The HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme is currently open for applications until October 31, 2026 and the Sanskriti, Prabha Dutt Fellowship accepts applications year-round for print journalism projects. Journalism is a profession that demands curiosity, integrity and strong storytelling skills and benefits greatly from structured training, global exposure and access to expert networks.
These scholarships and fellowships offer advanced training, international fellowships, industry mentorship and research opportunities, giving recipients tangible resources to build expertise, expand professional networks and gain a competitive edge in the sector.
Journalism Scholarship – Important Dates
| Journalism Scholarship Name | Date/Timeline |
| Sanskriti – Prabha Dutt Fellowship | Round the year |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme | October 31, 2026 |
Journalism Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
| Journalism Scholarship Name | Journalism Scholarship Eligibility |
| Sanskriti – Prabha Dutt Fellowship | – Indian women aged 25–40 years – Focus on print journalism projects in Hindi, English, or regional languages – Must commit to contributing articles or working on a publishable book/monograph – No concurrent fellowships or projects allowed |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme | – Indian nationals enrolled in recognized colleges/universities in India – Includes journalism students at diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels – Minimum of 55% marks in the previous qualifying examination – Annual family income must not exceed ₹2,50,000 – Preference given to students who have faced a personal or family crisis within the past three years |
| Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship Programme | – Indian nationals enrolled in undergraduate degree programs (e.g., B.A. Journalism) or diploma/polytechnic courses – Minimum of 60% marks in the previous qualifying examination – Annual family income must not exceed ₹2,50,000 – Children of Tata Capital or Buddy4Study employees are ineligible |
| Danish Siddiqui Journalism Scholarship | – Belong to EWS category
– Annual family income below ₹3,50,000 |
| Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship | – Indian citizens with at least two years of work experience in journalism or related fields – Strong academic background and leadership potential – Must return to India after the fellowship – Must have at least seven years’ work experience before applying for the fellowship |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | – Indian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of professional work experience – Must have a minimum of 55% marks in a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) – Strong academic record and demonstrated leadership qualities |
Journalism Scholarship Benefits
| Journalism Scholarship Name | Journalism Scholarship Benefits |
| Sanskriti – Prabha Dutt Fellowship | – A grant of ₹1,00,000, covering travel and research expenses – Disbursed in two installments: at the start and upon project submission |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme | – General undergraduate courses: ₹30,000 – Professional undergraduate courses: ₹50,000 – General postgraduate courses: ₹35,000 – Professional postgraduate courses: ₹75,000 |
| Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship Programme | – Covers up to 80% of tuition fees or a maximum of ₹12,000 (whichever is less) – This is a one-time scholarship |
| Danish Siddiqui Journalism Scholarship | A scholarship of ₹50,000 for one year, with an extension to the second year of study |
| South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) | – Fully funded, covering programme fees, living expenses, and return economy airfare – Access to mentorship, networking, and professional development |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | – Fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance – Includes J-1 visa support and monthly stipend |
Journalism Scholarship Application Process
| Journalism Scholarship Name | Application Process |
| Sanskriti – Prabha Dutt Fellowship | Apply via post to the following address: Sanskriti Foundation C-11, Qutab Institutional Area New Delhi-110 016Or send the complete application with all the required documents through email at – fellowships@sanskritifoundation.org |
| HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme | Apply online via the Buddy4Study portal at buddy4study.com or through hdfcbankecss.com/ |
| Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship Programme | Apply online via the Buddy4Study portal at buddy4study.com |
| Danish Siddiqui Journalism Scholarship | Apply online via the Buddy4Study portal at buddy4study.com or through the official portal at dsfasia.org/scholarships/ |
| Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship | Apply online through the official website at chevening.org/fellowship/sajp/ |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Apply online through the official website at usief.org.in/fulbright-fellowships/fellowships-for-indian-citizen/fulbright-nehru-masters-fellowships/ |
Journalism Scholarship – FAQs
What are the top journalism scholarships available for Indian students in 2026?
Indian students pursuing journalism can access several prestigious scholarships, including the Sanskriti–Prabha Dutt Fellowship for women journalists offering ₹1,00,000 for print projects, the Danish Siddiqui Journalism Scholarship for EWS Master's students, and international opportunities like the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships covering tuition and living expenses in the US. Domestic need-based awards like HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme provide up to ₹75,000 for postgraduate courses, while merit-based ones such as the Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship cover 80% of tuition fees.
What fully funded journalism scholarships are available for Indian students studying internationally?
Fully funded scholarships for Indian journalism students abroad in 2026 include the Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, which cover tuition, airfare, living stipends, and health insurance for master's programs in the US. The Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship offers full funding for mid-career professionals at UK institutions. Additionally, the GREAT Scholarship provides £10,000 toward tuition for postgraduate studies in the UK.
Are there specific scholarships for women in journalism in India?
Yes, the Sanskriti–Prabha Dutt Fellowship is a key opportunity for Indian women journalists aged 25–40, providing ₹1,00,000 over 10 months for print journalism projects in English, Hindi, or regional languages. Other options include the Lila Poonawalla Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship for women in Pune, offering up to ₹50,000 for M.A. Journalism programs.
What merit-based journalism scholarships are available in India?
Merit-based scholarships for journalism in India include the National Scholarship Examination 2026, offering up to ₹30,000 for undergraduates with at least 60% marks, the Aditya Birla Scholarship for high-achieving mass communication students, and the SAJA 2026 Scholarship Program for South Asian journalism students.
What need-based scholarships exist for journalism students in India?
Need-based scholarships like the HDFC Bank Parivartan’s ECSS Programme support journalism students with family incomes below ₹2,50,000, offering ₹30,000–₹75,000 for undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship covers up to 80% of tuition (max ₹12,000) for EWS students in B.A. Journalism or diploma courses. The Danish Siddiqui Journalism Scholarship aids EWS Master's applicants with proven experience.
What international journalism scholarships can Indian students apply for?
What undergraduate journalism scholarships are offered in India?
Undergraduate scholarships include the Tata Capital Pankh Programme, providing up to ₹12,000 for B.A. Journalism students with at least 60% marks and a family income under ₹2,50,000. The HDFC Bank ECSS offers ₹30,000–₹50,000 for diploma or degree courses. The National Scholarship Examination awards partial funding based on merit exams.
Are there scholarships for investigative journalism training in India?
Scholarships for investigative journalism include the Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship, funding UK-based training in ethics and digital tools for mid-career journalists, and the Global Investigative Journalism Network fellowships for specialized workshops. Domestically, the Prabha Dutt Fellowship supports investigative print projects, and the Ramnath Goenka Excellence Awards recognize impactful reporting.