Making your way through the journalism industry can be tricky, so it’s always good to have a helping hand. Mentoring schemes can be the foot in the door you’ve been searching for, offering bespoke guidance and training. That’s why we’ve put together this completely free list, filled with free opportunities.
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We aim to update this list at least once a week but do get in touch if something isn’t right. We’ll show mentoring schemes that are open in green and ones we know are opening on time in orange. Awards left in black are based on last year’s dates.
We love tip-offs too, so do let us know of any good opportunities!
Don’t forget; you can also find up-to-date guides of journalism graduate schemes and freelance rates if you need them.
Last updated: July 17
Always Open:
Digital Women Leaders — Always Open
Bookable one-on-one sessions with leading women for women working in digital journalism. Open worldwide, but with a large majority of American editors.
Freelance Journalism Assembly — Always Open
Designed to connect and empower European freelance journalists through online training and mentorship, networking opportunities, and face-to-face events.
Ambassador Programme, JustLikeUs — Always Open
JustLikeUs provides positive LGBT+ representation in schools. It trains volunteers aged 18–25 to speak in schools, and in exchange, they receive career mentoring.
Media Innovator Membership — Always Open
This scheme matches you up with industry experts to share expertise, advice and lessons.
Young Women’s Trust — Always Open
This is a free coaching scheme for women aged 18-30. It offers professional support with interview preparation and career guidance.
Roundhouse Young Creatives — Always Open
A range of projects across various creative disciplines for those ages 11-30 to get involved with in Roundhouse’s studios or at home. You might already be an established artist or just be starting out.
July
Reporters Without Borders’ Journalism Trust Internship, Paris – Apply ASAP
Paid € 550-600 a month, join Reporters Without Borders’ Journalism Trust Initiative in Paris for a six-month internship, contributing to communication strategy, content creation, and social media engagement. Master’s students in communication/marketing, bilingual in English and French
RTS Bursaries – Closes July 22
Three bursaries on offer: the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, the Digital Innovation Bursary and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship. Awarded to talented students from lower-income backgrounds studying an undergraduate degree or HND Level 5 or 6.
LPA Futures 2024 – Expected to Open in 2024
If you’re an emerging commercial photographer, you can win representation by LPA Futures. This two-year programme has three spaces in total, and nearly £10,000 worth of useful prizes are up for grabs.
Stars4Media Training Programme – Expected to Open in 2024
Guidance and coaching for ‘media professionals’ with 2 to 10 years of experience. You can claim up to €6,000 in expenses.
TED Fellow – Expected to Open in 2024
Applications open for innovators on the rise in their respective fields, from photography to journalism. Successful applicants will deliver their own TED Talk, with mentorship, PR guidance and media training. You will also be invited to attend a TED conference.
Global Girl Media UK Mentorship Programme – Expected To Reopen In July
Aged 18 – 22 and identify as female? set your journalism and broadcasting career alight with field trips to the BBC, Thomson Reuters, and other media companies. You will receive tailor-made mentorship in digital journalism and three days a week worth of training.
Young Critics 2023 – Expected To Reopen In July
A mentorship programme for aspiring film critics and journalists aged 18 – 25, offering experience, skills and networking to young people with a passion for cinema.
IMF Youth Fellowship Contest – Expected To Reopen In July
This virtual program, organised by the International Monetary Fund, will provide content creators aged between 20 and 32 with media and video storytelling training. The training with be given by Politico staff, ending in a published work.
Talking Travel Writing Mentoring Scheme – Closed July 15
Mentoring scheme for new or aspiring travel writers to help them find a path in the industry.
Inclusive Media Development Lab – Closed July 15
Training, interactive workshops and follow-up support for individuals pursuing journalism in Wales. Includes refinement in R&D, product design, entrepreneurship and business.
Journo Resources Fellowship – Closed July 16
A paid mentoring and training programme for those just starting out in their career. Paid £160 per piece published and fellows undergo training from various specialists.
August
Soho Mentorship Brighton: Mentoring for Creatives – Closes August 8
Professional mentorship, networking opportunities and guidance for people aged 18-27 wishing to enter the film, TV, performing arts, and fashion industries. Must be based in Brighton and Hove (or the surrounding area).
Newsroom Leadership Programme at The Slice Tower Hamlets – Closes August 8
Immerse yourself in local communities, building relationships and uncovering stories by visiting groups and businesses and engaging with people directly. Create and optimise diverse content, manage social media, and analyze performance while participating in a 15-month journalism training program designed for career advancement.
Break The Wall Manchester: Creative Mentoring Program – Closes August 30
A chance to expand and build upon your understanding of how the creative industries tick, as well as an opportunity to build up your portfolio and establish connections. This program also offers support with side hustles, job applications, or figuring out “what’s next” after school.
The Multitrack Fellowship – Expected to Open in August
Multitrack, who work to help the radio and podcast industry become more accessible and inclusive, partners with the country’s leading audio production companies to offer paid work placements, training and networking opportunities, and the chance to pitch for real commissions.
YoungMinds Writers Programme – Closed August 7
Offering a group of young people with experience of mental health problems the training and support to create change by sharing their stories.
BFI London Film Festival Mentorship Scheme – Closed August 12
Applications are welcome from BAME or underrepresented groups to attend the 66th BFI London Film Festival as delegates. The programme includes mentorship from media industry professionals and the chance to have your work published by LFF media partners and the BFI.
ENO Response 23/24 Season – Closes August 13
A training scheme for aspiring journalists and opera critics who wish to develop their critical skills. Each participant will be partnered with mentors from The Critics’ Circle to receive tailored feedback on their writing across the season.
The Brooklyn Brothers Night School – Closed August 14
A free training programme designed to address the lack of ethnic diversity in London’s creative industries, combining the best of in-person workshop sessions with online collaboration. The eight-week journey is open to all 18-25 year-olds, looking to unlock their potential and open doors to a career within the creative industries and beyond.
The Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism – Closed August 20
Women and nonbinary writers can apply for a $5,000 USD grant. They must have at least three years of professional experience.
Ian Perry Scholarship – Closed August 31
You can choose two categories for this one: The Tom Stoddart Award for Excellence and The Canon Award for Potential. Each winner will receive $3,500 USD towards their chosen project, alongside access to an exclusive mentorship programme for The Canon Award for Potential applicants.
Action Against Hunger Scholarship – Closed August 31
This is a scholarship for photographers, content creators, and videographers! The winner will receive a prize of 10,000 EUR while receiving mentorship and guidance to develop “multimedia language in the humanitarian field.”
September
Soho Mentorship Farmhouse Oxford: Mentoring for Creatives – Closes September 2
Professional mentorship, networking opportunities and guidance for people aged 18-27 wishing to enter the film, TV, performing arts, and fashion industries. Must be based in Oxfordshire.
David Higham Award Open Day – Closed September 1
A chance for ten exceptional writers to take part in a day of free workshops and seminars from authors, editors, and leading industry professionals, alongside in-depth 1-1 feedback sessions.
Girls In Marketing Digital Marketing Internship Programme – Closed September 1
This 3-day virtual internship programme aims to help give junior to mid-level and aspiring digital marketers the chance to upskill, learn the basics of digital marketing, and add vital experience to their CV.
WFTV Mentoring Scheme – Closed September 11
For women in film and TV with several years of experience. Get intensive mentoring, seminars and training.
Prime Video Craft Academy – Closed September 15
The new Prime Video Craft Academy delivered by the National Film and Television School has places for 25 people from London and Glasgow on paid traineeships in a craft specialism working on a UK-produced Amazon Original Series or with our trusted Prime Video and Amazon Studios supply partners.
Modern Slavery Unveiled Grant Programme – Closed September 15
This is a funding pool for cross-border journalist teams to investigate and expose human trafficking and forced labour of Asian people in Europe. Teams can also apply for a mentor to provide assistance.
Glasgow Film New Talent Mentorship Scheme – Closed September 14
This six-month scheme provides practical support and training for underrepresented filmmakers from Scotland. Includes monthly meet ups with a mentor, and successful mentees will also receive complementary accreditation for Glasgow Film Festival 2024.
Banijay Brightbulb Unscripted Development Intern Scheme 2024 – Closes September 17
Get stuck in and pitch innovative reality shows, factual entertainment programmes, quizzes, and many more. No experience necessary, just a passion for unscripted TV and bundles of ideas. Offers a £1,000 bursary to help you relocate.
October
CUNY Fellowships – Closes October 6
Up to $15,000 USD for newsroom and freelance journalists across the world, covering in-depth business and global economy stories.
Training for Good Tarbell Fellowship – Closed October 1
With stipends up to $50,000 USD, early-career AI journalists can expect mentorship and feedback from accomplished journalists in the field. Fellows will receive a nine-month placement at a major newsroom, and participate in a study group covering AI governance and technical fundamentals, and will also receive an accommodation allowance to attend a two-week summit in Oxford.
Oxford Climate Journalism Network Online Course – Closed October 2
This six-month course will support journalists and newsroom leaders in identifying and addressing issues that arise during their coverage of climate change. This includes sessions with world-leading experts and connections with colleagues at other news organisations.
International News Media Association Elevate Scholarships – Closed October 6
This scholarship program is designed to strengthen the future of the news business by embracing and elevating historically underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Recipients will gain free access to three INMA masterclasses, receive a free membership in INMA for one year, participate in a mentoring video meet-up, and much more.
MPIL Journalist in Residence Fellowship – Closed October 6
Journalists spend three months at the institute where they gain insights into fundamental questions and current problems of international law, European Union law and public law. Individual research encouraged, and mentorship provided. Journalists receive a research grant up to $3,847 USD per month for the duration of the fellowship.
The Photography Foundation Trainee Programme – Closed October 8
This is an intensive six-month commercial photography training programme geared to prepare socio-economically disadvantaged young adults (18-25) for the photography and wider creative industries. You’ll receive mentorship and access to workshops to help refine your art.
Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program – Closed October 15
This five-month low-residency program will see fellows undertake various projects in both online and in-person residency settings. Fellows will receive world-class mentoring, and the scholarship covers tuition and travel costs to New York City for the residency weeks.
A New Direction’s Shared Training and Employment Programme (STEP) – Closed October 17
Through STEP, you’ll get paid a London Living Wage or above salary over a 12-month training programme. Get your foot in the creative industry’s door, grow as part of a like-minded peer network, take part in monthly professional development workshops, and get a budget to boost your portfolio with a collaborative creative project.
Creative Access and ITV Mentoring – Closed October 27
Sate your curiosity and passion for TV with this virtual mentorship scheme with ITV. You will be matched with a mentor from ITV, and you can apply to gain experience in any of ITV’s business areas.
The Lena Papadapoulos Novel-Writing Scholarship – Closes October 29
Eligible for writers of colour who would otherwise have limited financial means of attending the Curtis Brown’s Wirting Your Novel courses. Includes teaching, workshops and tutorials.
The Gillian McAlister Novel-Writing Scholarship – Closes October 29
If you are a writer from a limited financial background with dreams of becoming an author, you can apply for a scholarship to attend a Curtis Brown’s Writing Your Novel course in London. This scholarship will provide all things necessary for writers to access the workshops, the tutorials, and teaching.
Creative Access x Lee & Thompson’s Thrive: Freelance Development Programme – Closes October 31
Freelancers on the lookout for professional development opportunities should give this program a spin. This opportunity last for 3 years and includes access to mentorship, leadership training and networking opportunities.
Arts Emergency Mentorship – Closes October 31
Free mentoring, advice, guidance and opportunities to help 16-25-year-olds pursue a career in the arts and humanities.
November
Curtis Brown Creative’s Breakthrough Program for Disabled Writers – Closed November 5
This remote mentorship scheme allows four aspiring disabled authors to receive one-to-one guidance from a published author-mentor. This also includes a tutorial with a literary agent.
TRC Media Reset – Closes November 16
Reset is a paid eight-month traineeship within a Scottish Animation, Visual Effects (VFX) or Games company. The opportunity includes full training throughout the placement, and is aimed at new entrants to the industry with transferable skills.
December
Vault Festival New Critics Programme -Closed December 8
Aimed at new and early-career writers, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds, who want to develop a critical voice in media. Includes one-to-one feedback sessions, group feedback from fellow participants, and networking opportunities to establish valuable connections within the industry.
Aspiring Professionals Programme — Closed December 17
Provides mentorship to selected applicants and tailored skill sessions, career workshops, internship opportunities, and university application support.
Wonder Woman TV Mentoring Programme 2024 – Closed December 18
This year-long, complimentary program, valued at over £7000, aims to empower and advance the careers of diverse, female leaders in Television, Film, and the Creative Industries, with a focus on supporting women from underrepresented groups. Open to women in various production, editorial, and business roles, the initiative builds on the success of previous alumni.
Women in Journalism Scotland Mentorship Scheme – Closed December 22
This one is for the Scottish journalists out there! Women in Journalism Scotland runs a scheme to link early and mid-career journalists with mentors. They have a huge range of mentors who’ll be able to help you with your 2024 career goals.
Women in Journalism Mentoring Scheme — Closed December 31
It’s back! Two options are available; a junior scheme for women who entered the media industry between two and five years ago and a senior scheme for women who have worked as journalists for over five years. You have to be a WIJ member to apply for the junior scheme but annual memberships start from £10 per year for students.
January
The Student Publication Association Mentoring Scheme – Closed January 1
For student journalists and recent graduates looking to break into the industry.
Radio Television Digital News Association Fellowships and Scholarships – Closed January 11
A total of $35,500 USD awards aims to help students and young professionals pursuing digital and broadcast journalism careers. Successful applicants will also be invited to attend the RTDNA conference.
John Schofield Trust Journalism Cares Programme – Closed January 12
This is a specific, 10-week mentorship programme aimed at those with experience of the care system, or adoption. Successful applicants will enjoy fortnightly mentoring, skills and training masterclasses and networking opportunities.
ASPIRE Training Programme – Closed January 16
A 12-week support programme for creative freelancers across genres and mediums, including filmmakers, photographers and web developers. Two cohorts will run in 2024, offering specialist workshops, mentoring and mental health support.
February
Brixton Finishing School — Expected to Open in February
If you’re aged 18–25 years old and eager to land your first role in marketing or communications, this award-winning 10-week programme will give you the confidence and boost you need. It’s also completely free.
Climate Tracker – Closed February 21
This is an opportunity for six journalists worldwide to develop feature stories related to food systems and climate change. Selected candidates will receive training, mentorship, and financial support. They will also be asked to cover the Fork to Farm Dialogue event.
Grierson DocLab 2024– Closed February 24
A training scheme supporting new entrants into factual TV and documentary filmmaking. Two specialist schemes are on offer; the Grierson DocLab In Focus: Editing; and Grierson DocLab In Focus: Production Management.
Media Trust Creativity Works Training Programme – Closed February 26
A ten-week programme including one-on-one mentoring for those ages 18-24 from London who is not in education, training, or employment.
The London Library Emerging Writers Programme – Closed February 28
Gain writing development masterclasses, literary networking opportunities and unparalleled peer support! Applicants should be working, or planning to work, on a specific project, with the aim of publication or production and have a clear idea of how they might use the Library’s resources to achieve that aim.
Canon Student Development Programme – Closed February 29
An exclusive opportunity where 250 students will be chosen to have their portfolio reviewed by professional photographers.
March
The 2024 New Poets Prize – Closed March 6
The New Poets Prize is a pamphlet competition for writers between 17 and 24. Entrants are invited to submit short collections of twelve pages of poems. Winners and runners-up will be selected to receive a year of support from The Poetry Business.
Canon Student Development Programme – Closed March 7
Features online talks, webinars and a virtual portfolio review. Successful applicants will also be invited to a five-day photojournalism event.
April
Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme 2024 – Closed April 1
A six-month mentoring and bursary scheme for people from underprivileged backgrounds to learn investigative journalism.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists – Closed April 5
Journalists aged 25 to 35 years old and from developing countries can apply for a fellowship to report on the United Nations during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The fellowship includes travel, accommodations and a per diem allowance.
Edinburgh TV Festival The Network – Closed April 11
A digital mentorship for people wishing to enter the TV industry. Includes access to sessions, masterclasses and workshops led by industry professionals, as well as a free Festival pass, accommodation in Edinburgh, a year of mentoring and support to find TV jobs.
Starting out in Publishing’ Penguin Random House and Creative Access Mentorship – Closed April 12
Aimed at early-career talent from communities underrepresented in publishing, are 150 mentors available for a virtual programme that will prepare you for a career in the sector.
The Goodwork Programme – Closed April 22
Training, support and community networking on offer for successful applicants to this six-month programme, lasting from June 2024 to December 2024. The scheme is specifically for London-based applications seeking a career, who don’t have experience or the academic background employers look for.
The World Around: Young Climate Prize – Closes April 22
This mentorship scheme is designed for 25 of the world’s most talented climate designers under 25. It includes access to a bespoke academy and mentorship from a Design Champion, world-leading designers, museum directors, curators, writers, and business holders.
Voices in Exiles/ Voix en Exil – Closed April 28
Ran by CFI, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), SINGA and Maison des journalistes (MDJ) have launched Voices in Exile, a new project to support and accompany journalists and media in exile in Paris, in a bid to make France and Schengen countries prime destinations for journalists in exile. Includes legal and administrative support, editorial, managerial and digital capacity building, networking, and more.
The Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation New Voices Award – Closed April 30
An award dedicated to supporting early career writers, or writers with ideas ‘they’ve yet to commit to paper’. Ideally candidates will be from an underrepresented background, and must not have been published previously.
May
Tortoise Journalism School – Closed May 3
An alternative to traditional journalism internships is on offer here! Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pitch and write stories for Tortoise, participate in editorial meetings and public discussions and see how their journalists work. It is free to attend, meals are provided and accommodation is available to successful applicants outside of London.
Felicity Bryan Mentorship Scheme – Closed May 12
Entering the publishing industry from an underrepresented background? No problem. This mentorship scheme will introduce you to the ins and outs of publishing, alongside industry placements. Paid Oxford Living Wage, the scheme supports one mentee. However, shortlisted candidates will be offered six-months of one-to-one virtual mentoring.
Ocean Reporting Network Fellowship – Closed May 26
Investigative environmental journalists can apply for the Pulitzer Center’s Ocean Reporting Network Fellowship. In this scheme, fellows will work on individual and collaborative reporting projects to investigate who’s driving the degradation of marine environments and more.
Talking Travel Writing x Intrepid Travel Writing Diversifying The Media Press Trip — Closed May 28
Four places on a fully-funded press trip along with four established travel writers to offer guidance and support on the process and getting a commission.
Genesis Jewish Book Week Emerging Writers Programme – Closed May 31
Open to emerging writers over 18 years of age and living in the UK with no more than three years of experience of being published. Ten awards are available, with nine month 1-2-1 mentoring, masterclasses, peer support and bursaries up to £1,500.
June
Women Photograph Mentorship Program – Closed June 5
A year-long, part-time program for women and non-binary photographers with less than five years of work experience.
John Schofield Trust Early Career Journalist Mentoring Scheme – Closed June 9
Designed for news journalists in the first five years of their career, you’ll be matched with a senior journalist for 12 months.
BAFTA Breakthrough Mentorship Scheme – Closed June 19
A scheme showcasing and supporting the next generation of creative talent in film, games and television.
Climate Arena Fellowships – Closed June 25
An expenses-paid fellowship opportunity for applicants with a cross-border focus and/or investigative climate story ideas. Winners will be invited to join the Climate Arena conference in Prague and will receive tailored mentorship.
The Incubator Work Experience Programme – Closed June 27
Aimed at folks aged 16 – 18 years old, this programme provides two weeks work experience, as well as hours of 1-2-1 time with the agency’s c-suite and senior leaders. At the end of the programme, applicants pitch their ideas to a panel, and the winner could walk away with a £10,000 award for tuition fees to study at Hult International Business School.
July
WFTV Fearless Leader Programme – Closed July 1
A bespoke programme of group coaching, 1-2-1 coaching and masterclasses, and leadership skills training. Must have 15 years of experience plus and be in a leadership position in the film, TV & screen industries.
Write To Work – Closed July 2
Write to Work is a free, Liverpool-based course which allows you to try different types of writing and learn first-hand from published writers. The course is a unique opportunity to meet new people, learn from published writers and have your writing in a printed anthology.
Writing Facilitator Trainee Programme, Ministry of Stories – Closed July 3
A 12-month paid trainee programme, offering a structured year of training and mentoring to help you inspire the next generation of young writers, covering any writing form. Trainees will be paid £1,525 and applications are welcome from all, but particularly applicants of colour, from the following areas: Hoxton, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Islington.
Youth4Regions — Closed July 8
Training on journalism and EU regional policy for aspiring journalists aged 18-30. There’s an opportunity to participate in European Commission press trips and work with journalists during the EU Regions’ Week.
Young Shoots Programme – Closed July 14
If you’re aged 18 – 24 and looking to gain experience in music, events and content management, apply to the Young Shoots Programme. You’ll receive mentorship as well as valuable experience in reporting, programme management, and assisting the Manager with meetings.
You Make It East London Mentor Programme – Closed
A programme worth £5000 that gives access to online workshops, guest talks, weekly mentoring, fortnightly therapy and social activities to empower you to build your confidence, networks and vision.
Other Schemes
We are aware of several schemes that have run in the past, but we cannot provide details of when or if they will reopen. We will provide new information as soon as it becomes available.
- ALTRUVIOLET’s Creative Internship
- Big Picture – Emerging Photographer Grant
- The Pact Indie Diversity Training Scheme in Scotland
- A Writing Chance
- SJN Solutions Journalism Mentorship Programme
- I Like Mentoring Programme
- Headlines Network
- NEON Regional Spokesperson Network
- The Telegraph Media Literacy Programme
- Global Docs Short Forum
- Peckham Rise
- Online News Association Women’s Leadership Accelerator