Aspiring to become a journalist? These top scholarships for journalism can help you kickstart your reporting career without financial stress. Are you unable to pursue a career in investigative journalism and storytelling that has the ability to influence public opinion because of financial limitations? At prestigious universities, a journalism degree typically costs between $30,000 and $60,000 annually.
Research indicates that over 70% of journalism students depend on financial aid of some kind to finish their studies. Scholarships for journalism are available to students who are interested in the media, writing, and investigative reporting. For students who are enthusiastic about journalism, these scholarships offer a variety of opportunities from prominent news organizations to professional journalistic societies and private foundations. We shall examine the best scholarships for journalism available to overseas students in this article.
Why do Scholarships for Journalism Matter?
It is common knowledge that journalism is vital to society since it has the ability to hold people accountable, educate the public, and influence discussions on important topics. However, brilliant people may be discouraged from entering the area due to financial constraints. Scholarships for journalism can help with this. In addition to paying tuition, the scholarships for students studying mass communication also contribute to a more varied and inclusive media environment.
They accomplish this by assisting reporters from marginalized groups in covering underreported stories and contributing new viewpoints to newsrooms. By providing financing for vital fields like local news reporting—which has seen more than 2,500 newspapers close in the last 20 years—the journalism scholarships also act as an investment in democracy itself. Additionally, you get access to investigative reporting courses, mentorship from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, and supported internships at major news organizations, which provide you with numerous possibilities for practical experience.
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Top 10 Scholarships for Journalism
Finding the best journalism scholarship is an essential first step for students hoping to follow their ambitions of becoming successful journalists. There are journalistic scholarships available to help you along the way, regardless of your interests in broadcast journalism, digital media, or investigative reporting. We’ll now walk you through the best scholarships for journalism.
1. Grattan and Stephen T. Gray Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Funded By: Community Foundation of Monroe County
- Deadline: 21 February 2025
The Grattan and Stephen T. Gray Scholarship is given to graduates of Gibralter, New Boston, Huron, Milan, or Flat Rock high schools as well as Monroe County high schools, making it one of the top scholarships for journalism. For students who show great promise in newspaper journalism, the scholarship provides funding.
One must maintain a solid academic record, demonstrate leadership potential through campus activity, and clearly state their desire to pursue a career in newspaper journalism in order to be eligible for this scholarship for journalism courses. It pays for your tuition and gives you access to superior study options in the sector.
Qualification Requirement:
- Have completed high school in Gibraltar, New Boston, Huron, Milan, and Flat Rock in addition to Monroe County High School.
2. LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships
- Award Amount: $2,500
- Funded By: The LAGRANT Foundation
- Deadline: 28 February 2025
Scholarships for journalism are given annually by the Lagrant Foundation Graduate to ethnic minority undergraduate and graduate students attending recognized universities. In addition to financial aid, students get a vacation to New York City, Portland, or Minneapolis, where they take part in career-building activities, all of which are paid for. A reception to honor donors and scholarships, three to four days of career development sessions, and a welcome dinner with a keynote speaker are all included in the trip.
Students can explore prospects in the fields of public relations, marketing, and advertising, network with professionals, and obtain significant industry exposure. With this scholarship for journalism, you can also take advantage of industry excursions and courses for career development.
Qualification Requirements:
- Be a citizen, permanent resident, or DACA beneficiary of the United States.
- Be Native American or American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino, or African American or Black.
- Attend a four-year accredited university full-time.
- Have a 3.0 GPA.
3. Reuters-Oxford Journalism Fellowship Program
- Award Amount: NA
- Funded By: The Reuters Institute for Journalism Studies
- Deadline: 13 February 2025
Reuters-Oxford Journalism Fellowship program for mid-career journalists to broaden their horizons at one of the most prominent universities in the world is among the top media scholarships available. Recipients of this fully financed scholarship attend Oxford University for a full academic year. Students at Oxford have the opportunity to work on a project that has a direct bearing on their newsroom, career, and the media environment as a whole. Additionally, this scholarship for journalism students offers a stipend to help with living expenses and travel expenses.
Qualification Requirements:
- Possess a minimum of five years of journalism experience.
- Meet the English language proficiency criteria.
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4. The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism
- Award Amount: $15,000
- Funded By: Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism
- Deadline: Spring: March 31, 2025; Fall: October 6, 2025
The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism is next on our list of the top scholarships for journalism majors. It is available to seasoned reporters who have the tools necessary to write compelling stories about important business and global economic topics. Investigative, in-depth reporting initiatives are supported by the $15,000 grant. You must submit proposals that look at important commercial or economic issues if you want to improve your chances of receiving this scholarship for journalism.
Investigations of banking practices, corporate misconduct, money, and the effects of business on society are a few examples of possible subjects. Proposals from staff and freelance journalists can be submitted as short-form video, audio, text, or images.
Qualification Requirements:
- Possess a minimum of five years of journalism experience.
- Presently employed by a news organization as a reporter or editor
5. Heather Brown Sports Information Scholarship
- Award Amount: $2,000
- Funded By: Hodgson and Brown Family
- Deadline: 1 May 2025
Heather Brown Sports Information Scholarship is one of the top scholarships for sports journalism, it helps students who want to work in athletic communications and sports writing. This mass communication award, which bears Heather Brown’s name, requires applicants to have a strong writing background, an understanding of sports media, and a dedication to ethical journalism.
Additionally, you must submit an essay outlining your goals for a career in sports journalism, writing examples, and recommendation letters. Are you wondering if anyone may apply? These undergraduate scholarships for journalism are available to any senior in high school, college freshmen, or current undergraduate students enrolled in a sports journalism program.
Qualification Requirement:
- Possess noteworthy leadership, volunteer, or athletic accomplishments.
6. The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Funded By: The National Press Club of Journalism Institute
- Deadline: 16 March 2025
One must demonstrate academic distinction, a keen interest in journalism, and financial need in order to receive The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship, one of the top scholarships for journalism for overseas students. Additionally, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and samples of one’s journalism work must be submitted. Tuition costs for students are covered by this need-based award.
Qualification Requirements:
- It must be a senior in high school.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Reside in the United States.
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7. ACES Education Fund Scholarships
- Award Amount: $1,500 – $3,500
- Funded By: American Copy Editors Society (ACES)
- Deadline: 15 November 2025
Among the scholarships for journalism often awarded to students who demonstrate extraordinary abilities in news editing and copywriting is the Aces Education Fund. Six scholarships are given out annually by the ACES Education Fund. The top applicant, known as the Aubespin Scholar, receives $2,500, while the other four recipients each receive $1,500. Five of the scholarships are given to students who want to work as news editors and who are exceptionally good at critically analyzing written content in a variety of professions. Additionally, there is the Bill Walsh Scholarship, which grants $3,500 to a student who demonstrates exceptional news editing abilities.
Qualification Requirements:
- Participating as a graduate, senior, or junior student
- Did not previously receive an ACES scholarship
8. Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,400
- Funded By: The New Mexico American Advertising Federation
- Deadline: 4 June 2025
The Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship, established after journalist Pam Schneider, is one of the greatest scholarships for journalism students. This grant is given to students who demonstrate excellent writing abilities and a dedication to covering social concerns. In addition to an updated CV, an official transcript, and one letter of recommendation from a current academic instructor or counselor, applicants must submit a personal essay detailing their career aspirations and the actions they plan to take to succeed in the industry.
Qualification Requirements:
- An inhabitant of New Mexico enrolling full-time as a graduate or undergraduate.
- Enrolling in a public or non-profit four-year school in New Mexico.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Continue your internship in marketing.
9. Stanford Chen Internship Grant
- Award Amount: $1,500
- Funded By: Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
- Deadline: 7 April 2025
Stanford Chen Internship Grant supports photojournalists and multimedia journalists looking for internships and is one of the greatest scholarships for journalism. Living expenses for internships in multimedia or photography are covered by the scholarship amount. To be eligible for this grant, you must also prove that you are in need of money. Usually, family income statements, tax records, the FAFSA, and other financial aid paperwork are used to evaluate this. Additionally, keep in mind that preference will be given to students who are actively interning at small to medium-sized businesses.
Qualification Requirements:
- Enrolled full-time at a university, junior college, or community institution with accreditation
- A summer internship must have been obtained.
- Have a passion for journalism
- A current AAJA member is required.
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10. Alliance for Women in Media Scholarships
- Award Amount: $3,000
- Funded By: Alliance for Women in Media
- Deadline: 8 May 2025
Next on our list of the top scholarships for journalism is the Alliance for Women in Media. These scholarships, which are dedicated to elevating women’s voices in media across the board, assist female students who want to work in digital media, radio, television, and other related industries. By demonstrating academic distinction and potential for leadership in the media business, you can improve your chances of receiving these scholarships for journalism. A strong network of female media professionals, industry events, and mentorship possibilities are also available to you.
Qualification Requirements:
- Be a female
- Enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at a university with accreditation
- Pursuing a career in media
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are the best scholarships available for journalism students in 2025?
Several prestigious scholarships support aspiring journalists, including the Pulitzer Center Student Fellowship, the Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholarship, and the RTDNA Scholarship. Many universities also offer journalism-specific funding opportunities. -
What qualifications do I need to apply for a journalism scholarship?
Most scholarships require strong academic performance, a portfolio of journalistic work (articles, videos, podcasts), letters of recommendation, and a compelling personal statement about your passion for journalism. -
Do journalism scholarships cover full tuition or only partial funding?
It depends on the scholarship. Some offer full tuition coverage, while others provide partial funding, stipends, or grants for specific projects like investigative reporting or travel journalism. -
Can international students apply for journalism scholarships?
Yes, many scholarships welcome international students, though eligibility varies. Check requirements for programs like the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program or the Fulbright Journalism Fellowship. -
How can I increase my chances of winning a journalism scholarship?
Build a strong portfolio, gain experience through internships or student publications, tailor your application essays to highlight your storytelling skills, and secure strong recommendations from mentors in the field.
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A career in journalism requires passion, dedication, and the right opportunities. Scholarships for journalism provide financial support, industry exposure, and professional connections to help you build a strong foundation in reporting. Whether you’re an aspiring investigative journalist, a multimedia storyteller, or a future news anchor, these scholarships ease the financial burden and open doors to prestigious programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
By securing a journalism scholarship, you can focus on honing your skills, gaining hands-on experience, and making an impact through storytelling. Many scholarships also offer networking events, career guidance, and even job placements, giving you a head start in the competitive media industry.
Now is the time to take action. Research the best scholarships for journalism, prepare a compelling application, and seize the opportunity to kickstart your journalism career. With the right financial support, your journey into the world of journalism can be both rewarding and impactful!