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 period: Typically opens in early spring each year
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

Top tip: Even if you do not win the bursary, the application process forces you to articulate your career goals and demonstrate your commitment. Many unsuccessful applicants report that the experience helped them secure other opportunities.

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
Benefits beyond the fellowship: The prestige of the fellowship opens doors across UK and international media. Alumni include many prominent British journalists

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
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
Impact: Alumni consistently describe the fellowship as career-changing, providing time to think, a global network, and a prestigious credential

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 News 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
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
BBC Academy: Free online training resources available to everyone, covering everything from writing for broadcast to data journalism and mobile reporting

Regional Bursaries and Local Opportunities

Beyond the national schemes, several regional organisations and trusts offer funding for journalism training and career development. These are often less competitive than national programmes and can be just as valuable.

NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund: Provides bursaries of up to several thousand pounds to help people from diverse backgrounds complete NCTJ-accredited courses. This is one of the most accessible funding options available
City University London: Offers partial and full scholarships for its MA Journalism programme, one of the most respected in the UK
Cardiff University: The Tom Hopkinson Scholarship and other awards support students on journalism postgraduate courses
Regional media trusts: Organisations such as the Media Trust and local community foundations occasionally offer grants for journalism training. Check with your regional NUJ branch for current opportunities
Charitable trusts: Organisations like the Journalism Foundation and the Rory Peck Trust (for freelancers) provide grants and support for professional development

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
Chevening Scholarships: Not journalism-specific, but UK government-funded scholarships for international study that can include journalism-adjacent fields like media, communications, and public policy
Investigative journalism grants: Organisations such as the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and the Centre for Investigative Journalism offer project-specific funding for investigations in the public interest

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

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