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 program 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. 

Each year, the Nieman Foundation awards paid fellowships to up to 24 journalists working in print, broadcast, digital and audiovisual media.

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.

Am I eligible?

All applicants for 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. People who work in public relations or at organizations whose primary business 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 or taken a leave of absence from work that lasted for 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.

What types of fellowships are available?

Each year, the Nieman Foundation selects up to 12 U.S. citizens and 12 international journalists for full academic-year Nieman Fellowships (http://nieman.harvard.edu/fellowships/apply/). All prospective fellows must speak, read and write English fluently.

Application deadlines: December 1, 2016.

All Nieman Fellowship applicants must complete an online application form (https://nieman.slideroom.com/). Candidates for full academic-year fellowships must submit the following information as part of their package: two essays; a professional profile and study plan; work samples and three letters of recommendation.

More information: http://nieman.harvard.edu/

Information about applying for the 2017-2018 Nieman Fellowships will be posted  in mid-2016 on http://nieman.harvard.edu/fellowships/apply/.