International Student Funding - Sports Journalism

Hi there!

My name is Anitha Madikizela and I am a sports-loving young woman who is heavily involved in the cricket community. I work at a Cricket Club in Centurion, I'm part of the Northerns Cricket Union based at SuperSport Park and I work part-time for Cricket South Africa as a Level B cricket scorer.

I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to see behind the scenes of sports productions, as well as be present during major sporting events that have taken place at SuperSport Park in Centurion, and it was at these moments that I realised that I want to become a sports journalist. I researched the profession and spoke with various members of the sports media that I have met during my time working in cricket and, as a result, have applied and been accepted to study BA (Hons) Sport Journalism at the University of Bedfordshire last year.

I, unfortunately, couldn't accept the offer at the time due to several family issues. And as a result of my mother's retrenchment from her job, I was unable to apply for a study abroad student loan due to not having someone to serve as a signatory. I have since requested the University to revise my offer and they agreed to accept me for the 2018/19 academic year in order to give me time to raise the appropriate funding.

I have since been looking for study abroad bursaries but I have only encountered those for post-graduate students or subject/university-specific bursaries. I have contacted various media houses in South Africa as well as various sports broadcasting powerhouses but unfortunately, have not received any positive feedback up until now.

With the new UK academic year fast approaching, I am still seeking assistance with financing my studies and I am turning to the greater good in the universe. I hope you will join me on my journey and help raise the money I need for tuition and accommodation for the upcoming year. Help me realise my dream of becoming a sports-journalist by contributing whatever you can, I would appreciate any assistance or advise you can offer.