Eight funding opportunities for aspiring and entry-level journalists
Here is our pick of programmes that help budding journos from low-income and marginalised backgrounds to finance media training
– 8 min read
If you’re aiming to break into journalism, the costs of training, living expenses, and getting started can be a serious obstacle — especially for those from backgrounds underrepresented in media. But routes into the industry are opening up: a wide range of bursaries, scholarships, and targeted funding schemes exist to help aspiring journalists pursue their ambitions, no matter their circumstances.
Below you’ll find a curated list of the most useful support and funding options available in the UK right now, with details on who they’re for, how to apply, and what each scheme offers. Whether you’re fresh out of university, a new recruit, a budding freelancer with a project to pitch or in the midst of switching careers, these resources could make all the difference to your future in journalism.
Did we miss any off? Send them our way.
NCTJ Journalism Diversity Fund
The Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) provides bursaries to aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds who lack the financial means to fund their NCTJ-accredited diploma training. Bursaries can cover course fees and/or living expenses, and recipients are matched with a working journalist mentor.
Applicants must be British citizens living in the UK, secure a place on an NCTJ-accredited diploma course (excluding undergraduate and distance learning routes), and show financial need, newsroom diversity potential, and a strong commitment to journalism. MA students can apply for help with living costs, but not tuition if postgraduate loans are available.
Applications require evidence of financial need and previous journalism experience, and are reviewed by a panel. Only those not yet started on their course and without other journalism bursaries will be considered.
Application schedule:
Bursaries are awarded four times a year, aligned with NCTJ course start dates. If you’re unsuccessful, you can reapply in a later round with feedback.
The next application deadline is 4 November 2026, at 5 pm.
Journalism Diversity Fund
The Journalism Diversity Fund awards bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds who need help funding their NCTJ journalism training.
In addition to this, the NCTJ administer specialist bursaries to successful Journalism Diversity Fund recipients via The Thomas Reed Bursary (for journalists with a long-term illness, health problem or disability), The Football Journalism Bursary (with the Football Writers' Association) and The Aziz Foundation (explicitly for British Muslim students applying for journalism, media, and television courses).
Aziz Foundation
The Aziz Foundation does offer its own year-round scholarships for British Muslim students on Master's and Diploma level courses at any institution for journalism, and at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) for media and television.
Applications for journalism scholarships are open year-round, but must be submitted at least three months prior to the course starting date. Late applications will not be considered.
Journalism Scholarships and Bursaries - Aziz Foundation
The Aziz Foundation is awarding scholarships for British Muslims applying for media and television courses at the National Film and Television School (NFTS).
Web Team
BJTC Special Journalism Event Grant
The BJTC Special Journalism Event Grant provides £250 to each BJTC-accredited course annually to fund real-world journalism events for students. Grants support practical learning activities such as community newsdays, live reporting projects, collaborations with industry or local partners, pop-up newsrooms, and other hands-on journalism experiences.
Each accredited course can apply for one grant per academic year. Applications must be completed by course leaders or designated representatives, outlining the event details, its learning value, and intended use of funds.
Applications are reviewed every six weeks by the Journalism & Accreditation Board. The process is designed to be quick and supportive—download the form and find out more on the BJTC website. More information here.
Journalists’ Charity’s First Job Fund
