2025 Nieman Fellowship

The Nieman-Berkman Klein Fellowship in Journalism Innovation* brings individuals to Harvard University to work on a specific course of research or a specific project relating to journalism innovation. The fellowship is a collaboration between the Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard. Both organizations share a set of common interests around journalism, innovation, and the evolution of the digital space, and both have longstanding fellowship programs that offer a year of learning and collaboration with others in the Harvard community.

Am I eligible?

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.

Candidates nominate themselves for Nieman Fellowships by submitting an application and supplementary materials. There are no age limits or academic prerequisites, and a college degree is not required.

After candidates have been chosen, they must agree in writing to honor all leave stipulations made with their employers; to refrain from professional work during the fellowship year, except as approved by the Nieman curator; and to complete work in a minimum of one course per semester and honor commitments made to faculty as a condition of auditing a class. Fellows also must remain in residence in the Cambridge area while classes are in session and participate in all Nieman Foundation programs.

How much financial support will I receive as a fellow?

Nieman Fellows receive a stipend of $75,000 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.

Because funds from the original Nieman bequest are restricted to U.S. citizens, International Nieman Fellows are encouraged to work with Nieman staff to find financial support from sources outside the Nieman Foundation. However, obtaining outside funding is not a condition of being selected for a fellowship. Funds typically come from foundations and journalism organizations in the fellows’ home countries. The Nieman Foundation works with several international foundations that provide stipendiary support to citizens of certain nations or regions of the world. 

Through generous gifts made to the foundation, Nieman is able to support a number of fellowships with endowed funds. Learn more about our named fellowships