IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships for MA Students 2026

The Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC) is offering scholarships for MA students interested in feminist investigative journalism. This opportunity allows aspiring journalists to earn an MA in Global Data Journalism (Online) from SOAS, University of London, while working on impactful cross-border investigative projects. The program is designed for individuals passionate about using their lived experiences to inform their journalism, with a particular focus on gender justice.

About the Scholarship

This scholarship is a collaboration between SOAS University of London and the Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC). The MA Global Data Journalism program is delivered online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world. The IJSC brings together journalists, activists, and researchers to work on projects that promote social justice, including gender justice. The scholarships are especially encouraging for individuals from communities that have been historically underrepresented in media, such as women and LGBTQI people in the Global South.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive full tuition fees, valued at £12,000. Beyond financial support, recipients will gain access to valuable professional development opportunities. These include participation in IJSC networking and training events, as well as mentorship and career advice from IJSC associates and advisors. A key component of the scholarship is the chance to work on practical investigative projects that are intended for publication. Past IJSC investigations have garnered significant media attention from outlets like Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and Mail & Guardian, and have led to tangible real-world changes. For example, an IJSC investigation in 2023 revealed that Norway, Denmark, and Sweden were providing funding, through an intermediary, to anti-LGBT groups in Uganda, which contradicted the donors’ own rights commitments. This reporting prompted swift changes in funding practices by these countries.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships, applicants must meet specific academic and application criteria. A minimum of a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree or its international equivalent is required. It is important to note that scholarship awards are contingent upon gaining admission to the SOAS MA program. Therefore, applicants must separately apply for and be accepted into the MA in Global Data Journalism (Online) before they can be considered for the scholarship.

Application Process

The application process involves completing an online form. Within this form, candidates will be asked to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV). Additionally, applicants must answer three essay questions, each between 300 and 400 words. These questions are designed to assess the applicant’s understanding of feminist investigative journalism and their potential to contribute to the field. The questions focus on how the scholarship would enable the applicant to apply their lived experience to impactful journalism, their specific interest in investigative and data journalism for gender justice, and an example of a story they believe could have been improved with a feminist perspective, along with the reasoning behind this belief. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2026.