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.
Applications will close on June 1 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.
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.
Cara will undergo an immersive twelve-week beginning in March 2025 work experience program across all aspects of Seven’s journalism platforms .
Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief Anthony De Ceglie said,
“This new scholarship program highlights our commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers. In a climate where truthful reporting is more important than ever, providing a supportive training ground for young broadcasters ensures the future of credible and independent journalism. We’re dedicated to developing talent, inspiring diversity, and empowering the young voices of tomorrow."
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”.
