Apply to the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is open to full-time editorial employees of newspapers, magazines, wire services, digital media, television and radio news organizations, as well as to freelance journalists, from anywhere in the world. Applicants must have at least four years of business/economics/finance journalism experience and have received a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university. While a majority of the fellows typically come from the U.S., we specifically look for candidates who can help deliver better business journalism in all parts of the world.

    The chief criterion for selection is demonstrated journalistic excellence. Essays and letters of recommendation are important parts of the application as are previous work samples and a plan of study. All materials, including letters of reference, college transcripts, essays and work samples should be compiled and submitted with the application form.

    Applicants' employers, except under unusual circumstances, should submit a letter supporting the application, but applicants are not required to obtain formal employer approval to apply for and get admitted to the program. Fellows are prohibited from working and/or freelancing during the fellowship year and must re-locate to New York City. Fellows are encouraged to return to their employers at the end of their year at Columbia.

    Fellowship selections will be announced by mid-April. The number of fellowships awarded each year, as well as the level of the living expenses stipend, is determined by the program's financial resources.

    How to apply

    Applications for the 2024-25 fellowship have closed. Decisions will be announced around mid-April. Sign up here to receive updates about the 2025-26 application.

    Knight-Bagehot alum Alicia Wallace, Class of 2019, talks about the program.