Knauss Graduate Policy Fellowships

The deadline for 2027 Fellowship applications is June 3, 2026.

Overview

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The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship provides a unique year-long experience in the legislative or executive branch of the federal government in Washington, D.C. During that year, recipients work on substantive national policy issues related to aquatic resources. Fellowships begin February 1 and run for one calendar year.

          Reflections of a Knauss Fellow

What is the Knauss Fellowship? (YouTube video)

Knauss 101 Webinar (YouTube video)
An overview of the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship for prospective applicants.

Eligibility

Any student, regardless of citizenship, is eligible to submit to this opportunity if:

1. 1. S/he 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 at the U.S.;
   2. A student must be 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 student’s graduate degree program must be through an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or U.S. Territories; and
   4. Applicants must have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources.

How to Apply

Announcements of the program are distributed in the spring with applications due to the State Programs in June. Appointments begin between Feb. 1 and June 1, 2027. The deadline for 2027 Fellowship application is 5:00 pm CDT on June 3, 2026. Required application items are listed below:

1. 1. Curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages)
   2. A personal education and career development response (not to exceed 1,500 words)
   3. Relevant coursework and future year plans (not to exceed one page, single spaced). The student should include a listing of classes and/or plans for spring 2026, summer 2026 and fall 2026.
   4. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have worked with the student, including at least one from a faculty member associated with the student’s current enrollment who has knowledge of the student’s academic and research (when applicable) performance.
   5. To apply, submit application all four application requirements at https://laseagrant.infoready4.com/. If you have any questions regarding submission, please contact Matthew Bethel (mbethe3@lsu.edu).

Details about the Fellowship and application process can be found at the 2027 Sea Grant Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Student Guide.

Evaluation

Evaluation criteria for Knauss Fellowship applications and weighting of the criteria are as follows:

• 70 percent – Background, personal education and career development response
• 10 percent – Relevant coursework and future year plans
• 10 percent – Recommendations and/or endorsements of the student
• 10 percent – Overall application cohesion
• 10 percent – Sea Grant director letter

Program Contact

For detailed application information, visit the NOAA Knauss Fellowship website or contact Matt Bethel.

Important Dates:

• June 3, 2026: Submission deadline for student applications.
• June 22, 2026: Applicant interviews with the Executive Director of Louisiana Sea Grant.