SAJA 2023 Scholarship Program

SAJA is committed to promoting high-quality journalism. SAJA scholarships assist in helping journalism students meet a portion of their tuition fees and other costs associated with studying at universities in North America.

SAJA is pleased to offer up to $20,000 in 2023 to be distributed among up to 10 students (maximum of $2,000 each). The deadline has passed. Winners will be announced by the end of June.

See instructions on how to apply below.

Questions? Email president@saja.org.

Selection/Eligibility

Undergraduates and graduate students continuing their studies in the fall of 2023 at a university in the U.S. or Canada can apply. Applicants are strongly encouraged to be SAJA members.

All applicants must show proof of enrollment. Applicants must either be of South Asian descent (includes: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and people of South Asian origin from the Caribbean) or demonstrate an interest in covering South Asia and/or the diaspora.

Immediate relatives of SAJA Board members and judges are INELIGIBLE to apply.

Evaluation Procedure

A committee of judges appointed by the SAJA Board will review the student applications and evaluate them based on need, interest in journalism (i.e. related coursework, internships, extracurricular activities, part-time work), written communication skills, interest and enthusiasm in joining the SAJA community, and serious reflection on what the applicant hopes to accomplish as a journalist. Applicants may be interviewed by phone or in-person by a member of the scholarship committee. Winners will be notified by the end of June 2023.

Award process

Recipients are expected to support to SAJA by volunteering at the annual convention or another event during the year. They should commit to promoting SAJA activities and the organization’s membership drive and donation appeals on social media platforms. All recipients of the scholarships must also agree to provide an update on their scholastic endeavors at the conclusion of the academic year. SAJA reserves the right to post these statements or excerpts thereof on the SAJA website and social media platforms to share with the public the impact of our scholarship and awards program.

How to Apply

By May 12, send a PDF document to the SAJA board at SAJAprograms@gmail.com with “SAJA Scholarship” in the subject line.

Include two PDF documents:

The first PDF document MUST include:

• A resume
• A 350-word essay explaining why they are interested in journalism and how they intend to pursue that interest in school (applicants with financial need should clearly and concisely explain the need, and provide supporting documentation)
• A list of all other financial aid they have received or hope to receive
• Proof of enrollment

Applicants may be interviewed by phone or in person by a member of the selection committee.