Six applicants from underrepresented backgrounds will take part in the Guardian Foundation’s Scott Trust Bursary Scheme and receive funding for a journalism MA, a subsistence allowance of at least £7,415, and work experience at the Guardian. Applications are now open for September 2026.

The primary aim of these bursary awards is to assist students who face financial difficulty in attaining the qualifications needed to pursue a career in journalism and who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the media. In particular, those from a lower socio-economic background, Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and people with a disability.

What We Offer

Those who are awarded a bursary get:

• tuition fees for an MA in journalism from a select university
• at least £7,415 living expenses
• paid work placements at the Guardian during your MA
• a mentor

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for applicants that can offer a unique perspective. Tell us who you are, what you’re interested in, and what excites you about journalism. Ensure you answer all the questions in the application, including the diversity questionnaire and providing examples of your writing. Don’t forget these articles don’t have to be published pieces – we just want to see what you can do! If you can, submit a range of articles including news, reviews, features, comment, and interviews.

Former recipient Sundus Abdi suggests using your passion and lived experience to enhance your application. “Think about what really drives you as a person, what topics you’re passionate about, and what kind of journalism you’d like to practice in the future,” she says. “I’d also suggest considering your lived experiences and how they’ve shaped how you view the world. Are there any particular debates or particular news coverage that has impacted you?”

You can check out the Journo Resources guide to The Guardian Foundation’s Scott Trust Bursary Scheme before you apply, as it goes into much more detail about every step of the process, gives insight into the work experience, and includes interviews with former recipients like Sundus to guide you through all the written tests, interviews, and more.

Eligible MA Courses

People from any background underrepresented in the media can apply for:

• City St George’s, University of London, MA Journalism, entry 2:1
• Goldsmiths College, University of London, MA Journalism, entry 2:1
• University of Sheffield, MA Journalism, entry 2:1
• Birmingham City University, MA Journalism, entry 2:1
• Leeds Trinity University, MA Journalism, entry 2:2
• Manchester Metropolitan University, MA Multimedia Journalism, entry 2:2

How To Apply

Please follow the link below to apply. Your application should include:

• Your latest CV (max two pages)
• Completed questionnaire about your motivation, suitability and written work.
• Up to three previous examples of your journalistic writing – published or unpublished work (print or online). We recommend submitting a range of topic areas and styles, e.g feature, interview, news piece.
• Responses to the diversity information section of the application questionnaire (there is the option of selecting ‘prefer not to say’ for all questions)

Please mention Journo Resources when you apply; it really helps us out!