WD2026 Media Scholarships for journalists in Australia

If you’re a journalist, photojournalist, podcaster, or content creator covering gender, health, climate, or human-rights issues, the WD2026 Media Scholarships are a game-changer. Women Deliver is offering funded places so media professionals who otherwise couldn’t attend can report from the global WD2026 conference in Narrm (Melbourne), Australia.

This article breaks the scholarship down who can apply, what’s covered, exact deadlines, and step-by-step tips to help your application shine. Read on and get practical advice so you can tell stories that matter.

Overview – What are the WD2026 Media Scholarships?

Women Deliver’s WD2026 Scholarships fund journalists and content creators to attend the Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026), running 27–30 April 2026 in Narrm (Melbourne), Australia. The scholarships prioritise reporters covering gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), climate justice, First Nations issues, and the Oceanic Pacific region.

Though not a university program, the conference takes place in Melbourne a city with major universities such as the University of Melbourne providing a rich context for reporting and networking. For clarity in your materials, list University Name: University of Melbourne (context only), Country: Australia, Degree Level: N/A (professional conference / media accreditation), and Program Duration: 27–30 April 2026 (conference dates).

Eligibility Criteria (Who can apply?)

Women Deliver lists a broad set of media roles that qualify. Key eligibility points (adapt these exactly when applying):

• Working media professionals worldwide:
  • Reporters, editors, producers, anchors/presenters.
  • Photojournalists, videographers, broadcast teams.
  • Podcast/radio journalists and newsroom social/visual teams.
  • Freelancers (with a commissioning/assignment letter).
  • Content creators producing independent, factual coverage on social issues.
• Priority will be given to:
  • Journalists/creators focused on gender equality, health, human rights, climate justice, or Oceanic Pacific topics.
  • First Nations / Indigenous journalists and creators.
  • LGBTQIA+ people, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons/refugees, and those from under-resourced communities.
  • Early-career journalists and those who haven’t previously received a Women Deliver Conference Scholarship.

Also Check: MBZUAI UAE Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded AI Masters & PhDs

Coverage / Benefits – What the funding includes

If awarded, you can expect comprehensive support:

• Full WD2026 conference registration.
• Hotel accommodation (26–30 April 2026).
• Roundtrip economy airfare.
• Visa fees and related costs.
• Per diems to cover local transport and daily meals.
• Travel insurance.

These components mean the scholarship is a full travel and reporting package ideal if your outlet lacks travel funds or you’re freelancing.

Host Country & University Info

Host city & country: Narrm (Melbourne), Australia an international media and cultural hub. WD2026 centers feminist and First Nations leadership from the Oceanic Pacific, making the location vital for related reportage.

University context (useful for reporters):

• University Name (context): University of Melbourne — a leading research university in the host city; useful to reference when discussing higher-education or research perspectives in your reporting.
• Degree Level & Program Duration: Not applicable to the scholarship itself (this is a conference attendance scholarship rather than a degree). Use conference dates (27–30 April 2026) as the program duration.

Application Process Step-by-step

Follow these steps precisely to avoid errors:

1. Prepare proof of media work recent published/broadcast clips, links to stories, portfolio, or a commissioning/assignment letter (for freelancers).
2. Complete the online application via the Women Deliver/Arinex application portal (use the official form linked on the WD2026 site).
3. Write a focused pitch explaining:
   • What you plan to cover at WD2026.
   • Why your coverage matters to your audience/outlet.
   • How the scholarship will enable reporting you otherwise couldn’t do.
4. Upload supporting documents ID, outlet letter (if required), CV, portfolio links.
5. Submit before the deadline (see below).
6. If approved: expect notification by November 2025 and follow any pre-event briefing instructions (virtual briefings may be required).

Also Read: Leiden University Mandela Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded

Important Deadlines

• Applications open: 15 September 2025.
• Applications close: 15 October 2025. (Final do not miss it.)
• Conference dates: 27–30 April 2026 (hotel nights covered 26–30 April).
• Notification of successful applicants: by November 2025.

Tips for Applicants – How to stand out

• Lead with relevance: Explain clearly how your work connects to WD2026 themes gender equality, SRHR, climate justice, or Oceanic Pacific priorities.
• Show impact: Include measurable examples (reach, engagement, unique angles) and explain how your WD2026 coverage will reach new audiences.
• Provide commissioning proof if freelance: A commissioning letter or email significantly strengthens freelance applications.
• Be concrete in your pitch: Name sessions, speakers, or themes you’ll cover and why they matter to your outlet/audience.
• Address accessibility & logistics upfront: If you have accessibility needs, mention them early WD2026 has accessibility commitments.
• Follow submission rules: Attach all proofdocs and keep your answers concise and professional.

Also Available: Fully Funded Asia Pacific University ADB Scholarship 2026

Conclusion

The WD2026 Media Scholarships are a rare, fully funded opportunity for journalists and content creators who report on critical global issues. If your beat connects to gender, health, climate, or the Oceanic Pacific, prepare a strong, targeted application and submit by 15 October 2025. Share this chance with colleagues great reporting starts with being there.

You’ve got the stories – this scholarship can give you the platform. Apply and amplify voices that must be heard.

FAQ