Top 10 Scholarships for Journalism to Kickstart Your Reporting Career in 2025!

Are financial constraints stopping you from entering the world of storytelling and investigation with the power to shape public opinion? The average cost of a journalism degree ranges from $30,000 to $60,000 per year at top universities. In fact, studies show that about 70% of journalism students rely on some form of financial aid to complete their education. Scholarships for journalism can help students passionate about media, writing, and investigative reporting. From major news organizations to professional journalism associations and private foundations, there are multiple opportunities available for students passionate about journalism with these scholarships. In this blog, we will explore the top journalism scholarships for international students.

Why Journalism Scholarships Matter?

It is well-known that journalism plays a crucial role in society, holding the power to account, inform the public, and shape conversations on critical issues. However, financial barriers can prevent talented individuals from entering the field. This is where journalism scholarships come in. The scholarships for mass communication students don’t just cover tuition costs but also create a more diverse and representative media landscape. This they do by supporting journalists from underrepresented communities to cover overlooked stories and bring fresh perspectives to newsrooms. The journalism scholarships also serve as an investment in democracy itself, funding crucial areas like local news reporting, which has seen 2,500+ newspapers close in the past two decades. Plus, you get several opportunities for for hands-on experience through funded internships at major news organizations, access to investigative reporting workshops, and mentorship from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists. 

Top 10 Scholarships for Journalism

For aspiring students looking to make a mark in the journalism field, finding the right scholarship for journalism is a crucial stepping stone toward achieving their dreams. Whether you’re interested in investigative reporting, digital media, or broadcast journalism, there are journalism scholarships designed to support your journey. We will now take you through the top scholarships for journalism.

1. Grattan and Stephen T. Gray Scholarship 

Award Amount: Varies
Funded By: Community Foundation of Monroe County
Deadline: 21 February 2025

One of the best scholarships for journalism, this scholarship is awarded to graduates of Monroe County high schools and high schools in Gibralter, New Boston, Huron, Milan, or Flat Rock. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate exceptional promise in newspaper journalism. To get this scholarship for journalism courses, one must maintain a strong academic record, show leadership potential through campus involvement, and express a clear commitment to pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. It covers your tuition costs and provides access to better educational opportunities in the field.      

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a graduate of Monroe County High School and other high schools in Gibraltar, New Boston, Huron, Milan, & Flat Rock

2. LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships

Award Amount: $2,500
Funded By: The LAGRANT Foundation 
Deadline: 28 February 2025

The foundation awards journalism scholarships to undergraduate and graduate ethnic minority students enrolled in accredited institutions every year. Along with financial aid, students receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, Portland, or Minneapolis, where they participate in career-building activities. The trip includes a welcome dinner featuring a keynote speaker, three to four days of career development workshops, and a scholarship and donor recognition reception. It is a perfect opportunity for students to gain valuable industry exposure, network with professionals, and explore opportunities in the advertising, marketing, and public relations field. Plus, you get to attend career development workshops and industry tours with this scholarship for journalism. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient
• Be African American/Black, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino or Native American/American Indian
• Be a full-time student at a four-year accredited institution
• Have a GPA of 3.0

3. Reuters-Oxford Journalism Fellowship Program  

Award Amount: NA 
Funded By: The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism  
Deadline: 13 February 2025

One of the best scholarships for journalism is the fellowship program for mid-career journalists to expand their horizons at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. With this fully funded scholarship, recipients get to spend an academic year at Oxford University. At Oxford, students get to work on a project that directly impacts their career, newsroom, and the broader media landscape. This scholarship for journalism students also provides a stipend to cover living and travel costs.   

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have a minimum of five years of experience in journalism
• Fulfill the English language requirement

4. The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism

Award Amount: $15,000 
Funded By: Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism 
Deadline: 31 March 2025 (for Spring) & 6 October 2025 (for Fall)

Next on our list of the best scholarships for journalism majors is the McGraw Fellowship for Business Scholarship. It is offered to experienced journalists with the resources needed to produce high-impact stories about critical issues in business and the global economy. The award of $15,000 supports in-depth, investigative reporting projects. To increase your chances of getting this scholarship for journalism, you will need to present proposals that examine significant business or economic topics. The topics can include investigations into corporate corruption, finance, banking practices, or the impact of business on society. Both freelance and staff journalists can provide their proposals in the form of text, audio, photo, or short-form video.   

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have at least five years of experience in journalism
• Currently working as a reporter/editor in a news organisation

5. Heather Brown Sports Information Scholarship  

Award Amount: $2,000
Funded By: Hodgson and Brown Family  
Deadline: 1 May 2025

This is one of the best sports journalism scholarships that supports students pursuing careers in sports journalism and athletic communications. Named in memory of Heather Brown, this mass communication scholarship demands students to exhibit strong writing skills, knowledge of sports media, and a commitment to ethical journalism. You also need to submit writing samples, recommendation letters, and an essay on your aspirations in sports journalism. Wondering who all can apply? Any high school senior, college freshman, or current undergraduate student studying a sports journalism course can opt for these undergraduate journalism scholarships.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have notable athletic achievements, volunteer, or leadership experience

6. The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship

Award Amount: $5,000 
Funded By: The National Press Club Journalism Institute 
Deadline: 16 March 2025 

To get The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship, one of the best journalism scholarships for international students, one must showcase academic excellence, a strong interest in journalism, and financial need. In addition, one needs to submit samples of their journalistic work, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. It’s a need-based scholarship that covers tuition expenses for students.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a high school senior
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Be a US resident

7. ACES Education Fund Scholarships

Award Amount: $1,500 - $3,500 
Funded By: American Copy Editors Society (ACES)  
Deadline: 15 November 2025

Students who exhibit exceptional skills in news editing and copywriting have high chances of getting these journalism scholarships. The ACES Education Fund awards six scholarships every year. Four recipients each receive $1,500, while the top candidate, designated as the Aubespin Scholar, is awarded $2,500. Five of the scholarships recognise students who excel in critical analysis of written materials across various fields and aspire to become a news editor. There’s also the Bill Walsh Scholarship that awards $3,500 to a student who exhibits outstanding news editing skills.  

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled as a junior, senior, or graduate student
• Not received an ACES scholarship in the past

8. Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: $1,400 
Funded By: American Advertising Federation of New Mexico 
Deadline: 4 June 2025

Another best scholarship for journalism students is the Pam Schneider Memorial Scholarship, named after Pam Schneider, a journalist. Students who showcase strong writing skills and a commitment to reporting social issues are awarded this scholarship. To apply, applicants must submit a personal essay outlining career goals and steps to achieve success in the field, an updated resume, an official transcript, and one reference letter from a current academic teacher or counsellor.

Eligibility Requirements:

• A New Mexico resident enrolled full-time as an undergraduate or graduate student
• Attending a New Mexico four-year non-profit or public educational institution
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Maintain a marketing internship

9. Stanford Chen Internship Grant

Award Amount: $1,500 
Funded By: Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)   
Deadline: 7 April 2025

One of the best scholarships for journalism, it supports photojournalists and multimedia journalists seeking internship opportunities. The scholarship amount covers living expenses during photography or multimedia internships. You also need to demonstrate a financial need to get this grant. This is typically assessed through documents such as family income statements, tax returns, FAFSA, or other financial aid forms. Also, remember that students who are currently interning at small to medium-sized outlets will be given preference. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Enrolled full-time at an accredited community college, junior college, or university
• Must have secured a summer internship
• Have a strong interest in journalism
• Must be an active AAJA member

10. Alliance for Women in Media Scholarships

Award Amount: $3,000
Funded By: Alliance for Women in Media
Deadline: 8 May 2025

Next up is one of the best scholarships for women in journalism. Committed to advancing women’s voices in all aspects of media, these scholarships support female students pursuing careers in radio, television, digital media, and related fields. You can increase your chances of getting these scholarships for journalism by exhibiting academic excellence and potential for leadership in the media industry. Plus, you get access to mentorship opportunities, industry events, and a powerful network of women media professionals. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a female
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited institution
• Pursuing a career in media

Studying journalism can be both exciting and financially challenging. Journalism scholarships provide valuable opportunities to ease the burden and focus on developing one’s skills. You get more than just financial assistance with these journalism scholarships; you also get networking opportunities and career-building experiences. In addition to these scholarships, students can also explore amber scholarships to fund their dreams.