Deadline: January 31, 2023
Applications for the Nieman Fellowship 2023-2024 are now open. A Nieman Fellowship is an extraordinary, transformative learning opportunity open to journalists working in all media in every country around the world.
Those selected for the programme spend two full semesters at Harvard auditing classes with some of the university’s greatest thinkers, participating in Nieman events and collaborating with peers. Nieman Fellows are also able to audit classes at other local universities including MIT and Tufts.
Programme Details
Each year, the Nieman Foundation awards paid fellowships to up to 24 journalists working in print, broadcast, digital and audiovisual media. Journalists and other professionals working in positions that support journalism, such as the business or technology departments of news companies, are welcome to apply for one of the foundation’s short-term Visiting Fellowships.
During their time at Harvard, Nieman Fellows attend seminars, shop talks, master classes and journalism conferences designed to strengthen their professional skills and leadership capabilities, thereby helping to fortify the news industry itself. With the knowledge they gain on campus and the relationships they build, fellows often return to work as journalism entrepreneurs, industry innovators and top managers in their newsrooms.
Financial Support
- Nieman Fellows receive a stipend of $80,000 paid over a nine-month period to cover living costs.
- The Nieman Foundation also provides some financial support for health insurance and childcare. Fellows are not eligible for health care insurance through Harvard University. Individuals who are unable to retain their current health insurance would have the option of purchasing a plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector, which is an independent state agency that serves as a marketplace for MA residents to find, compare, and enroll in health insurance.
- Nieman additionally covers the cost of attending Harvard classes for fellows and their affiliates. Affiliates are the partners and spouses of fellows. They enjoy many of the same privileges as fellows and may attend classes, use Harvard libraries and other facilities, and are welcome to participate in almost all Nieman activities.
Eligibility
- All applicants for academic-year Nieman Fellowships, including freelancers, must be working journalists with at least five years of full-time media experience. Journalism-related work completed as a university student does not count as professional experience.
- Professionals who work in public relations or in a position whose primary focus is not the media are not eligible to apply.
- During the two years prior to applying, an applicant should not have participated in a fellowship lasting four months or longer.
- There are no age limits or academic prerequisites, and a college degree is not required.
- Candidates must be available to be in residence in Cambridge, Mass., for the duration of the fellowship.
- All prospective fellows must speak, read and write English fluently..
Application
All Nieman Fellowship applicants must complete an online application form. Candidates for academic-year fellowships must submit the following information as part of their package: two essays; a professional profile and study plan summary; work samples and three letters of recommendation.
For more information, visit Nieman-Berkman Klein Fellowship.