Walkley Opportunity Scholarship for Journalists (Australia)

Funded by Ampol, the Walkley Opportunity Scholarship will provide two aspiring journalists of any age with an opportunity to work in a metropolitan newsroom for a 10-week placement.

Each host newsroom will provide support and guidance, including mentoring from an experienced journalist, to help the winner to:

• Build an understanding of newsroom and production processes
• Publish content based on merit
• Build industry connections

Benefits

• One Scholarship winner will do their placement with the Newcastle Herald in Newcastle, and the other winner will do their placement with SBS in Sydney.
• Each winner will receive a stipend of $10,000 to contribute towards living expenses and accommodation for the duration of the Scholarship.
• The Scholarship winners will also be expected to be available to travel to Sydney for the following activities:
  • 18 October: An awards presentation in Sydney. A return flight to Sydney will be covered by the Walkley Foundation, plus one night accommodation if required.
  • Newsroom Placement: A return flight to Sydney will be covered by the Walkley Foundation. The winner will be responsible for sourcing their own accommodation during the placement.
• Placement dates will be agreed in consultation with each winner and must commence no later than 1 March 2025.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Individuals who have a demonstrated passion and commitment to journalism as a career. This might include having worked in regional, local, or community media in Australia or their home country, early-career freelancing, and periods of relevant work experience.
• Entrants must be: Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia or able to work in Australia on an appropriate work visa.
• Applicants must be available to undertake the 10-week placement within 6 months of winning a Scholarship. The dates will be agreed in consultation with the host newsroom and must commence no later than 1 March 2025.
• This opportunity is intended for individuals who identify as coming from a socio-economically disadvantaged background.
• No employment relationship will exist between the recipient and the host newsroom, or between the recipient and the Walkley Foundation. The scholarship recipient will not be required to fill the position of an employee at their media host organisation. The host newsroom will not pay the recipient during the placement.
• The Scholarship winners will participate in tasks assigned to them by the newsroom where they do their scholarship placement.

For more information, visit The Walkley Foundation.