Overview

The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program offers a unique educational experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, and in national policies that affect those resources. Successful applicants are matched with hosts in the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government for a one-year paid fellowship in the Washington D.C. area. The program is sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program. Washington Sea Grant may nominate up to six fellows to be considered by the National Sea Grant office.

 

2027 Knauss Fellowship Timeline (subject to change)

  • Deadline to apply: June 3, 2026
  • Finalists selected: Fall 2026
  • Fellowship begins: June 1, 2027
  • Fellowship ends: May 31, 2028

NOTE: See the National Sea Grant Program website for additional timeline details and application tips and resources

 

Eligibility

2027 Fellowship Eligibility

  1. The student is a U.S. Citizen (born or naturalized), a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or a dual national with at least one citizenship as the U.S.;
  2. The student is enrolled towards a degree in a graduate program at any point between the onset of the 2025 Fall Term (quarter, trimester, semester, etc.) and June 3, 2026;
  3. The graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories, and;
  4. The student has an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.

WSG fellowship programs do not consider personal identity factors in evaluation or selection. At the same time, we recognize that historic barriers have limited access for many communities. Our programs are committed to creating supportive, and welcoming experiences that help all eligible applicants thrive, and we warmly encourage everyone to apply.

Other Factors Affecting Eligibility

  • The one-year fellowship will take place in the National Capital Region. Student applicants must be prepared to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.
  • Student applicants who are dual citizens, please note: while this fellowship is open to dual citizens, a significant number of participating federal host offices are unable to accept dual citizens as fellows. This may reduce the number of placement opportunities available to dual citizens. Note: Dual citizens are eligible for both the Executive and Legislative cohorts.
  • Student applicants must be able to pass a federal background security check.
  • Prior contact/arrangements made with possible host offices before the start of the placement week will be cause for immediate disqualification from the process. • Student applicants who have been accepted as national finalists and/or become fellows are not eligible to apply again without the written permission of the NSGO Fellowships Manager, which will only be granted in response to exceptional life events. A national finalist is defined as a student applicant who goes through the review process and is selected at the national level for the fellowship program. If alternates are selected, they are eligible for re-application if they withdraw prior to accepting a finalist position or are not offered a finalist position and would otherwise still be eligible to apply. Student applicants are considered finalists until they are paired with a host office during the placement process.

WSG fellowship programs do not consider personal identity factors in evaluation or selection. At the same time, we recognize that historic barriers have limited access for many communities. Our programs are committed to creating supportive, and welcoming experiences that help all eligible applicants thrive, and we warmly encourage everyone to apply.

 

How to apply

  • All prospective Knauss fellows must submit an application through their own state Sea Grant program (e.g. Washington Sea Grant)
  • For Washington state-based students, you must submit your application to Washington Sea Grant via the online submission system, eSeaGrant, that can be accessed by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: esg.wsg.washington.edu
  • In eSeaGrant you will upload PDF’s of each of the required application elements and submit requests for your referees to upload their letters of recommendation directly into eSeaGrant.
  • NOTE: See the National Sea Grant Program website for additional timeline details and application tips and resources

 

Contact

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Washington Sea Grant at sgfellow@uw.edu to discuss application content and submission.

Knauss Fellows at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Knauss Fellows at the White House in Washington, D.C.

 

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