IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships for MA Students 2026

The Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC) is offering scholarships for aspiring feminist investigative journalists to pursue an MA in Global Data Journalism (Online) at SOAS, University of London. This program, developed in partnership with IJSC, aims to support journalists, activists, and researchers working on cross-border investigative projects that promote social justice, with a particular focus on gender justice. The scholarships are designed for students who wish to study remotely and are passionate about using their lived experiences to inform impactful journalism. Individuals from communities historically underrepresented in the media, including women and LGBTQI people in the Global South, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Benefits

The IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships cover 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, where they can connect with peers and industry professionals. Furthermore, scholars will receive mentorship and career advice from IJSC associates and advisors, helping them navigate their journalistic paths. A key component of the program involves working on practical, impactful projects that are intended for publication. Past IJSC investigations have garnered significant attention from global media outlets such as Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and Mail & Guardian, leading to tangible real-world changes. For example, an IJSC investigation in 2023 revealed that Norway, Denmark, and Sweden were funding anti-LGBT groups in Uganda through an intermediary, which contradicted the donors’ stated rights commitments, prompting swift changes in funding practices.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships, applicants must meet specific academic and program entry criteria. A minimum of a 2:2 UK undergraduate degree or its international equivalent is required. It is important to note that scholarship applications are separate from the SOAS MA program application. Applicants must independently apply for and be accepted into the SOAS MA in Global Data Journalism (Online) program. The awarding of the scholarship is contingent upon successful admission to the master’s program. Therefore, prospective candidates should ensure they meet the entry requirements for the SOAS MA and submit their applications for both the program and the scholarship by the respective deadlines.

Application Process

The application process for the IJSC Feminist Investigative Journalism Scholarships involves completing an online form. This form will require candidates 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 passion, experience, and vision for feminist investigative journalism. 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.