For aspiring graphic designers and artists, the cost of higher education can seem daunting. However, there are many scholarships available specifically for students pursuing creative careers in visual arts, including graphic design, illustration, painting, photography, and more. This article explores over 30 amazing scholarships for graphic design and art students.
Why Scholarships Matter for Art Students?
Degree programs in the visual arts, while extremely rewarding, are also very expensive. Art supplies, software, hardware, printing materials and more can add up, making art school tuition quite high. This is why scholarships are so critical for low-income aspiring artists. Scholarships help art students pay for supplies and living expenses while in school, alleviating financial stress.
The good news is there are many generous organizations that want to nurture emerging artistic talent. Major art schools, non-profits, corporations and more offer fantastic graphic design and art scholarships every year.
Top Graphic Design & Art Scholarships
Here are some of the best graphic design and art scholarships for high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students.
1. Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships
Award: Up to $5,000
Deadline: April
The Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships fund underrepresented minority and economically disadvantaged students who are studying art and design. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA and display financial need. Both high school seniors and college students are encouraged to apply.
2. Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship
Award: $3,000
Deadline: April
The CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship is open to African American students specializing in visual arts at the undergraduate or graduate level. Applicants must attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and demonstrate financial need. Academic merit is also considered.
3. Adobe Design Circle Scholarship
Award: $1,000 – $5,000
Deadline: November
The Adobe Design Circle Scholarship offers financial assistance to high school seniors and college students from underrepresented communities who want to explore careers in design. Applicants must have at least a 2.7 GPA and show leadership ability.
4. AIGA Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Award: Various awards and scholarships
Deadline: Varies by region
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards gives more than $35 million in scholarships every year to creative teens and college students, including winners of the prestigious National Portfolio Gold Medal. Students in grades 7 through 12 should contact their region’s affiliate to learn how to apply.
5. American Advertising Federation NM Scholarship Fund
Award: Up to $1,400
Deadline: July
The AAF-NM Scholarship Fund aims to assist New Mexico college juniors, seniors and graduate students pursuing advertising, graphic design or fine arts degrees. There is no GPA or standardized test minimum, making this an accessible source of art funding for working students.
6. Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation Scholarships
Award: Up to $5,000
Deadline: March
The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation offers numerous merit-based scholarships for talented students interested in graphic communications and printing careers. Funding is open to qualifying high school graduates up to graduate students pursuing any program level.
7. Lynn Craig Memorial Prize for Visual Arts
Award: $3,000
Deadline: Ongoing
The Lynn Craig Memorial Prize gives grants to undergraduate and graduate African American students enrolled in visual arts programs at select Texas colleges and universities. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need.
8. AIGA Austin Scholarship
Award: $2,500
Deadline: April
The AIGA Austin Scholarship supports talented undergraduate or graduate students studying graphic design or a visual art discipline in the Austin, Texas area. Applicants must currently attend or plan to attend a Texas art, design or visual arts school.
9. Krylon Clear Choice Art Scholarship
Award: $1,000
Deadline: March
Open to high school seniors, the Krylon Clear Choice Art Scholarship aims to recognize future visual art talents who demonstrate creativity with spray paint. All mediums are accepted for art submissions.
10. Women’s Studio Workshop Internship & Art Grants
Award: Varies
Deadline: November; March
Women’s Studio Workshop offers paid internships, project grants up to $1,000 and residency grants up to $350 to both emerging and established female artists exploring any visual arts medium. Undergraduate students and graduate students may apply.
As you can see, creative careers have many unique funding opportunities in the form of graphic design and art scholarships at every degree level. Keep reading for more advice on navigating the art scholarship process.
Graphic Design & Art Scholarship Application Tips
Here are some quick tips on applying for and winning graphic design scholarships and art scholarships for college:
Showcase your best work: Submit compelling samples that demonstrate your mastery of design fundamentals, composition, color and more. Include graphic design sketches too.
Polish your portfolio: A sloppy portfolio prevents visual artists from winning scholarships. Neatly showcase 6-15 images/projects.
Draft an inspiring essay: Share how winning a scholarship would empower your artistic journey and future aspirations.
Apply early: Don’t wait until the deadline. Submit apps ASAP to beat the rush.
Ask for letters of rec: Include enthusiastic recommendations from teachers discussing your talents.
Research thoroughly: Find all relevant graphic design and art scholarships you qualify for.
Follow instructions: Carefully adhere to all guidelines or risk instant disqualification.
With some diligence and planning, art students can win generous scholarships to pay for design and fine arts education. Continue reading for additional notable opportunities.
More Amazing Scholarships for Artists
Beyond the scholarships already covered, here are over 20 more great funding sources to explore:
Pantone Color of the Year Scholarship: Up to $10,000 for using the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year (Viva Magenta) as inspiration in original artwork. Open to high school and college students.
Doodle for Google Scholarship: $30,000 college scholarship for the best Google doodle artwork representing the yearly theme, as voted by the public.
Foundation for Contemporary Art Grants: Unrestricted grants between $2,000-$10,000 for emerging contemporary visual and multidisciplinary artists.
Bailey’s Beads Emerging Artist Scholarships: $1,000 for high school art students displaying exceptional creative ability and commitment to pursuing art long term.
Florence Biennale Emerging Artist Scholarships: All expenses paid residency in Tuscany to create new works, culminating in an exhibition. BFA, MFA and PhD visual artists may apply.
International Photography Scholarships: Full year of study including tuition, lodging and more for aspiring photographers at SKEMA Business School for a Master of Science in Visual Arts & Practices.
John Lennon Scholarships: Up to $20,000 for songwriters and visual artists creating work promoting peace and nonviolence. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply.
Brandy Melville USA Scholarship: $1,000 for fashion design majors with at least a 3.0 GPA and 30 hours of community service. College freshmen through juniors are eligible.
Frank delle Donne Scholarship Fund: Up to $2,000 for polymathic artists and scholars with interests across creative disciplines including visual art, filmmaking, writing and performance art. Undergraduate and graduate students can apply.
PCA Great Lakes Scholarship Fund: $500-$1,000 for high school seniors and college students from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin pursuing visual arts degrees.
FIDM National Scholarship Competition: Over $200,000 in renewable scholarships for creative students planning to attend FIDM. Includes awards for fashion & graphic design, visual arts, theater and more. High school students welcome.
CCAD Portfolio Scholarship: Up to full tuition for talented prospective Columbus College of Art and Design students presenting outstanding admission portfolios. Over 85% of incoming CCAD students receive aid.
As you can see, art students have plenty of chances to win free college funding through graphic design and visual arts scholarships. Keep reading for additional tips and answers to common scholarship questions.
Expert Tips for Graphic Design & Art Students
Here is some extra advice to help fine arts students master the scholarship application process:
Start searching early
Finding and applying for scholarships takes time. Begin looking for funding sources at least 12 months before you plan to use the money. Starting early maximizes your options.
Ask about local scholarships
Your guidance counselor and local art galleries/museums may know special funding sources exclusive to residents in your region. Always ask!
Reapply annually
Just because you don’t win an art scholarship one year doesn’t mean you should give up. Reputable scholarships allow students to enter each year.