Application Requirements for the BMIA Financial Journalism Training Program
Basic Qualifications:
- Educational Background: You must have a recognized tertiary qualification.
- Work Experience: Several years of work experience are required, preferably in Journalism, Public Relations, Finance, Economics, Development or a related field.
Required Documents:
- Upload your highest academic qualification and your most recent CV/resume.
- Financial journalists: Please upload one recent sample of your best-written, published work.
- Non-financial journalists: Submit a short writing sample on a financial journalism topic and a motivational essay (up to 750 words). Use this essay to express your motivation for joining the BMIA Financial Journalism Training and showcase your interest or expertise in economic analysis and financial journalism, including topics like public policy, transparency, accountability, and financial oversight.
For Broadcast Journalists:
- Submit a detailed script (unfortunately, audio or video clips cannot be processed).
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and basic financial numeracy is essential.
Online Numeracy Test:
All applicants must complete a 40-minute online numeracy test to confirm baseline financial skills. This test, consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions, should take about 20 minutes and is not timed.
The assessment covers key numerical concepts such as addition, subtraction, fractions, percentages, basic financial calculations like compound interest, and interpreting financial graphs. This helps us understand your comfort with numbers before starting the course.
You can prepare using these free resources to prepare in advance for the test:
Program Commitment and Assurance
Attendance: Intake 2 (Ethiopia) will take place from September 2025 to April 2026 (7 study blocks) Attendance for all study blocks is compulsory - please ensure you have the necessary leave or written permission/ commitment from your employer to always attend.
Travel: Program delegates are responsible for their own travel expenses during the program.
Registration Fee: The FJT program, valued over $26,500, is largely funded by scholarships from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, covering tuition, materials, meals, and refreshments. Scholarship recipients are required to pay a $250 registration fee. For registration fee waivers, contact your country’s program manager.
Data Connectivity / Internet Access: You must have a laptop with reliable internet to access course materials and participate in activities through the Moodle E-Learning Portal. Additionally, delegates will receive a 6-month subscription to the Bloomberg Terminal, which requires downloading a 9MB software file.
Disclaimer: By applying, you consent to use of your data by Bloomberg Philanthropies and associated entities for research, monitoring, and evaluation.
Program Details:
- Find more information on study blocks and venues here.
- You can download the BMIA FJT brochure via the following link.
Make sure to have all the required documents ready before starting your application. This is an exciting opportunity to advance your career in financial journalism!