Aspiring investigative journalists in the UK and Ireland now have a powerful opportunity to gain world-class training, mentorship, and a pathway to paid newsroom experience. Applications are officially open for the CIJ Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme 2026, a prestigious five-month programme designed to support individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who want to break into investigative journalism.
In an exciting development for 2026, graduates of the programme will also be considered for the first-ever CIJ Investigate Europe Lyra McKee Fellowship, offering paid placements with an award-winning cross-border journalism cooperative.
The initiative was created by the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) in memory of Lyra McKee, the courageous Northern Irish investigative journalist who was tragically killed in Derry in April 2019. Her determination to pursue journalism despite personal challenges continues to inspire this programme’s mission: helping talented individuals overcome barriers to entering the field.
About the CIJ Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme
The CIJ Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme is a five-month investigative journalism training programme that equips participants with the skills, mentorship, and editorial exposure needed to succeed in the industry.
Each year, 10–12 participants are selected to join the programme. The scheme provides intensive training in investigative reporting, data journalism, and story development, combined with one-on-one mentorship from experienced journalists.
Participants also gain direct exposure to editors and media professionals, culminating in a pitching session where trainees present story ideas to editors from leading UK and Irish publications.
New in 2026: Paid Investigate Europe Fellowship
For the first time, the programme will lead to a potential paid fellowship with Investigate Europe, an award-winning cross-border journalism cooperative known for impactful investigative reporting.
Following completion of the bursary programme, top graduates may be recommended for the CIJ Investigate Europe Lyra McKee Fellowship.
The fellowship offers:
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One extended paid fellowship placement or two shorter placements
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Part-time remote work alongside professional investigative reporters
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Mentorship from experienced journalists
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Hands-on experience working on real international investigations
This fellowship is funded by the prize money from Investigate Europe’s award-winning 2025 investigation on inequality in access to medicines.
What Participants Will Experience
The bursary programme combines practical training with mentorship and networking opportunities across the investigative journalism field.
Key programme components include:
Investigative Journalism Training
Participants receive cutting-edge training through both in-person and online sessions covering investigative techniques, research methods, and reporting strategies.
CIJ Summer Conference
Trainees attend two full days of intensive training during the CIJ Summer Conference in London, gaining direct exposure to leading investigative journalists.
Mentorship Programme
Participants are paired with experienced mentors and attend regular online mentoring sessions to develop their reporting skills and career strategies.
Data Journalism Course
A specialized online course introduces participants to data analysis and investigative data reporting techniques.
Pitch to the Editors Session
At the end of the programme, trainees present investigative story ideas to working editors from major UK and Irish media outlets, receiving real-time feedback and potential publication opportunities.
Programme Timeline
Participants should expect a structured training schedule throughout the programme:
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Mentoring sessions: Approximately 9–10 online evening sessions from mid-May to late July, and weekly in September 2026
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CIJ Summer Conference: 25–26 June 2026 in London
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Online data journalism course: 30 June and 1 July 2026
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Pitch to the Editors Day: September 2026
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Programme completion: September 2026
After the programme ends, selected graduates may be invited to interview for the Investigate Europe fellowship, with flexible start dates following selection.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary is designed to remove financial barriers for participants. Funding supports:
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Investigative journalism training
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Mentorship and professional development
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Attendance at the CIJ Summer Conference
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Travel and accommodation in London (where required)
The scheme is funded by the Lorana Sullivan Foundation, the family of Lyra McKee, and the Press Council of Ireland.
Career Impact and Success Stories
The CIJ Lyra McKee Bursary has proven to be a powerful launchpad for early-career journalists. Approximately 45 percent of programme graduates have worked in journalism, significantly higher than typical journalism graduate employment rates.
Former participants have gone on to work at major media outlets including:
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BBC
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The Guardian
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The Times
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The Belfast Telegraph
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Deutsche Welle
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Tortoise Media
Several alumni have also received prestigious journalism awards and nominations, highlighting the programme’s impact on investigative reporting careers.
Why You Should Apply
Breaking into journalism can be challenging, particularly for those without financial resources or industry connections. The CIJ Lyra McKee Bursary offers a rare combination of training, mentorship, editorial exposure, and a pathway to paid newsroom experience.
Participants gain:
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Professional investigative journalism training
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Direct mentorship from experienced reporters
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Networking with editors and journalists
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Story pitching opportunities
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Potential paid fellowship placement
For anyone passionate about investigative reporting and social accountability journalism, this programme provides an exceptional entry point into the profession.
Application Deadline
Applications for the CIJ Lyra McKee Bursary Scheme 2026 close on 6 April 2026 at 23:59 (UK time).
Successful applicants will be notified in early May 2026, with the programme starting in mid-May.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the full application guidelines and apply before the deadline.
For more information about this apportunity, click here.
Discover more fellowship opportunities, click here.
