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 |