Applications are now open for the INMA Elevate Scholarship Programme 2026. The International News Media Association (INMA) targets early-career news media professionals in Africa. These professionals must be under 35 with less than five years in the industry. The deadline is April 17, 2026. This program aims to boost careers through master classes and mentorship. It offers a unique spark from INMA’s global resources.
INMA designed the Africa Elevate Scholarship to give talented people a leg up. It helps elevate careers in ways few others can.
Key Takeaways
- Applications are open for news media professionals in Africa under age 35 with less than five years of experience.
- The program provides two global master classes, two virtual mentorship modules, and one year of INMA membership.
- Key dates include an April 17, 2026, deadline and master classes from June 2026 to April 2027.
- Visit the official INMA webpage to review requirements, prepare your application, and submit before the deadline.
The Africa Elevate Scholarship programme is specifically designed to provide a leg-up for talented people – to elevate careers with a spark that INMA is uniquely in a position to provide.
This quote from INMA shows their focus on growth. The program builds skills for news media professionals in Africa. Now, let’s look at who can apply.
To qualify, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Employed by a news media organisation in Africa
- Under the age of 35
- Less than 5 years in the news industry
- Show a need for on-the-job training and education
The class caps at 50 applicants. These rules target rising stars among news media professionals.
Selected participants gain valuable perks. Benefits include:
- Registration to two global master classes (choose from: Subscriber Retention, Newsrooms & AI, Subscriber Acquisition, Product & Tech, Digital Advertising, Young Audiences)
- Two Africa-focused virtual mentorship modules: Understanding the business of media; Navigating the corridors of power in media
- Access to livestream virtual modules and recordings
- Private WhatsApp group for peer communications
- Recognition of selection to the programme
- Certification after verified completion of two mentoring sessions and two master classes
- One year of INMA individual membership
These perks help build networks and skills fast.
Key dates to note:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Deadline to apply | April 17, 2026 |
| Class participants announced | May 28, 2026 |
| Mentorship modules | August 13: Navigating the corridors of power in media September 17: Understanding the business of media |
| Master classes (pick 2) | June 4-11: Subscriber Retention Master Class October 8-15: Newsrooms & AI Master Class November 5-12: Subscriber Acquisition Master Class February 2027: Product & Tech Master Class March 2027: Digital Advertising Master Class April 2027: Young Audiences Master Class |
Mark these on your calendar to stay on track.
How to apply:
- Visit the official INMA Elevate Scholarship webpage.
- Review full details and requirements.
- Prepare your application to show need for training.
- Submit by April 17, 2026.
Use this checklist to prepare:
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Employed in African news org? | ☐ |
| Age under 35? | ☐ |
| Less than 5 years experience? | ☐ |
| Need for training shown? | ☐ |
Check off each item before you submit.
Selection follows the requirements. The cap at 50 spots means competition. Full details on criteria come from the official page. No participant stories are available yet. Still, the INMA Elevate Scholarship Programme 2026 promises real career growth. It fits those under the age of 35 with news industry less than 5 years experience. Head there for more on how they pick winners.
The INMA Elevate Scholarship Programme 2026 offers early-career news professionals in Africa a chance to build skills and networks through master classes and mentorship. With benefits like free access to global sessions and one year of membership, it’s a great boost for those under 35 with less than five years in the industry. Check if you qualify and apply by April 17, 2026, at the official INMA page to take your career to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the INMA Elevate Scholarship 2026?
You must work for a news media organization in Africa, be under 35 years old, have less than five years in the industry, and show a need for training.
What benefits do selected participants get?
Participants receive access to two master classes, two Africa-focused mentorship modules, recordings, a private WhatsApp group, certification, and one year of INMA membership.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is April 17, 2026, with participants announced on May 28, 2026.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Go to the official INMA Elevate Scholarship webpage, check the full details, prepare your application showing your training needs, and submit by the deadline.
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