DSF Scholarship
Danish Siddiqui Foundation

Danish Siddiqui
Journalism Scholarship

An annual initiative supporting aspiring journalists at the postgraduate level — grounded in truth, empathy, and integrity.

● Applications open annually. Deadline: March 31

Scholarship Remove financial barriers in journalism education and help students achieve their journalist dreams
Mentorship Guided program to enable students to get career guidance, journalism insights, and learn new skills
Project Complete a project that reflects the essence of journalism, encapsulating your interpretation of the chosen theme
About the Scholarship

An Immersive Scholarship Program

The Danish Siddiqui Journalism Scholarship is an annual initiative of the Danish Siddiqui Foundation aimed at supporting aspiring journalists at the postgraduate level. The scholarship is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical journalism and storytelling grounded in truth, empathy, and integrity.

Recipients are selected based on their academic promise, journalistic potential, and dedication to covering issues that matter. The scholarship provides financial support and access to mentorship opportunities, helping students pursue their education and develop impactful journalism projects.

Through this initiative, the foundation seeks to invest in the next generation of journalists who will uphold the values of responsible and courageous reporting.

What You Get
Yearly Financial Scholarship
Career Planning & Guidance
Mentees from News & Media
Journalism Project
Access to DSF Network
Scholarship Support
Support & Guidance

From start to finish

Professional Guidance
Every Step

For an enriching learning experience, the foundation provides support and professional guidance to each scholar during the duration of the study.

01Yearly financial scholarship to cover tuition and living expenses
02One-on-one career planning and guidance sessions
03Mentorship from working journalists and media professionals
04Journalism project with editorial support from the foundation
Past Scholars

Meet The Recipients

Umaima Khanam

Umaima Khanam

I began my journey in journalism as a young woman from Varanasi with a dream to make a difference. But the realities of newsrooms, gatekept spaces, and the growing challenges of the profession left me questioning my future. I almost gave up, yet journalism never left me. Pursuing a Master's in Mass Communication kept that passion alive. Receiving the Danish Siddiqui Foundation Scholarship was a turning point. It offered not just financial support, but mentorship, validation, and hope. Today, I look forward to continuing my work with the Foundation, especially on the vital issue of journalist safety.

Udisha Srivastava

Udisha Srivastava

Receiving the Danish Siddiqui Foundation Scholarship is an incredible honour and a deeply meaningful milestone in my journey. Knowing how competitive the selection process was makes this recognition even more special. I am sincerely grateful to the selection committee for believing in my work, and to my professors, friends, and family for their constant encouragement and support. I look forward to developing my project under this year's theme, Journalists' Safety, and contributing meaningfully to conversations around protecting those who dedicate their lives to reporting the truth.

Rahat Touhid

Rahat Touhid

Receiving the Danish Siddiqui Foundation Scholarship is a privilege and an honour. It inspires me to contribute towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for journalists. Danish Siddiqui's courage and commitment to fearless reporting continue to motivate aspiring journalists like me. Being selected for this scholarship is not only a recognition of my potential but also a responsibility to carry forward his legacy of truth, integrity, and public interest journalism. I look forward to pursuing meaningful work under the Foundation's guidance and contributing to the ongoing conversation around journalist safety.

Aman Jaiswal

Aman Jaiswal

The Danish Siddiqui Foundation Scholarship has strengthened my commitment to fact-based and data-driven journalism. More than financial support, it serves as a source of motivation, encouraging me to sharpen my journalistic skills and pursue meaningful, public interest reporting. I believe this scholarship will inspire aspiring journalists to uphold the values of truth, integrity, and accountability, using their words, voices, and stories to serve society. I am grateful to be part of a community united by purpose, driven by ideas, and committed to carrying forward Danish Siddiqui's legacy of courageous journalism.

Sakshi Srivastava

Sakshi Srivastava

As an aspiring journalist, I believe stories from the ground have the power to create awareness and inspire change. My goal is to bring unheard voices and overlooked realities into the public conversation. Receiving the Danish Siddiqui Foundation Scholarship has been both an honour and a source of encouragement. Beyond financial support, it is a meaningful recognition of my commitment to ethical and impactful journalism. This scholarship motivates me to continue reporting with empathy, integrity, and courage while strengthening my skills to pursue public interest journalism and contribute meaningfully to society.

Ishan Banerjee

Ishan Banerjee

Receiving the Danish Siddiqui Foundation Scholarship is both an honour and a source of encouragement. As a self-taught street and documentary photographer, I am passionate about telling the stories of everyday people and documenting the realities that often go unseen. Through my work, I strive to capture honest moments with empathy and authenticity. This scholarship strengthens my commitment to the values that Danish Siddiqui embodied, truth, integrity, and courage. It motivates me to continue using visual storytelling to inform, inspire, and contribute meaningfully to public interest journalism.

How to Apply

The Process is Easy

01

Check Eligibility

Students having an active admission offer or pursuing a Master's degree in journalism from a government university.

02

Fill Application Form

A chance to make your application stand out by answering our simple questions about your goals and aspirations.

03

Give Interview

Discussion with the interview panel to help them better understand your career goals and journalistic vision.

You Ask, We Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common queries that will help you while applying for the scholarship program.

Preference will be given to applicants from economically weaker sections (income less than Rs. 3,50,000) who've secured admission in a Masters journalism degree course at a government college.
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial needs. The decision made by the selection panel will be considered final.
The Scholarship is for one (1) year with an extension to the second year of study, as appropriate on a case to case basis, conditional on maintaining satisfactory performance. Maximum duration is two (2) years.
You can send applications once you've secured admission in the college. The submission deadline is March 31 every year.
Yes. You may apply to more than one college simultaneously. However, you should mention this in the application form.
Applications Open Annually

Apply for Scholarship.

Applications open annually. Deadline: March 31