Journalism Diversity Fund bursaries can help cover the costs of NCTJ course fees and/or living expenses. Recipients will also be paired with a working journalist to mentor them throughout their studies.
Journalism is a typically white, middle-class profession, which needs to change. If you feel you could bring something different to a newsroom, such as your social background, ethnicity, disability or life experiences, then you could be eligible for a bursary.
Eligibility
To apply you must first have secured a place on an NCTJ-accredited diploma course. Undergraduate degree and distance learning courses are not eligible for JDF funding.
Please note, the JDF is generally unable to cover the cost of MA course fees, in cases where postgraduate loans are available. If you are planning on studying on an MA course, you can still apply to the JDF for assistance with living expenses and/or travel costs (or other needs) while studying. If you have any questions, please email jdf@nctj.com.
Those who have already started a course are not eligible to apply, the course start date must be after the bursary has been awarded.
Those who have already received a bursary from the Journalism Diversity Fund are not eligible to apply for second bursary.
You must also be able to demonstrate that:
- You are a British Citizen residing in the UK.
- You can bring diversity to a newsroom and are in financial need
- You have a genuine commitment and potential to be a successful journalist
- You are not in receipt of any other bursary award
Application process
Once you have applied for an NCTJ-accredited course, you can complete our online application form. This will ask for information about you, your diversity, financial need and passion for journalism. It will also ask you to detail your previous journalism experience.
Applications are then shortlisted by a panel of journalists. If shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview with a panel of senior industry figures so that a final decision can be made.