Experienced journalists can apply for the 2027-2028 Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University. Fellows spend an academic year pursuing an individual course of study while engaging with the Nieman community and the wider Harvard environment.
Overview
The Fellowship is open to journalists working across media formats and from countries around the world. Fellows can audit courses at Harvard and, where permitted, at institutions such as MIT and Tufts while participating in Nieman seminars, events, and peer learning.
The programme generally expects at least five years of full-time professional journalism experience. Freelancers may apply, but public-relations work does not count as journalism experience for eligibility.
Benefits
- Stipend: Each Fellow receives a US$90,000 stipend over nine months.
- Health Support: The Fellowship offers supplementary support toward health-insurance costs for Fellows and eligible family members.
- Childcare Support: Eligible Fellows may receive childcare assistance.
- Academic Access: Fellows can pursue classes and learning opportunities across Harvard and selected neighbouring institutions.
- Professional Community: Participants join the Nieman network of journalists and alumni worldwide.
Eligibility
- Experience: Applicants normally need at least five years of full-time professional journalism experience.
- Media Type: Journalists from print, broadcast, digital, visual, audio, documentary, and other professional formats may apply.
- Freelancers: Independent journalists and freelancers are eligible if they can demonstrate sustained professional work.
- Education: A college degree is not required.
- Age: There is no age limit.
- Language: International applicants need sufficient English to participate fully.
- Recent Fellowships: Applicants must meet Nieman’s rule concerning recent long residential fellowships.
How to Apply
- International Deadline: Applicants outside the United States must apply by December 1, 2026.
- U.S. Deadline: U.S. applicants have a later deadline of January 31, 2027.
- Prepare the Application: Follow the current Nieman instructions for professional history, essays, work samples, and recommendations.
- Submit: Use the official Nieman application process that applies to your applicant category.
