The Columbia Journalism School at Columbia University, New York, in the United States of America, has opened applications for the Knight-Bagehot Fellowship to full-time editorial employees of newspapers, magazines, wire services, digital media, television and radio news organisations, as well as to freelance journalists worldwide.
To be eligible, 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., the institution specifically seeks candidates who can help deliver better business journalism in all parts of the world.
The primary criterion for selection is demonstrated journalistic excellence. Essays, letters of recommendation, previous work samples, and a proposed plan of study are all important components of the application process. All materials, including letters of reference, academic transcripts, essays, and work samples, must be compiled and submitted together with the application form.
Applicants’ employers are encouraged to submit a letter supporting the application, except in unusual circumstances. However, applicants are not required to obtain formal employer approval to apply for or be admitted to the programme.
During the fellowship year, fellows are prohibited from working and/or freelancing and must relocate 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. Applicants should please note that the number of fellowships awarded each year, as well as the level of the living expenses stipend, is determined by the programme’s financial resources.
The key things needed for the application include $100 application fee, a professional resume, an autobiographical essay of no more than 1,000 words, a “Why Knight-Bagehot” essay of no more than 500 words, five original samples of work, college or university transcript(s), proof of English-language proficiency, and three letters of reference.
The application form and other details can be found here. The deadline to apply is Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time.
The Columbia Journalism School will be holding several online information sessions, where prospective applicants can learn about the Fellowship and ask questions about the application process. Prospective applicants can register by clicking on their preferred option, although attending more than one information session is encouraged. The available dates are Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 12-1 pm.; Thursday, December 11, 2025, by 6-7 pm; and Wednesday, January 14, 2026, by 9:30-10:30 am. Please note that all times are Eastern Standard Time.
For more information, visit this link: https://journalism.columbia.edu/kb-apply.
