ST. PAUL and DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Sea Grant is seeking graduate student applicants for the 2027 cohort of the prestigious National Sea Grant John A. Knauss Fellowship.
The one-year, paid fellowship places graduate students interested in the Great Lakes, ocean, and coastal resources in executive and legislative offices of the federal government, where they contribute to real-world policy work. Fellows bring science, innovation, and fresh perspectives to federal decision-making and leave with practical skills and a national professional network.
Since 1979, more than 1,700 Knauss fellows have completed the program, with a new cohort placed in about 69 offices across the federal government each year. Discover where applicants’ expertise has led them by exploring the placements of current fellows and alumni.
Interested in applying?
- First, complete MNSG’s Fellowship Interest Form to receive additional information about the program and application updates.
- Second, register and attend an informational webinar about the Knauss Fellowship on April 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. CT.
- Third, read about the application and review process on Minnesota Sea Grant’s Knauss Fellowship webpage.
- Fourth, submit a completed application via eSeaGrant by 5:00 p.m. CT, June 3, 2026.
Eligibility
A student is eligible to submit an application to an eligible Sea Grant Program if:
- They are a United States citizen (born or naturalized), a U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or a dual national with at least one citizenship in the United States.
- They are enrolled toward 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;
- Their graduate degree will be awarded through an accredited institution of higher education in the U.S.or U.S. territories, and;
- They have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.
Details
- Location: Fellows are required to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area for the duration of the fellowship.
- Stipend: $74,700 for the 12-month duration of the fellowship.
- Relocation & professional development funds: $5,000.
- Fellowship period: June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2028.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- MNSG Fellowship Interest Form
- MNSG Knauss Fellowship webpage
- MNSG Knauss Fellowship informational webinar
- 2027 Knauss Student Guide
- 2024 MNSG Knauss Fellow Feature: Eric Simula
CONTACT:
Alex Frie, research and fellowship coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].
Marie Thoms, associate director, communications director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected].
Image credit: University of Minnesota Duluth.