Joan Donaldson CBC News Scholarship

About the Scholarship


joan_bwAfter successfully passing a rigorous interview process, up to eight students are selected from the nine participating universities. Each Donaldson Scholar receives an orientation to CBC News and Centres, training and an intensive four-month paid internship at one or more locations within CBC News and Centres.

Past Donaldson Scholars have contributed to CBC programs such as Canada NowThe NationalNewsworld Today and CBC News Sunday. Winners have tested their abilities in chase production, field production and TV news writing. Many have earned permanent jobs as CBC journalists – on camera and behind-the-scenes.

The application process begins in the fall and applications are submitted directly to your school. Please contact the nomination coordinator at your school.

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Purpose of the Scholarship

Donaldson Scholarships are meant to reward students who have shown:

  • Exceptional academic performance, ability to learn and aptitude for the trade
  • Engagement in the world around them through community participation or travel

Donaldson Scholarships are intended to provide working opportunities for students who have demonstrated:

  • Strong potential for producing journalism marked by intelligent observation, command of facts, understanding of context and clarity of expression
  • Genuine interest in the ideals and practice of public interest journalism at the CBC

Donaldson Scholarships provide the CBC with an opportunity to assess high-potential individuals for future employment.

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Who is Eligible?

Each year, up to eight students are selected from the undergraduate and graduate journalism programs from these Canadian universities and colleges:

  • The School of Journalism University of British Columbia
  • The School of Journalism University of Regina
  • First Nations University of Canada
  • The Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western Ontario
  • The School of Journalism, The School of Radio and Television Arts, Ryerson University
  • School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University
  • Department of Journalism, Concordia University
  • School of Journalism, University of King’s College
  • Journalism Program, St. Thomas University

Recipients of the scholarships must:

  • Demonstrate strong potential for producing journalism marked by intelligent observation, command of facts, understanding of context and clarity of expression
  • Show their engagement with the world around them through activities such as community involvement and travel
  • Have excellent academic performance in their journalistic training
  • Have a desire to work as public interest broadcast journalists after graduation