The JREF Scholarship
JREF aims to support people whose lives were disrupted due to their own or a close relative's service to news organizations in their home countries as a journalist or support staff. The organization offers educational scholarships for both in journalism and other fields of study to those who had to leave their home countries because of war, violence or oppression.
​
Scholarships are awarded for:
-
English courses and college pathway programs
-
Undergraduate and graduate degrees
-
Career-related certificate, diploma and license programs
-
Advanced professional degrees
The application is opened twice a year to applicants for the fall semester and spring semester.
Eligibility
-
People living in the United States or Canada whose lives were disrupted because of their service, or the service of a close relative, to news organizations in their home countries, which required them to leave their country.
-
Applicants demonstrate a financial need by showing that their expected family contribution is less than the full cost of attending their selected program of study. The expected family contribution is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the student’s college or university.
-
Applicants must have applied for a program and been accepted or are awaiting their acceptance.
-
JREF recipients who continue in a multi-year degree or a certificate program and remain in good standing academically can apply to renew their scholarships for subsequent semesters.
About the Scholarships
Scholarship Types
JREF provides scholarships to students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, pre-college and English courses, vocational and certification programs. Scholarships may be awarded for both part-time and full-time enrollment.
Scholarship Amount
JREF provides scholarships funding for one academic year (two semesters). The size of awarded scholarships varies, depending on the student’s need. Where possible, the scholarships will fund the gap between the total cost of attending an education program and the expected family contribution after considering any other scholarships the student has received. Total cost includes tuition, books, supplies, room and board, travel and other university fees. We expect students to maintain a minimum 2.7 grade point average while in college. If students are struggling, they should contact JREF and explain in writing why their GPA will be lower. We have the discretion to take the circumstances into consideration, provide resources for assistance when possible and decide if we will renew the scholarship or not.
Costs Covered
The scholarships are used to cover some or all of the costs of tuition, housing, fees, books and other education-related expenses. Scholarships for the cost of childcare for parents may also be requested.
Selection Process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 winter and spring semesters.
​
​Applicants must complete Part One of the online application by Sept. 30 to be considered.
Students will be evaluated based on the criteria specified below. Some applicants will be selected for an interview.
All applicants will be notified by Nov. 15 of their application status.
The application includes multiple essay questions and requires applicants to provide two letters of recommendation, English scores, an updated CV, transcripts and available test scores.
Selection Criteria
Academic Skills & Performance
1. Academic performance: The applicant demonstrates proficiency in academic areas. 2. Ability to think and articulate: The applicant demonstrates ability in self-expression and critical thinking. The applicant articulates what they want to study, how they became inspired to do so and their long-term educational goals. 3. Educational preparation: The applicant’s previous skills are sufficient to help them be successful in the selected area of study (whether that be non-degree, degree, licensed or certificate program) based on previously acquired education and experiences, or is eligible for programs we partner with.
Character
1. Personal skills: The applicant demonstrates strong personal skills in emotional maturity, perseverance and/or creativity. 2. Empathy: The applicant demonstrates the ability to understand and share the feelings of others at home, in school or in the community. 3. Personal values: The applicant shows resilience, compassion, curiosity, responsibility, cooperation, kindness, imagination and respect.
Service, Community Engagement, Leadership
1. Service: The applicant demonstrates service to others and/or the planet. 2. Community engagement: The applicant actively engages in the community through employment, cultural events, arts, sports, clubs or organizations. 3. Leadership: The applicant shows the ability to lead others and implement change in their schools and community.
Background
1. Connection to Journalism: The applicant worked for a news organization in their home country or has a direct relative who worked for one and that service is the reason why the applicant fled their home country. 2. Risk in the country of origin: The applicant would be at risk if they remained in their country of origin because of their (or family member’s) work association with a news organization. 3. Identity: Preference is given to Black, indigenous and people of color, as well as to oppressed groups in the country of origin.