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John Pilger Scholarship
Applications open 14 May 2026 and close 5pm 28 May 2026.
Awarded to students undertaking a journalism internship in Trimester 2 or 3, 2026
Value
- Cash payment of up to $5000.
Duration
- This scholarship is paid as a one-off payment after the trimester census date in which the internship is undertaken, unless evidence confirms the internship commences before census date.
Am I eligible?
Ensure you meet all criteria before submitting an application. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be:
- a domestic student
- enrolled full time in the second or third year of one of the following degrees:
- A300 or A310 Bachelor of Arts
- A318 Bachelor of Communication
- A331 Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
- D330 Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts
- D337 Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Communication
- D358 Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
- A743 Master of Communication (any year level)
OR
- enrolled in one of the following Journalism internship units in Trimester 2 or 3, 2026 at a news organization:
- AWL203 - Expand Your Experience
- AWL300 - Internship
- AWL301 - Enhance your Experience
- ACC700 - Communication and Creative Arts Internship
- able to demonstrate a passion for independent journalism and/or a deep understanding of journalism as a profession and an agent for societal change.
Selection Criteria
Preference given to students undertaking an internship in a rural or regional area.
Your application will be assessed and ranked based on the information you provide, along with the supporting documentation outlined below.
Deakin alumni discount
If you are successful in receiving an offer for this scholarship and you are eligible for the Deakin alumni discount, you can only hold one. You will be asked to nominate which arrangement you would like to hold. If you do not make a nomination, the Deakin alumni discount will automatically be withdrawn.
Maintain this scholarship
To retain this scholarship, you’ll need to:
- provide an introductory statement about your goals and what it means to receive the scholarship
- submit a completion statement at the end of your internship
- be open to engaging with the donor’s representatives to contribute to a report or story, including photos of your experience, which may be used to promote the program.
About the donor
John Pilger built a remarkable career as a journalist and documentarian defined by his uncompromising commitment to speaking truth to power. Whether covering the Cambodian genocide in Year Zero, where his work helped raise over $45 million for relief, or exposing injustice in Vietnam, East Timor, Burma, the Middle East and for Indigenous Australians, he gave voice to communities and crises too often ignored by mainstream media. Named British Journalist of the Year twice and winner of a BAFTA, an Emmy, the United Nations Media Peace Prize and numerous other international awards, John was fearless in challenging narratives imposed by powerful governments. His life ethos was rooted in empathy, fierce integrity and solidarity with the oppressed. He believed true journalism must disrupt comfortable consensus and uplift those with no platform.
John left a gift in his Will to Deakin University, with the intention of supporting aspiring journalists committed to justice, social truth and amplifying marginalised voices.
Ready to apply?
Register and log in to Deakin's Scholarship Application Portal, then select 'John Pilger Scholarship'.
Numbers of this scholarship are limited; not all eligible applicants will receive one. If you're successful, you'll be notified via email; usually within four weeks of the application closing date. Unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted.
Supporting documents
As part of the application process you're required to upload supporting documentation by the specified closing date. These should be current, relevant and concise.
Supporting documentation required for this scholarship:
- Two examples of practical journalism work (written, video, or audio), each no longer than 1,000 words or three minutes, completed as part of your journalism studies. The work should demonstrate your journalism skills and your understanding of how official decisions, inequality, poverty, or racism impact people’s lives.
Scholarship application portal document type: Domestic scholarships – Evidence of leadership, volunteering or community activities or other achievement.
If your documents are uploaded as the incorrect type they will not be considered when assessing your application. Remember, it's quality, not quantity, you need to provide.
How to write a successful application
Applying for a scholarship isn't just about meeting the eligibility criteria. It’s your opportunity to stand out and be recognised for where you’ve come from and where you want to go.
Missed the application deadline?
This scholarship is yet to be confirmed for any future offerings. Please check back for updates.
