Journalism Scholarships & Bursaries Available in the UK

Why Funding Matters for Journalism

The UK journalism industry has long been criticised for its lack of socioeconomic diversity. Research consistently shows that journalists are disproportionately drawn from affluent backgrounds, partly because entry-level roles are poorly paid and concentrated in expensive cities. Scholarships and bursaries play a crucial role in opening the profession to talent from all backgrounds, ensuring that UK newsrooms reflect the communities they serve.

Whether you are studying for an NCTJ qualification, pursuing a postgraduate degree, or looking for funded work placements, this guide covers the main opportunities available. Deadlines and eligibility criteria change annually, so always check the provider's website for the most current information.

The Scott Trust Bursary

The Scott Trust, which owns Guardian Media Group, runs one of the most generous and well-known bursary schemes for aspiring journalists. The programme is specifically designed to support people from backgrounds underrepresented in journalism.

• What it covers: Full funding for an NCTJ-accredited course, plus a maintenance grant and paid work placements at Guardian and Observer titles
• Eligibility: Open to UK residents who can demonstrate financial need and a commitment to journalism. The scheme particularly encourages applications from people of colour, disabled people, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds
• Application process: Applicants submit a written application including a personal statement, evidence of their journalism work, and a statement of financial need. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview, typically held in London. The application window opens in early spring each year; check the Scott Trust website for the current year's dates
• What makes a strong application: Evidence of passion for journalism (published work, blogs, community media), a clear understanding of why diversity in newsrooms matters, and a compelling personal statement. Selectors value applicants who show they have already been doing journalism, however informally
• Work placement element: Bursary recipients undertake placements at the Guardian and Observer as part of the scheme — this direct exposure to a major national newsroom is itself a significant career advantage beyond the financial support

NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) Journalism Diversity Fund is one of the most accessible funding routes for aspiring journalists who would struggle to fund NCTJ-accredited training without financial support.

• Award size: Bursaries typically cover a significant proportion of course fees and may include a contribution to living costs, though the exact amounts vary by year and applicant need
• Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be enrolled or about to enrol on an NCTJ-accredited course and must demonstrate that they would face financial hardship without support. The fund prioritises applicants from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled applicants, those from low-income households, and applicants who are the first in their family to pursue higher education or professional journalism training
• Application timing: The fund has multiple rounds throughout the year, which makes it more accessible than schemes with a single annual deadline. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis; apply as early as possible relative to your course start date
• Supporting evidence: Strong applications include evidence of financial need (benefit receipts, bank statements, parental income details), a statement of why you want to work in journalism, and evidence of any journalism work already undertaken

Reuters Institute Fellowships

The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford offers several fellowship programmes for practising journalists. These are not academic courses but rather opportunities to step back from daily deadlines, research a topic of your choice, and engage with the global journalism community.

• Journalist Fellowship Programme: A fully funded six-month residential programme at Oxford for mid-career journalists. Covers accommodation, living costs, and travel. Applications typically open in October for fellowships beginning the following October — a full year's lead time means planning ahead is essential
• Application requirements: A detailed research proposal (the topic you plan to study during the fellowship), a CV demonstrating at least five years of professional journalism experience, and letters of reference from senior editors or media figures. The research proposal is the central element — it must be genuinely original and relevant to the future of journalism
• What you do: Research a journalism-related topic, attend seminars, and produce a published paper. Fellows also have access to Oxford's libraries, lectures, and social life
• Eligibility: Open to journalists worldwide with at least five years of professional experience. UK journalists are eligible and regularly selected. The Institute also runs shorter programmes for journalists from developing regions
• Impact: Alumni consistently describe the fellowship as career-changing, providing time to think, a global network, and a prestigious credential. Many alumni move into senior editorial, academic, or policy roles after their fellowship

The Laurence Stern Fellowship

Named after the Washington Post reporter and author of The Wrong Horse, the Laurence Stern Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for a British journalist to spend several weeks working in the Washington Post newsroom.

• Duration: Typically three to four weeks at the Washington Post
• Funding: Travel, accommodation, and a stipend are provided
• Eligibility: Open to British journalists, usually early to mid-career. Print, broadcast, and digital journalists are all eligible
• Selection: Candidates are assessed on the quality of their journalism and their potential to benefit from the placement. A strong portfolio of published work is essential
• Benefits beyond the fellowship: The prestige of the fellowship opens doors across UK and international media. Alumni include many prominent British journalists across print, broadcast, and digital outlets

BBC Schemes and Traineeships

The BBC remains one of the largest employers of journalists in the UK and runs several entry-level schemes designed to develop new talent.

• BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme: A highly competitive two-year paid training programme that rotates trainees through different BBC newsrooms and platforms. No prior journalism qualifications are required, making it one of the most genuinely open entry points in UK broadcasting. Applications typically open once a year; check the BBC Careers website for current timings
• BBC Local News Partnerships: While primarily a content-sharing initiative with local publishers, these partnerships sometimes include funded reporter positions in underserved areas
• Apprenticeships: The BBC offers journalism apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with formal qualifications. These are salaried positions with full benefits. The Level 6 Broadcast Journalist apprenticeship is degree-equivalent
• BBC Academy: Free online training resources available to everyone, covering everything from writing for broadcast to data journalism and mobile reporting. Completion of BBC Academy courses can strengthen applications to formal BBC schemes

Lesser-Known Scholarships Worth Knowing

Several smaller but significant funding opportunities exist outside the headline schemes. Competition for these is often lower, making them worth pursuing alongside the better-known awards.

• Patrick Hannan Fellowship: Named after the late BBC Wales journalist and broadcaster Patrick Hannan, this fellowship supports journalists — particularly those with a connection to Wales or Welsh affairs — to undertake a project or research programme in journalism. Named in honour of a prominent Welsh broadcasting figure, it is less widely known outside Wales but represents a meaningful opportunity for journalists with a Welsh connection
• John Schofield Trust: A UK charity that supports journalists working in conflict zones and difficult environments. Offers practical safety training, mentoring, and some project funding. Named after the ITN journalist John Schofield who was killed in Croatia in 1995. Particularly relevant to foreign correspondents and journalists covering humanitarian crises
• Tom Hopkinson Award (Cardiff University): Named after the former editor of Picture Post, this award supports postgraduate students on Cardiff University's journalism programmes. Cardiff's journalism school is among the most respected in the UK
• City St George's University of London Journalism Scholarships: City's journalism department, which runs one of the oldest MA Journalism programmes in the UK, offers merit and needs-based scholarships. Check the department website for current year awards
• Rory Peck Trust: While primarily focused on freelance safety and welfare, the Rory Peck Trust also offers professional development support and small grants for freelancers working in challenging environments. Named after the freelance cameraman killed in Moscow in 1993

Regional Bursaries: Wales, Scotland and Beyond

Devolved nations and regional organisations offer funding that is often overlooked by journalists outside those areas — but which can be less competitive than national programmes.

• Journalism Cymru: The Welsh journalism development body has historically offered bursaries and training support for journalists working in Wales, including Welsh-language journalism. Check the current provision via the NUJ Wales offices and the Welsh Government's creative industries funding programmes. Welsh-language journalism is supported through S4C and the Welsh Books Council and attracts additional public funding
• Creative Scotland: Scotland's national arts and creative industries funder supports journalism projects with a cultural or creative dimension. Investigative journalism and documentary projects with a Scottish angle may be eligible. Applications are assessed on project merit and public benefit
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE): In some periods, HIE has supported media and journalism skills development in remote and rural Scottish areas where commercial journalism is most under pressure. Check current programme availability
• Northern Ireland Screen: Supports documentary and factual journalism with a Northern Ireland connection, particularly broadcast and digital video journalism. Separate from print and digital text journalism but relevant to multimedia journalists
• Regional NUJ branches: Several NUJ regional and national branches maintain small discretionary funds for member training and professional development. These are rarely advertised widely; contact your branch directly

Other Notable Opportunities

• Google News Initiative (GNI) Innovation Challenges: While primarily aimed at news organisations, some GNI programmes support individual journalists working on innovative projects
• International Press Institute (IPI): Offers fellowships and training programmes for journalists focused on press freedom and media development
• Bureau of Investigative Journalism: Offers project-specific funding for public interest investigations; some fellowship places for early-career investigative journalists
• Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ): Runs annual summer schools and occasional fellowships; some funded places available for journalists from underrepresented backgrounds
• Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE): US-based but has UK members and offers training bursaries for non-US journalists attending its conferences and training programmes

How to Write a Strong Application

Competition for journalism funding is fierce. Here are practical tips to strengthen your application:

• Start early — many schemes have long lead times and require references
• Build a strong portfolio that demonstrates range and commitment
• Be specific about what you want to achieve and how the funding will help
• Show awareness of the current state of UK journalism and where you want to contribute
• Ask a trusted editor or mentor to review your application before submitting
• Apply to multiple schemes — there is no shame in hedging your bets
• Tailor every application to the scheme's stated aims; generic personal statements are consistently rejected

Practical Checklist

Work through this list before submitting any journalism funding application:

• Confirmed this year's deadline and eligibility criteria directly on the funder's website (not via a third-party summary)
• Portfolio assembled: at least five published pieces representing your range and best work
• Personal statement tailored specifically to this scheme's stated objectives and criteria
• Referees contacted and confirmed as willing to write a reference on your behalf
• Evidence of financial need prepared if required (P60, bank statements, benefits documentation)
• Application proofread by someone who has not read your previous drafts
• Diary entry set for the following year's application window if unsuccessful this time
• Applied to at least one regional or lesser-known scheme in parallel with the main national awards

Common Mistakes

• Applying with a generic personal statement: Selectors read hundreds of applications. A statement that could apply to any scheme will not be shortlisted. Research the funder's history, values, and past recipients and reflect this in every line.
• Missing the deadline: Most scholarship schemes operate strict deadlines. Late applications are rarely considered. Set calendar reminders at least four weeks before the closing date.
• Failing to follow the application format: If the scheme asks for a 500-word personal statement, submitting 1,200 words signals that you cannot follow instructions — a fundamental journalism skill.
• Providing referees who do not know your work: A reference from a famous name who barely knows you is less valuable than a detailed reference from an editor who can speak specifically to your journalism. Choose referees who can give evidence-based assessments.
• Not researching what previous recipients did with the award: Many schemes publish profiles of past recipients. Studying what they achieved helps you understand what selectors are looking for and how to position your own application.
• Applying only to the most prominent schemes: The Scott Trust and Reuters Institute attract enormous competition. Applying exclusively to high-profile schemes while ignoring regional and lesser-known awards is a poor strategy.

Red Flags

• A “scholarship” that requires you to pay a registration or application fee — legitimate UK journalism bursaries do not charge applicants
• Schemes that promise placement at specific named outlets without evidence of a formal partnership with those organisations
• Training programmes that market themselves as scholarship schemes but are primarily commercial course providers offering small discounts
• Schemes that do not publish the names of past recipients or any track record of awards made
• Applications that request significantly more personal financial information than necessary for assessing need
• Any scheme that requires you to assign rights to your journalism as a condition of receiving the award

Primary Sources

• NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund — Bursaries for underrepresented applicants on NCTJ-accredited courses
• The Scott Trust — Scott Trust Bursary scheme information and application guidance
• Reuters Institute Journalist Fellowships — Fellowship programme details, eligibility, and application process
• BBC Careers — Programmes and Schemes — BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme and apprenticeship information
• John Schofield Trust — Support for journalists working in hostile environments
• Rory Peck Trust — Welfare, safety, and professional development support for freelance journalists
• Bureau of Investigative Journalism — Project funding and fellowship information
• NUJ Training and Development — Member training support and bursary information

Further Resources

• Getting Started as a Freelance Journalist — Career advice for early-stage journalists
• Top Networking Events for UK Journalists — Where to make connections and find opportunities
• UK Journalism Unions and Organisations — Professional bodies that offer member support and training
• Resources Library — Tools and reference materials for UK journalists