Eligibility

We award 10 to 12 fellowships each year. To be eligible for a Knight Fellowship, you must match one of the following scenarios:

three years of full-time journalism experience covering science, technology, medicine, or the environment.
five years of full-time journalism experience and a desire to cover science, technology, medicine or environment in the future.

"For me, a lot of the fellowship year has been about overcoming the fear inherent in making the transition from general journalism to science journalism. "

—Carey Goldberg
The Boston Globe

For either of the above scenarios, the journalism experience must be in the years immediately prior to applying.

Applicants must demonstrate a high level of journalistic excellence and accomplishment, as well as a long-term commitment to their craft. Applicants may be reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators or photographers. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television, radio or the web. We also consider full-time freelance journalists. There are no educational prerequisites. Professionals working in public information, public relations, the trade press, government or academia are not eligible.

Journalists from all countries compete on an equal basis. Our $60,000 stipend is awarded to all Fellows, regardless of nationality. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are chosen for a fellowship, your fellowship is contingent upon receiving a J-1 visa from the U.S. State Department.

Unless self-employed, applicants must obtain a leave of absence from their employer. Knight Fellowships require full-time residence in the Boston/Cambridge area for the academic year—August through May. Fellows are required to participate in our twice-weekly seminars, field trips and Boot Camps. Fellows must refrain from professional work during their fellowship year.