Journalism Diversity Fund schedule

View the Journalism Diversity Fund application schedule, with dates for shortlisting, interviews and bursaries being awarded.

Bursaries are awarded four times per year, in line with key NCTJ course start dates. You can apply to the fund more than once, so if you are unsuccessful initially, you are welcome to take the feedback provided on board and reapply if you wish to.

Please note: those who have already started a course are not eligible to apply – the course start date must be after the bursary has been awarded.

The schedule for courses beginning in the academic year 2025-26 is as follows:

First application round

Deadline for applications Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 5pm
Shortlist announced Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Interview day Friday, 23 May 2025
Bursaries awarded Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Second application round

Deadline for applications Wednesday, 18 June 2025 at 5pm
Shortlist announced Wednesday, 2 July 2025
Interview day Friday, 11 July 2025
Bursaries awarded Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Third application round

Deadline for applications Wednesday, 23 July 2025 at 5pm
Shortlist announced Wednesday, 6 August 2025
Interview day Friday, 15 August 2025
Bursaries awarded Wednesday, 20 August 2025

Fourth application round

Deadline for applications Wednesday, 5 November 2025 at 5pm
Shortlist announced Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Interview day Friday, 5 December 2025
Bursaries awarded Wednesday,  10 December 2025

Apply now

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