Knight Science Journalism Academic-Year Fellowship

The Knight Science Journalism Academic-Year Fellowship, run by the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT (founded 1983), brings about 10 experienced journalists to Cambridge, Massachusetts each year to deepen their understanding of science. Fellows spend roughly nine months in residence, from mid-August to May, auditing courses at MIT, Harvard and other regional universities, attending seminars with leading researchers, joining science field trips, and pursuing a self-directed research project. International candidates are encouraged to apply and are sponsored for a J-1 visa by MIT.

Benefits & funding

$85,000 stipend paid in installments over 9.5 months
A travel and housing stipend paid near the start of the fellowship
Basic health insurance for each fellow and their family
Audit courses at MIT, Harvard and regional universities (at least one science course each semester)
Regular seminars with top researchers and media professionals, plus skills workshops (data journalism, podcasting, video, photography)
Several science and technology field trips each year (past sites include Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Jackson Laboratory and Harvard Forest)
Note: fellows arrange and pay for their own Boston/Cambridge housing (typical rents run $2,000–$5,000 per month)

Eligibility

Full-time journalists, whether staff or freelance; part-time writers or producers are not eligible
At least three consecutive years of experience covering science, health, technology or environmental reporting
Reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators, filmmakers or photojournalists
Must not have completed a fellowship of four months or longer in the two years before applying
Open to all nationalities; international fellows receive an MIT-sponsored J-1 visa and must demonstrate English proficiency

Application process

1
Prepare a professional autobiography (500 words or less) on why you want to join the fellowship.
2
Prepare a research-project proposal (500 words or less) describing what you intend to develop during the fellowship year.
3
Submit a resume/CV, three work samples and three letters of recommendation through the online application.
4
Applications open in mid-November and close January 9; finalists are notified in early March and recipients are announced in April.

Program timeline

Applications open (mid-November) for the 2026–27 class
Nov 15, 2025
Application deadline
Jan 9, 2026
Finalists notified
2026-03 (early March)
Fellowship recipients announced
2026-04
Fellowship year begins
2026-08 (mid-August)
Fellowship year ends
2027-05