The Knight Science Journalism (KSJ) Academic-Year Fellowship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a unique opportunity to explore science and technology reporting while connecting with some of the world’s most prestigious research institutions. This nine-month fellowship is for journalists worldwide interested in science, health, technology, and environmental reporting.

Fellows in Cambridge will undertake a journalism-related research project using MIT and Boston’s rich resources. Past projects have included long-form narratives, multimedia reporting, book proposals, and deep dives into new scientific fields. Many projects later become published articles, books, videos, or podcasts.

Fellows engage in an enriching journey, including seminars, field trips, skill-building workshops, and auditing courses at top universities like MIT and Harvard.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: 9 January 2026 at 11:59 pm EST
• Semifinalists Notification: March 2026
• Finalists Announcement: April 2026
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Host Institution: Knight Science Journalism Program, MIT
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Full-time science journalists, including freelancers
• Field: Science, Health, Technology, and Environmental Journalism
• Number of Opportunities: 10
• Duration: 9 Months
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: United States

Benefits

The Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT offers the following benefits for the selected fellows:

• Stipend: $85,000 paid over 9.5 months
• Travel and Housing Allowance: Paid near the start of the fellowship
• Health Insurance: Coverage for fellows and their families
• Access to Resources: MIT and Boston-area institutions for research projects
• Professional Development: Seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities

 Fellowship Programs

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be full-time journalists (staff or freelance) with at least three consecutive years of experience in science, health, technology, or environmental reporting
• Be reporters, writers, editors, producers, illustrators, filmmakers, or photojournalists
• Applicants must not have completed a fellowship of four months or longer in the two years before applying
• Proficiency in English is required, and verification will be done through interviews or language tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) for non-native speakers.
• International applicants selected must obtain a J-1 visa, with dependents eligible for J-2 visas, both sponsored by MIT’s International Scholars Office (ISchO).

Expectations from Fellows

Selected KSJ Fellows must:

• Reside full-time in the Boston/Cambridge area from mid-August to May.
• Attend all field trips, seminars, and training sessions.
• Take at least one science course per semester.
• Refrain from paid work unless approved by the director.
• Complete a research project by the end of the fellowship.

Important Documents

Applicants must provide the following documents for their applications:

• A professional autobiography of about 500 words or less, explaining the reason for participating, and how the fellowship helps you to achieve your professional goals.
• Update CV (including the overview of work experience and educational background, with their dates, place, story, publication date, or broadcast.)
• Research proposal about 500 words or less.
• Five samples of work
• Three recommendation letters from someone who knows you clearly and is familiar with your ability and qualifications.

How to Apply?

Apply online using the following link:

Apply Now 

Further details and information regarding the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship are available on the official KSJ website.

Check More Fellowships:

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026-27 at the Lingnan University

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026-27 at the CUHK

‘Jacobs Foundation Research Fellowship Program’ for Early  Mid-Career Researchers (Funded)