Since its inception in 1995, more than $1.25 million dollars has been awarded to 750+ 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.
Applications Cycle
Application opens
February 10, 2022
Application closes
April 13, 2022
Earliest notification
July 2022
Earliest announcement
September 2022
Eligibility
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
AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships do not support: industrial design, interior design, film, architecture, landscape design, theater design, fashion design, costume design, fine art, etc.
Please keep in mind that decisions are made based on how your work compares to students in your category (graphic design, illustration, photography). If your major/area of study can be clearly considered within one of these three categories, you may proceed with the application.
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 2022/Spring 2023 academic year and must maintain full-time status for the entire year.
Please read the Application Guide and FAQs for more information.
Application Requirements
Financial need and talent are primary factors in the review and selection process. Applicants must also provide:
- Complete financial aid information with confirmation from the school’s financial aid officer. Get ready now! Free Application for Federal Student Aid: FAFSA
- Official transcript, including current GPA from most recently attended college or high school transcript
- A Portfolio of work samples and a written statement of purpose is required to demonstrate talent and commitment to giving back to the community.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant and the applicant’s work—teachers, employers, counselors, etc.
- Though not a requirement, diversity is a significant factor considered in jury decisions. AIGA considers race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability, age, and other factors (e.g., military service) that shape creative perspective and professional experience when reviewing applications.
