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: November 12
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.
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.
IWMF One-on-One Safety Consultation – Always Open
The IWMF and its Coalition Against Online Violence partners offer free one-on-one safety consultations for journalists facing threats, online abuse, surveillance, or preparing for reporting trips, providing expert guidance on digital and physical security.
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.
November
The Photography Foundation Trainee Programme – Expected to Open in November
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.
MPIL Journalist in Residence Fellowship 2025 – Expected To Reopen In Autumn
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.
Global Girl Media UK Mentorship Programme – Expected To Reopen In Autumn
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’s worth of training.
Creative Access and ITV Mentoring – Expected To Reopen In Autumn
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.
BAFTA Scotland Games Mentoring Programme – Expected to Reopen in Autumn
The BAFTA Scotland Games Mentoring Programme, in partnership with ScreenSkills, offers support to individuals seeking entry-level positions in the Scottish games sector, focusing on increasing representation of women and underrepresented groups. This includes a mentor induction, five sessions one-to-one with a mentor, a CV workshop and a Games event.
IMF Youth Fellowship Contest – Expected To Reopen In Autumn
This virtual program, organised by the International Monetary Fund, will provide media and video storytelling training to content creators aged 20 to 32. Politico staff will provide the training, which will culminate in a published work.
Creative Access x Lee & Thompson’s Thrive: Freelance Development Programme – Expected To Reopen In Autumn
Freelancers looking for professional development opportunities should consider this program. It lasts for three years and includes access to mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities.
December
Aspiring Professionals Programme — Closes Early December
Provides mentorship to selected applicants and tailored skill sessions, career workshops, internship opportunities, and university application support.
The Andromeda Award – Closes December 18
The award is open to anyone based in the UK or USA who has a full-length science fiction or fantasy novel. Includes mentorship opportunities.
Wonder Woman TV Mentoring Programme 2025 – Closes December 18
This year-long 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. Five free spaces open to women in various production, editorial, and business roles, the initiative builds on the success of previous alumni.
Talking Travel Writing Mentoring Scheme – Expected To Reopen In December
Mentoring scheme for new or aspiring travel writers to help them find a path in the industry.
Training for Good Tarbell Fellowship – Expected to Open in December
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.
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
Investigative Journalism for Europe Freelancer Support Scheme – Expected to Open in January
Support grants of up to €20,000 to cross-border investigative teams predominantly comprised of freelance journalists. In addition to funding, the scheme also provides training, mentoring and networking opportunities.
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 Multitrack Fellowship – Expected to Open in Spring
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.
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.
ENO Response Scheme – Expected To Reopen In Summer 2025
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.
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
Glasgow Film New Talent Mentorship Scheme – Expected To Reopen In June
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 complimentary accreditation for Glasgow Film Festival 2024.
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.
RTS Bursaries – Closed July 31
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.
August
Arts Emergency Mentorship – Expected to Open in August 2025
Free mentoring, advice, guidance and opportunities to help 16-25-year-olds pursue a career in the arts and humanities.
BFI London Film Festival Mentorship Scheme – Closed August 1
Applications are welcome from BAME or underrepresented groups to attend the 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.
Soho Mentorship Brighton: Mentoring for Creatives – Closed 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 – Closed 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.
Earth Journalism Network Virtual Reporting Fellowships – Closed August 15
Two virtual programmes to cover the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Fellows will receive a stipend of US$100 and mentoring and training.
Indie Novella Aspiring Editors Programme – Closed August 15
A remote programme offering experiences and learning opportunities to aspiring editors, including monthly talks and work shadowing.
YoungMinds Writers Programme – Closed August 25
Offering a group of young people with experience of mental health problems the training and support to create change by sharing their stories.
Break The Wall Manchester: Creative Mentoring Program – Closed 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.
September
Journo Resources Fellowship – Closed September 1
A paid mentoring and training programme for those just starting out in their career. Paid £170 per piece published and fellows undergo training from various specialists.
Soho Mentorship Farmhouse Oxford: Mentoring for Creatives – Closed 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.
UAL Storytelling Fellowship – Closed September 5
A six-month scheme for journalists and other creatives to teach them the basics of impact production. A week-long intensive followed by six months of mentoring.
The Green Entrepreneurs Programme – Closed September 8
A programme for entrepreneurs with businesses in Essex, to launch in a greener way. Mentoring across nine-week sprints in key areas, as well as up to £5,000 in funding.
Girls In Marketing Digital Marketing Internship Programme – Closed September 10
This three-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 CVs.
Barbican Young Film Programmers – Closed September 10
For those aged 16–29, offering the skills needs to work collaboratively to create, market, and deliver their Chronic Youth Film Festival.
The Lighthouse Young Creatives – Closed September 12
A six-month programme for young creatives in Brighton and Hove, offering mentorship, creative masterclasses, business sessions, and a £200 budget to kickstart your project.
Penguin General Portfolio Reviews – Closed September 15
An opportunity for those underrepresented in publishing to get their portfolio looked at by a member of the Penguin team and to ask questions.
Poetry Translation UNDERTOW 2024 – Closed September 15
This mentorship scheme will be UK’s first creative scheme promoting multilingual poetry, featuring workshops and mentorship by leading poets. Running in collaboration from Manchester Poetry Library, Sing Lit Station, and The Writing Squad, this scheme is aimed at nurturing polylingual young poets.
WFTV Mentoring Scheme – Closed September 16
For women in film and TV with several years of experience. Get intensive mentoring, seminars and training.
Prime Video Craft Academy – Closed September 18
The new Prime Video Craft Academy delivered by the National Film and Television School has places for 15 people in London, Cardiff, the North and Glasgow on paid traineeships in a craft specialism working on a UK-produced Amazon Original Series or their partners.
Breakthrough Scholarship for Memoir and Narrative Non-Fiction Writers with Low Income – Closed September 22
A funded place on Curtis Brown Creative’s online Writing Memoir & Narrative Non-Fiction course. This opportunity will be allocated to a talented writer with limited financial means (less than £25,000).
Writing on the Wall ReCITE – Closed September 31
The programme seeks to engage residents of Liverpool, Knowsley, and Sefton through the power of storytelling, hoping to improve health outcomes.
October
International News Media Association Elevate Scholarships – Closed October 4
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.
CUNY Fellowships – Closed October 6
Up to US$15,000 for newsroom and freelance journalists worldwide, covering in-depth business and global economy stories.
Breakthrough Young Adult and Children’s Fiction for Writers of Colour – Closed October 6
A fully-funded three-month course with Catherine Johnson, to a talented writer of colour with limited financial means.
The Solutions Journalism Network, European Media Leaders Climate Solutions Fellowship – Closed October 13
The Solutions Journalism Network and the European Journalism Centre invite 12 media leaders to join a 10-month fellowship to transform climate reporting in Europe, offering training, mentorship, and up to €10,000 EU in funding.
Oxford Climate Journalism Network Online Course – Closed October 13
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.
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.
November
CERC Migration Journalism Fellowship – Closed November 1
Journalists interested in learning more about immigration and migration can apply now for the Migration Journalism Fellowship, in which fellows will gain the latest research insights in migration research. Fellows will receive a stipend of $2,950 USD, a travel allowance and more.
Curtis Brown Creative’s Breakthrough Program for Disabled Writers – Closed November 3
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.
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Programme – Closed November 8
Journalists interested in democracy can apply for the Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program, which offers a residency in Washington with a stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses covered.
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
- 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
- The Brooklyn Brothers Night School
- TRC Media Reset