The RAS Foundation (RASF) helps to support the development of sustainable and resilient regional and rural communities by promoting individual and community growth via educational scholarships and community grants. One such scholarship is the JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications.
Purpose: To encourage students of courses relevant to journalism, media and communications to pursue a career in rural and regional journalism/communications upon graduation.
Value: The Award includes a $12,500 scholarship in the 2027 academic year, plus a suite of internships providing practical work experience, including:
- Australian Community Media at The Land Newspaper
- ABC Landline in the Brisbane newsroom
- The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Media Team at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
Eligibility Guidelines:
- Applicants must be enrolled to study in any undergraduate or postgraduate courses of relevance at an approved Australian education provider including universities, colleges and education providers such as the Australian Film Television and Radio School.
- Applicants must demonstrate an active interest in rural and regional affairs and in pursuing a career in journalism/communications/media upon graduation.
- Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Applicants must be aged 30 years or under.
How to apply:
Submit a written article, blog post, video or audio report of up to 600 words on a topic of your choice. Your piece needs to be of publication standard and may have been published or broadcast previously. Please include a word count.
Shortlisted applicants will proceed to stage two and invited to submit a final piece on a nominated topic to proceed to the interview stage.
Selection will be based on:
- Proven interest in rural and regional issues.
- Commitment to pursuing a career in rural and regional journalism/communications.
- Academic merit.
Applications open: Wednesday 1 July 2026
Stage 1 applications close: Sunday 16 August 2026
Stage 2 applications close: early October 2026
Successful finalists interviewed: November 2026
Successful applicant notified: November 2026
Scholarship funds Awarded: March 2027
Further information: Contact Emma Clancey, Program Manager - Scholarships & Grants, RAS Foundation on (02) 9704 1234 or via email eclancey@rasnsw.com.au
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