Applications are open for the Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, an opportunity for working journalists from around the world to spend an academic year at Harvard, deepen their knowledge, explore new ideas and build relationships with journalists and professionals from across the globe.

Each year, approximately two dozen journalists are selected for the fellowship. Fellows audit Harvard classes, participate in Nieman Foundation events and collaborate with an international cohort while developing their professional and intellectual interests.

About the Nieman Fellowship

The Nieman Fellowship is designed for experienced journalists who want to take a step back from their regular newsroom work and use a year at Harvard to strengthen their journalism, leadership and understanding of important issues.

The fellowship welcomes journalists working across different media, including print, digital, photography, video, audio, graphics, data visualization and editorial leadership.

Fellows return to their organisations and communities with new knowledge, professional relationships and ideas that can contribute to innovation within journalism.

The fellowship is open to journalists working across different media and professional roles. Applicants who work in business, technology, audience engagement or leadership capacities within news organisations may also apply, provided they meet the fellowship requirements.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit an online application containing several components.

Personal Statement

A personal statement of up to 1,000 words should explain the applicant's journalistic experience, career plans, professional goals and the experiences that have shaped their commitment to journalism.

Study Proposal

Applicants must also submit a study proposal of up to 500 words explaining how they intend to use their year at Harvard.

The proposal should identify the questions, interests and Harvard resources that will shape the fellowship year. The Nieman Fellowship is not a writing residency, so book proposals are not eligible.

Professional Profile

A professional profile of up to 100 words should summarise the applicant's career, current position, organisations they have worked with, areas of coverage, awards and professional interests.

Study Proposal Summary

Applicants must provide a brief 50-word summary of their proposed study programme.

Work Samples

Applicants must provide recent examples of their journalism or professional work.

The requirements vary according to the medium. For example:

• Print and digital journalists submit four published work samples.
• Photographers submit at least five published samples, collectively containing at least 10 images.
• Video and audio journalists submit three to five samples, with a combined viewing or listening time of no more than 30 minutes.
• Graphics and data visualisation professionals submit four samples.
• Editors and candidates working in business, technology, audience engagement or leadership roles provide a statement explaining their work and approach.

Most submitted work should have been published or broadcast during the 12 months before the application.

Recommendation Letters

Three confidential recommendation letters are required.

Two should come from professional associates familiar with the applicant's journalism and potential for growth and leadership. The third should come from an immediate supervisor or someone who has recently supervised the applicant's work.

Important AI Application Requirement

Applicants should take particular care when preparing their materials. The Nieman Foundation states that applications must be authored solely by the applicant.

Artificial intelligence or machine-learning software cannot be used to develop or write application materials, except for minor editing or identifying grammatical and spelling errors. Any use of AI for editing must be disclosed in the application.

Application Deadlines

For the 2027–28 Nieman Fellowships:

• International Nieman Fellowship: December 1, 2026 — for non-U.S. citizens, including non-U.S. citizens working in the United States.
• U.S. Nieman Fellowship: January 31, 2027 — for U.S. citizens, including those working outside the United States.

Applicants who hold both U.S. and another citizenship are advised to contact the Nieman Foundation for guidance on the appropriate application category.

Recommendation letters for international applicants are due by December 15, while recommendations for U.S. applicants are due by February 14.

Additional Considerations

Applicants from countries affected by U.S. restrictions on issuance of certain nonimmigrant visas, including J visas, should review the fellowship's current guidance before applying.

The fellowship also notes that candidates holding citizenship and a passport from another country without the relevant visa restriction may still be able to apply for the International Nieman Fellowship.

Applications for the 2027–28 fellowship open in the first week of October 2026. Candidates should prepare their essays, professional profile, study proposal, work samples and three recommendations before submitting the online application.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to experienced journalists looking to deepen their expertise, explore new areas of journalism and develop the leadership and professional networks needed to contribute to the future of the media industry.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.