Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics & Business Journalism at Columbia
The Knight-Bagehot Fellowship at Columbia Journalism School gives mid-career business and economics journalists — including Africans — a fully funded academic year in New York.
At a glance
- Sponsor
- Columbia Journalism School + Knight Foundation
- Level
- Mid-career fellowship (non-degree, 1 academic year)
- Funding
- Tuition + US$80,000+ stipend + health
- Deadline
- January each year
Who is eligible
- Mid-career journalist (full-time, freelance, or broadcast) with at least 5 years of professional experience.
- Strong portfolio focused on business, economics, finance, or related coverage.
- Open to international applicants — Africans qualify.
- Commitment to return to journalism after the fellowship year.
What the award covers
- Full tuition at Columbia Business School, Law School, SIPA and Journalism School courses
- Stipend of about US$80,000 for the 9-month academic year
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Access to Knight-Bagehot's network of alumni at leading global newsrooms
How to apply
- Open the Knight-Bagehot application at journalism.columbia.edu/knight-bagehot in October.
- Submit your CV, 3 published work samples, two essays, and three references.
- Shortlisted candidates interview in February.
- Awards announced in March for the following September start.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to enrol in a degree program?
No. Knight-Bagehot Fellows audit courses across Columbia for one academic year — there is no diploma at the end, but you receive an official Columbia transcript and certificate.
Is the fellowship open to African journalists?
Yes. Knight-Bagehot has a strong international track record and African journalists from Bloomberg, Reuters, BusinessDay, Nation Media and others have been selected.
Are TV and radio journalists eligible?
Yes. Broadcast and digital-first journalists are explicitly eligible — not just print or wire-service reporters.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, on a J-2 visa. Note that the stipend is calculated for a single fellow — additional family costs are your responsibility.