AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships Accepting Applications

Since its inception in 1995, more than one million dollars has been awarded to 700+ college students of art and design. Apply now!

AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships benefit underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students who are studying photography, illustration, and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships are awarded annually to encourage social and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness in the next generation of artists and designers.

Our primary aims are to increase diversity in the creative professions, and to foster social and environmental responsibility in the artists, designers, and studios of tomorrow. Scholarship recipients are selected not only for their talent and their need, but also for their demonstrated commitment to giving back to the larger community through their work. Each scholarship is paid directly to the recipient’s school and applied toward tuition.

The application period for the 2019/2020 academic school year is now open. Deadline is April 15, 2020. Click here to access the application portal and apply.

Students will be notified of award status in late-July. Awards will be announced in late-August/early-September. Keep an eye on this page or follow @AIGAdesign for updates.

Instructional Guide

This is your go-to guide containing all you need to know about eligibility, the application and portfolio requirements, selection and notification process, required financial documentation, and more.

Exceptions to eligibility requirements or to the deadline will not be made. Please be sure to read the application instructions in full.

Basic scholarships are awarded in amounts of $2,000–$3,000. One or two top awards may be given in an amount up to $5,000 at the jury’s discretion. Honorable mention prizes in the amount of $500 cash are also awarded. Recipients will receive a one-year AIGA membership.

Eligibility

Educational Requirements
Students must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
Applicants must be pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in one of the following disciplines:

Graphic design
Illustration
Photography

*Note: Apply in the category that best matches your major.

Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must be citizens of the United States or be in possession of a Green Card (formally known as a Permanent Resident Card or Form I-551).

Applicants must be matriculated (or planning to matriculate) at accredited colleges and universities in the United States for the Fall 2020/Spring 2021 academic year and must maintain full-time status for the entire year.

Additional Criteria
Scholarships are only awarded to students who are in financial need; applicants must, therefore, provide complete financial aid information on the scholarship form and have the form signed by a financial aid officer.

Though not a requirement, racial-ethnic minority status is a significant factor considered in jury decisions.