Serena Cremen Farrington

Applications now open for WIN News Broadcast Scholarship

Applications now open for WIN News Broadcast Scholarship

Scholarship offers $10,000 stipend and hands-on newsroom experience

Students with a passion for broadcast journalism are encouraged to apply for the WIN News Broadcast Scholarship, with applications now open through the University of Wollongong (UOW) website. The scholarship offers a $10,000 stipend and a six-week full-time internship inside the WIN News newsroom, giving recipients valuable hands-on experience in a professional broadcast environment.

WIN is Australia’s largest commercial television network, providing entertainment and news services to more than five million viewers across the country. The scholarship is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice in broadcast journalism. It is open to current UOW Bachelor of Communications and Media (Journalism) students.

WIN News National News Director, Stella Lauri said: “WIN has a deep commitment to delivering local news and supporting aspiring journalists keen to have a career in broadcast media. This scholarship gives students the opportunity to work in one of the most exciting regional newsrooms in Australia and really understand the stories that effect local communities.”

In addition to offering work experience to the successful candidate, the scholarship provides the opportunity to appear on live television as a journalist and receive a professional studio reel to add to their portfolio.

The inaugural recipient of the scholarship, Serena Cremen Farrington, said the experience provided a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals. Originally from Canberra, Serena moved to Wollongong to study media and communications and is now in her third year, completing a double major in journalism and marketing.

“I’ve always been inclined to tell stories. As I got older that developed into an interest in politics, current affairs and the world around me. Journalism felt like a natural fit because it combines storytelling with meeting people and understanding the communities around us.”

Serena said the opportunity to work inside a real newsroom had been a wonderful experience.

“I was impressed by the sheer amount of work journalists do,” she said.

“From finding stories and conducting interviews to writing, voicing and meeting tight deadlines, everyone plays multiple roles. Seeing that up close has been incredibly valuable.”

The experience has changed how she views her future career.

“I never really pictured myself in broadcast television before,” she said.

“This scholarship has given me exposure to regional news and the importance of local stories. The voices that don’t always get heard are often the ones that matter most.”

Serena encouraged other students considering a career in journalism to apply for the opportunity.

“You’re never going to know if you don’t try,” she said.

“If you don’t ask, you won’t receive. Even if you’re not sure you’re ready, giving something a go can open doors you didn’t expect.”

Dr Shawn Burns, Lecturer in Journalism, said the scholarship creates valuable opportunities and opens doors for UOW students.

“WIN Television and UOW’s journalism program have shared a strong and successful partnership for many years,” Dr Burns said.

“We are grateful to WIN for their generous support of this scholarship, which gives students like Serena the opportunity to gain meaningful experience inside real newsrooms. It will also help continue a long tradition of our graduates finding their way into WIN newsrooms and building careers in journalism.”

Students aspiring to build a career in journalism or broadcasting can learn more and apply for the WIN Broadcast Scholarship through the University’s scholarships website. Scholarship applications are open now and close 7 June 2026.

Application details here: https://scholarships.uow.edu.au/scholarships/search?scholarship=3421