Nieman Foundation Journalism Fellowship 2026–2027

The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University invites outstanding journalists from across the world to apply for the 2026–2027 Nieman Fellowship Programme. This prestigious initiative offers mid-career journalists a transformative opportunity to engage in academic study, reflection, and collaboration at Harvard University. Fellows explore areas of personal and professional interest, expand their leadership capacity, and deepen their impact in global journalism.

Application Overview

Applicants must submit an online application form and provide the following components: two essays, a professional profile, a summary of their proposed study, work samples, and three letters of recommendation. Applications are divided into two categories — International and U.S. Fellowships — based on the applicant’s citizenship. Dual citizens (U.S. and another country) should contact nieman_applications@harvard.edu for clarification.

Application Deadlines:

• International Nieman Fellowship (non-U.S. citizens, including those working in the U.S.): 1 December 2025
• U.S. Nieman Fellowship (U.S. citizens, including those working abroad): 31 January 2026

Essays

Applicants must submit two essays — a Personal Statement and a Proposal for Study at Harvard. Both essays are equally important and provide insight into the applicant’s experiences, motivations, and intellectual goals.

1. Personal Statement (up to 1,000 words):

• Describe your career journey, achievements, and future aspirations.
• Explain what motivates your passion for journalism and excellence.
• Discuss your values, leadership qualities, and what makes this period ideal for professional reflection.

2. Proposal for Study at Harvard (up to 500 words):

• Outline your academic interests and the key question guiding your study year.
• Identify Harvard’s resources that align with your objectives.
• Explain how the fellowship will advance your professional impact.

Note: Book proposals are not accepted, as the fellowship is not a writing residency.

ALSO APPLY FOR:
2026 IMF Internship Program: Paid Summer Opportunity in Global Finance

Professional Profile and Study Proposal Summary

Applicants must include concise summaries of their professional background and study interests:

• Professional Profile (up to 100 words): A short overview of your journalistic career, current position, areas of coverage, awards, and interests.
• Study Proposal Summary (up to 50 words): A summary of your intended study focus at Harvard.

Work Samples

Applicants are expected to provide recent samples of journalistic work that best reflect their professional achievements. Most samples should be from the past 12 months, with one older work permitted. Each piece must include the publication date and be accessible via URL or file upload.

Specifications by Medium:

• Print/Digital: Four samples (via URLs or PDF uploads).
• Photography: At least five samples totalling ten or more images.
• Video/Audio: Three to five samples, not exceeding 30 minutes in total.
• Graphics/Data Visualisation: Four samples via URLs or PDF uploads.

Editors and professionals in leadership, audience engagement, or business roles must include an additional statement describing their responsibilities and approach to their work. Supplementary documentation may also be submitted.

Letters of Recommendation

Three confidential letters of recommendation are required to support each application. These letters should highlight the applicant’s journalistic competence, leadership potential, and suitability for the fellowship.

• Two letters from professional colleagues familiar with your work.
• One letter from your immediate supervisor (or project editor for freelancers).

Recommenders will receive automated instructions from SlideRoom to upload their letters directly. Deadlines for submission are as follows:

• International Fellowship: 15 December 2025
• U.S. Fellowship: 14 February 2026

Use of Artificial Intelligence

All application materials must be written solely by the applicant. AI tools may only be used for light grammatical or spelling edits. Any use of AI assistance must be clearly disclosed in the application.

For enquiries, contact the Fellowship Programme Administrator, Nicole Arias, via nieman_applications@harvard.edu.

APPLY FOR THE NIEMAN FOUNDATION JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP