CNN Academy Training Program 2025 For Developing Countries

CNN Academy Training Program 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to equip aspiring journalists and storytellers from the Global South with cutting-edge skills in digital storytelling and mobile journalism. Hosted in Abu Dhabi, this intensive program connects participants with CNN’s top media professionals, offering real-world experience, hands-on workshops, and mentorship that empower individuals to create stories with global impact.

The 2025 CNN Academy Training goes beyond traditional learning by focusing on practical training, innovation, and professional development. Participants will learn how to craft compelling narratives using modern tools and techniques, preparing them to drive social change through powerful storytelling. In this post, we cover everything you need to know—from eligibility requirements and program benefits to the full application process—so you can take the first step toward a transformative media career.

Training Summary

• Host Location: BBC Academy, UAE
• Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
• No IELTS Required 
• Deadline: 23 June 2025

Eligibility Requirements for CNN Academy Training Program 2025

To be considered for the CNN Academy Training Program, you must:

• Reside and work in a country located in the Global South, which includes any developing country in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
• Identify as a content creator, journalist, or storyteller in the early stages of their career.
• Have a portfolio of relevant work
• Possess strong communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrate a commitment to actively participating in the entire training program and applying the acquired skills to their reporting projects.
• Be able and willing to travel to Abu Dhabi for the CNN Academy Simulation in November 2025

Program Structure

Phase One: Virtual Training: From July to October 1st, 2025

The first phase of the program is delivered entirely online through the CNN Academy Hub. During this phase, participants will engage in a series of courses designed to enhance their storytelling skills and deepen their understanding of global issues, particularly those affecting the Global South. 

Phase Two: In-Person Training and Simulation: November 2025, Abu Dhabi

Phase Two begins with hands-on training in Abu Dhabi, where participants will focus on mobile journalism techniques and storytelling practices, learning from CNN Academy’s expert trainers. 

They will then participate in the 2025 CNN Academy Simulation, which will centre on global health reporting. This high-pressure, real-world simulation will provide participants with the opportunity to apply their skills in a dynamic news environment while producing impactful stories.

How to Apply for the CNN Academy Training Program (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re interested in joining the CNN Academy Training Program, follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the Program Webpage
   Click the button below to access the official CNN Academy program page and begin your application process.
2. Phase One: Initial Application
   Submit a brief application confirming your eligibility. This includes details about your background and a short statement on why you’re an ideal candidate for the program.
   Successful applicants will gain access to the virtual training modules, where you’ll work toward earning a certificate of completion.
3. Phase Two: Advanced Selection
   If selected to proceed, you’ll be required to provide:
   • Samples of your previous journalistic or storytelling work
   • Proof of your origin from a country in the Global South (including regions in Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean)
4. Pitch Submission
   Upon completing the required virtual courses, you’ll be asked to submit a story pitch. This pitch should:
   • Address a global issue relevant to the Global South
   • Show a clear understanding of the topic
   • Be feasible for on-the-ground production using the skills acquired during the program
5. Final Project & Deadline
   After the in-person simulation phase, you’ll return to your home country to produce your final story.
   The deadline to submit your completed project is January 31, 2026.

Showcase Opportunity

A select number of outstanding stories will be featured on CNN’s global linear and digital platforms, giving participants the chance to present their work to an international audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The CNN Academy’s 2025 program offers emerging journalists from the Global South comprehensive training in storytelling and health reporting, combining online courses and in-person simulations, with opportunities for global exposure through CNN platforms.