Nieman Fellowship for Journalism In USA Fully Funded

What is a Nieman Fellowship?

A Nieman Fellowship is an extraordinary, transformative learning opportunity open to journalists working in all media in every country around the world. Those selected for the program spend two full semesters at Harvard auditing classes with some of the university’s greatest thinkers, participating in Nieman events and collaborating with peers. Nieman Fellows are also able to audit classes at other local universities including MIT and Tufts.

Each year, the Nieman Foundation awards paid fellowships to up to 24 journalists working in print, broadcast, digital and audiovisual media. Journalists and other professionals working in positions that support journalism, such as the business or technology departments of news companies, are welcome to apply for one of the foundation’s short-term Visiting Fellowships.

Eligibility:

All applicants for Nieman Fellowships, including freelancers, must be working journalists with at least five years of full-time media experience. Journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count as professional experience. People who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business is not the media are not eligible to apply.

When appropriate, the applicant’s employer should approve a leave of absence for the academic year (mid-August through May).

During the two years prior to applying, an applicant should not have participated in a fellowship or taken a leave of absence from work that lasted for four months or longer.

Candidates nominate themselves for Nieman Fellowships by submitting an application and supplementary materials. There are no age limits or academic prerequisites, and a college degree is not required.

After candidates have been chosen, they must agree in writing to honor all leave stipulations made with their employers; to refrain from professional work during the fellowship year, except as approved by the Nieman curator; and to complete work in a minimum of one course per semester and honor commitments made to faculty as a condition of auditing a class. Fellows also must remain in residence in the Cambridge area while classes are in session and participate in all Nieman Foundation programs.

Fellowships available:

Each year, the Nieman Foundation selects up to 12 U.S. citizens and 12 international journalists for full academic-year Nieman Fellowships. All prospective fellows must speak, read and write English fluently.

U.S. and international candidates may also apply for the Nieman-Berkman Fellowship in Journalism Innovation and the short-term Knight Nieman Visiting Fellowship.

Citizens of Canada, the Philippines, and South Korea should follow specific instructions when applying in order to take advantage of special funding.

Financial Support:

Most Nieman Fellows receive a stipend of $70,000 paid over a nine-month period to cover living costs. The Nieman Foundation also provides housing, childcare, and health insurance allowances based on the number and ages of family members. Nieman additionally covers the cost of attending Harvard classes for fellows and their affiliates. Affiliates are the partners and spouses of fellows.

Deadline for applications:

• International Fellowships: Dec. 1, 2022