AIGA believes all students deserve access to design education. The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships aim to increase diversity in the design profession by creating equitable opportunities for the next generation of creative talent. Scholarships are awarded annually to students enrolled at colleges and universities in the U.S. who demonstrate a commitment to positive social change, environmental responsibility, and cultural awareness through the practice of visual communication, including photography, illustration or graphic design.

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Since its inception in 1995, nearly $1.4 million has been awarded to 800+ college students of art and design. Our primary aims are to increase diversity in the creative professions, and to foster social and environmental responsibility in the artists, designers, studios, and companies of tomorrow. Scholarship recipients are selected not only for their talent and need, but also for their demonstrated commitment to giving back to the larger community through their work. When reviewing applications, jurors consider the identity, culture, and lived experiences of students as well as their access to resources and ideas about art, craft making, and the value of creative expression.

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Scholarships are awarded in amounts of $2,500–$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 or $750 cash are also awarded. Each scholarship is paid directly to the recipient’s school and applied toward tuition. A one-year AIGA membership is also awarded to recipients.

Each year, the application cycle opens in February and closes in April.

Thank you for preparing and submitting your materials in advance of the April deadline.

• Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a discipline listed below with the intention of pursuing that discipline as a career.
• Undergraduate students must be citizens of the United States or possess a Green Card (formally known as a Permanent Resident Card or Form I-551). Having DACA certification and or a Social Security number does not make you eligible.
• For graduate students, jurors may consider international students if they meet the other eligibility requirements, are enrolled in a Graduate School program within the United States, and the impact of their work will have a significant impact in the United States.
• Applicants must be enrolled and matriculated (or planning to matriculate) at accredited colleges and universities in the United States for the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 academic school year with the intention of maintaining full-time status for the entire year. If you do not yet know which school you will attend, put your first choice.
• Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Scholarships are only awarded to those students who are in financial need. Applicants must, therefore, provide complete financial aid information on the scholarship form and have it approved by his/her/their Financial Aid Officer.
• Talent and financial need are significant factors in the review process.
• Though not a requirement, diversity of racial-ethnic groups as well as gender, sexual orientation, ability and disability, age, and other factors that shape creative perspective and professional experience are significant factors considered in jury decisions.