Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
The 2026 edition of the International News Media Association (INMA) Elevate Scholarship Programme is now accepting applications. This specialised Africa Elevate Scholarship is crafted to empower promising professionals by accelerating their careers through unique opportunities that only INMA can offer.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be currently employed by a news media organisation within Africa.
- Candidates should be under the age of 35.
- Applicants must have less than five years of experience working in the news industry.
- A demonstrated requirement for practical training and further education on the job is essential.
- The programme will admit a maximum of 50 participants to maintain an intimate, focused cohort.
Programme Advantages
Selected applicants will receive comprehensive benefits designed to enhance their professional skills and networks, including:
- Enrollment in two master classes from a global selection, covering areas such as Subscriber Retention, Newsrooms & AI, Subscriber Acquisition, Product & Tech, Digital Advertising, and Young Audiences.
- Participation in two virtual modules centred on Africa and mentorship, focusing on:
- Understanding the business side of media
- Effectively navigating the power structures within the media landscape
- Access to live-streamed virtual sessions along with their recorded versions for flexible learning.
- Exclusive membership in a private WhatsApp group to foster peer discussion and networking.
- Official recognition upon selection into the scholarship programme.
- A certificate awarded after successful completion of two mentoring sessions and two master classes.
- One full year of individual membership with INMA, unlocking further resources and community benefits.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 17, 2026 |
| Announcement of Selected Participants | May 28, 2026 |
| Mentorship Modules |
August 13, 2026: Navigating the Corridors of Power in Media September 17, 2026: Understanding the Business of Media |
| Master Classes (choose two) |
June 4–11, 2026: Subscriber Retention Master Class October 8–15, 2026: Newsrooms & AI Master Class November 5–12, 2026: Subscriber Acquisition Master Class February 2027: Product & Tech Master Class March 2027: Digital Advertising Master Class April 2027: Young Audiences Master Class |
This programme offers a rare opportunity for emerging African news media professionals to gain vital skills, mentorship, and global insights, positioning them to significantly impact their organisations and the wider media environment.
For more detailed information and to submit your application, please Visit the Official Webpage of the International News Media Association (INMA) Elevate Scholarship Programme.
