Journalism Diversity Fund deadlines for 2024 revealed

Deadlines to apply for a Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) bursary in 2024 have been revealed.

Aspiring journalists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for a JDF bursary, which provides financial help to cover the costs of NCTJ course fees and living expenses.

Successful applicants are also paired with a working journalist to mentor them during their studies.

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

The first deadline for applications this year has now been confirmed as 5pm on Wednesday, 1 May 2024.

After that, the deadlines are at 5pm on 19 June, 31 July and 6 November.

Nikki Akinola, senior diversity and inclusion co-ordinator at the NCTJ, said: “We are committed to opening doors in journalism, removing barriers to entry for aspiring journalists who want to break into the industry and can bring diversity to the newsroom.

“If you are in financial need, don’t suffer in silence – I encourage you to apply for a bursary this year to start your journalism journey.”

The NCTJ scheme, which has awarded more than 550 bursaries since it was launched in 2005, is open to people studying for the Diploma in Journalism either as a standalone qualification or as part of a Master’s degree course.

The JDF was initially set up with a £100,000 donation from NLA Media Access in 2005, but since then the number of financial supporters has grown and includes the Google News Initiative, 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.

Louise Hastings, managing editor at Sky News, said: “The JDF is all about making a difference, supporting new journalists into the industry and helping newsrooms better reflect the UK today.”

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

Recipients are matched with a mentor from one of the media organisations which financially back the scheme, with the NCTJ endeavouring to pair mentors and mentees on the basis of shared areas of interest.

In 2021 the NCTJ piloted an extension to the mentoring programme, offering JDF alumni continued support for a year after entering the journalism industry, either with their initial mentor or with someone new.

If you are a journalist working for one of the JDF’s partner organisations and are interested in mentoring, please contact jdf@nctj.com.

Find out more about the JDF here.

See the full application schedule here.