialised fellowship tracks have been introduced for U.S. journalists: the Great Lakes Local News Fellowship, the James S. House and Wendy Fisher Social Science Fellowship, and the Arts Journalism Fellowship.
The selection process emphasised diversity in experience, geography, and journalism focus, aiming to build a cohort that reflects a wide spectrum of perspectives. Up to six international and twelve U.S. journalists will be selected, with international finalists interviewed in early 2025 to accommodate visa processing.
For more information on application requirements and to register for informational webinars with program alumni, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Wallace House website. You can apply for the fellowship here
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M