The Kennedy Scholarship with 7News

Scholarship Overview

Are you an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a dream of making an impact in the media industry?

The Kennedy Scholarship with 7NEWS is your chance to kickstart your career with one of Australia’s leading news broadcasters.

Gain hands-on experience, mentorship from top journalists, and a front-row seat to the fast-paced world of news reporting. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journalism journey, apply now and be part of the future of Australian media!

What will the winner receive?

  • 12-week placement with 7News in Sydney

  • Hands-on experience working in all areas of the newsroom

  • A stipend of $12,000 to support living expenses for the duration of the scholarship

Application fee

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this program is completely free to enter.

Key Dates 2025

  • Applications will open on April 1.

  • ***EXTENSION ANNOUNCED*** Applications now close on June 9 at Midnight

  • The winner will formally be announced on August 15 at the 2025 Kennedy Awards Dinner

Submission Material

  • A copy of your current CV in PDF format  

  • A copy of your academic transcript

  • 3 examples of your best work (one must be a video). Your video story can be in the form of a URL linking to the video story or an MP4 uploaded.

  • A one-minute video expressing why you want this opportunity. (can be in the form of a URL link or an MP4 uploaded)  

  • Answers to application questions

  • A high-resolution headshot (approximately 1 MB)

  • Your verifiers details - name, email, position and mobile. This can be a lecturer or supervisor from your university.

When submitting your application, you will also be asked questions regarding the reason for your application and your hopes for this opportunity. Please remember that as a journalism scholarship, spelling and grammar accuracy are paramount. The online application portal allows you to save your progress, enabling you to return to your application at a later time if needed.

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria includes:

  • Undergraduate or postgraduate students will be eligible.

  • A demonstrated passion for journalism.

  • An excellent academic record.

  • Excellent presentation, research and writing skills.

  • Knowledge of and familiarity with Microsoft Office, G Suite and digital publishing programs.

  • The ability to be part of a busy collaborative environment.

  • Work experience or contribution to wider community projects will be viewed favourably. 

Find the full selection criteria here.

Terms and Conditions

  • The applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia.

  • Applicants can be enrolled in journalism or communications studies at an Australian university OR have recently graduated.

  • Applicants may have been in the media industry for a year or less when applying.

  • Recent journalism or communication graduates who do not receive most of their income from journalism may also apply.

  • Proof of enrollment/graduation is required if applicable.

  • Undergraduate or postgraduate students will be eligible.

  • Shortlisted applicants must be available to be interviewed via video call by the judging panel in the week commencing July 14, 2025.

  • The applicant must be available to undertake the 12-week scholarship at a date agreed upon by the participating media house and the Kennedy Foundation.

Read the full terms and conditions here.

How to Apply

Before applying, please click here to review the full Selection Criteria and Terms & Conditions. Your application will be assessed based on these guidelines. Read the FAQ’s here to answer some questions that you might already have.

Once ready, follow the prompts to submit your entry through this online platform. You can save your progress and return to complete the form at any time.

For further questions, contact Anna Magnus, anna@kennedyfoundation.org.au || + 61 423 363 725 or Fenlan Miller, fenlan@kennedyfoundation.org.au || +61 490 335 529

2024 Kennedy Scholarship winner Cara Wood 

The 2024 winner of the Kennedy Foundation Scholarship with Seven has been announced. Cara Wood from the Queensland University of Technology was chosen from the talented field of applicants.

This is what Cara said about her Kennedy Scholarship with Seven had to say after her experience:

“Spending three months in the 7NEWS Sydney newsroom as a Kennedy Scholar was an unforgettable and career-defining experience. As one of Australia’s leading national newsrooms, it offered unmatched exposure across all areas of broadcast journalism.

During my placement, I rotated through key programs including the 12pm, 4pm, and 6pm bulletins, digital, Sunrise, The Morning Show, and Weekend Sunrise. I was fortunate to work behind the scenes, on set, and in the control room. From writing briefs and articles to reporting shifts, shot listing, interviewing, and attending red carpets and press conferences, including with the Premier, the NSW Police Commissioner, the Governor-General, and Navy officials, it was an incredibly immersive experience.

I had the unique opportunity to assist the Chief of Staff on several occasions, helping to coordinate daily content, liaise with crews and journalists, source vision, and contribute to planning. I also worked on Brightside with Grace Fitzgibbon, helped cover major events like Anzac Day, the death of Pope Francis, the federal election, the Royal Easter Show, Australian Fashion Week, and more.

I gained firsthand experience filming PTCs, working with editors, producers and camera crews, and shadowing senior journalists including Hugh Whitfeld, Chris Reason, Amelia Brace, Jennifer Bechwati and Sally Bowrey. The newsroom culture was fast-paced but incredibly supportive, everyone wanted to see me succeed.

I learned that being a TV journalist isn’t just about being on camera, it’s about collaboration, quick thinking, and helping wherever needed. I made lifelong friends, built invaluable professional connections, and walked away with sharper storytelling skills and renewed confidence.

To future scholars: be confident, read the room, and throw yourself into every opportunity. Act like a journalist from day one, your contribution is just as important as anyone else’s.”

2023 Kennedy Scholarship winner Fenlan Miller

The 2023 winner, Fenlan Miller, described his 12 week work experience stint as ,

“Absolutely terrific! Learning in an operational environment over an extended placement achieves what theory in the classroom simply can’t.

Over my three months in Sydney I was not only able to develop myself as a journalist, refine my career goals and get my foot in the door. I truly hope that the program continues to provide aspiring journalists the wonderful opportunity I had going forward”.

The Kennedy Foundation sincerely thanks the NRMA for support of this important initiative.