Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship provides a unique educational experience to students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.

The program matches graduate students with host agencies in Washington, D.C., such as congressional offices, the National Marine Fisheries Service, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For one year, fellows work on a range of policy and management projects related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. Fellows can be placed in the federal legislative or executive branches; learn more about what legislative fellows do.

The fellowship will run from June 1, 2027 through May 31, 2028.

Eligible Applicants

Any student who is in a graduate or professional program in a marine or aquatic-related field at a U.S. accredited institution of higher education may apply through their state's Sea Grant Program. Interested students should apply through the Sea Grant program in their state; this notice is for Michigan. 

How to Apply

• 2027 Knauss Fellowship Student Guide (PDF)
• Student Applicant Guide to Sea Grant Fellowships (PDF)
• Knauss Fellowship Website
• Online application

Application Deadline

Application deadline is June 3, 2026 at 5pm. Submit applications via the online form. Official transcripts are required but can be submitted electronically via email to msgfellowships@umich.edu.

Results will be announced by the National Sea Grant Office mid-September 2026.