Don’t miss first 2024 deadline to apply for a Journalism Diversity Fund bursary

Aspiring journalists have just one day left to apply for a Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) bursary in the first round of 2024.

JDF bursaries provide financial support to aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds who need help to cover the costs of studying for the Diploma in Journalism either as a standalone qualification or as part of a Master’s degree course.

They are awarded four times each year, in line with key NCTJ-accredited course start dates.

This year, the deadlines are at 5pm on 1 May, 19 June, 31 July and 6 November.

Nikki Akinola, NCTJ senior diversity and inclusion co-ordinator, said: “The NCTJ diploma qualification gives students the best chance to land a journalism job, so if you are an aspiring journalist who can bring diversity to UK newsrooms, don’t miss out on this opportunity.

“JDF bursaries can be transformative for the recipients because they open the door to those who may otherwise have never have had the chance to break into the journalism industry.”

The JDF was initially set up with a £100,000 donation from NLA Media Access in 2005, and more than 550 bursaries have been awarded since then.

The number of the JDF’s financial supporters has grown over time, and now includes the Aziz Foundation, Bloomberg, BMJ, the BBC, CNN, DMG Media, Dow Jones, the FT, the Football Writers’ Association, Channel 4 News, Insider, ITV News, Journalists’ Charity, Newsquest, News UK, PA Media, Printing Charity, Reach PLC, Reuters, Sky, ITN, Channel 5 News and Yahoo News UK.

Successful applicants are also paired with a working journalist with shared interests from these organisations, who mentor them during their studies.

Apply before 5pm tomorrow here.

Applicants can apply to the fund more than once, which means people who are initially unsuccessful are welcome to reapply.