What is the The Guardian training contract application process?

The Guardian's own careers pages describe 5 stages: Application, then First stage interview, then Written task, then Final interview, then Offer.

The Guardian early careers: how to get in

Last checked 2026-10-03 against The Guardian's own careers pages. Every stage below links to where it was read. GoRizzume is independent and not affiliated with The Guardian. How we check

At a glance

Scott Trust Bursarytraining contract
No published deadlineVisa sponsorship: Not published5 stages

How The Guardian recruits

Not stated (evergreen FAQ; applications are for the coming academic year). 5 stages, from The Guardian's own careers pages, checked 2026-10-03. Test providers are named only where The Guardian names them.

Application
Application form
Online application listing preferred university courses, with three pieces of work (articles, videos or podcasts). It doubles as the university application.
“All applicants must submit three pieces of work for consideration published or unpublished.”
Source
First stage interview
Other stage
A first-stage interview conducted virtually.
“Candidates will be invited to a first stage interview which will be conducted virtually.”
Source
Written task
Written exercise
A written task completed virtually at a convenient time, at least a week before the final interview.
“Ahead of your second interview you will be asked to submit a written task, completed at a time convenient to the applicant, and is conducted virtually, at least a week before your interview.”
Source
Final interview
Final interview
Final interview, ideally in person, with a Guardian Foundation representative, a Guardian journalist and the university course leader.
“If you successfully pass this interview, you will be invited to attend an in person (ideally) or online final interview by a Guardian Foundation representative, a Guardian journalist, and the course leader from the university you selected in your application.”
Source
Offer
Offer
Outcome usually within a week of the final interview; offers are confirmed after reference checks.
“If you are successful, the offer will be confirmed upon successful reference checks.”
Source

Visa sponsorship

Scott Trust Bursary
The Guardian's bursary funds a journalism MA plus a paid traineeship, but the programme page says nothing about visa sponsorship.
“the opportunity to take part in a 9 month fixed term traineeship”

The Guardian on the Home Office sponsor register

This is general information, not immigration advice. Check gov.uk and the employer's own FAQ before you apply: rules change.

Common questions

What is the The Guardian training contract application process?: The Guardian's own careers pages describe 5 stages: Application, then First stage interview, then Written task, then Final interview, then Offer.

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UCL
BPP University
King's College London
University of Leeds
University of London
Kingston University
Northumbria University
University of Bath
University of Manchester
Bangor University
Birmingham City University
Bournemouth University
Comsats University Islamabad
Durham University
Glasgow Caledonian University
LSE
Nottingham Trent University
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GoRizzume is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by The Guardian. Names are used only to identify The Guardian's recruitment process. Practice in GoRizzume is original material written in the style of common assessment formats, not the employer's or provider's actual tests. Processes change, so always check The Guardian's official careers site before applying.

Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we check this data.