If you’re pursuing a career in graphic design, you already know how powerful visuals can be. From branding to digital media, design shapes the way people see and experience the world. But a quality education in design can be expensive. That’s where graphic design scholarships can help.
Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate student, or high school senior planning to study design, these scholarships can make your education more affordable while connecting you with industry leaders. Below is a comprehensive list of opportunities for students in graphic design, visual communication, illustration, and related fields.
Ready to bring your creative vision to life? Apply for scholarships today and gain the financial support you need to focus on your craft.
Top Graphic Design Scholarships
There is a wide array of scholarships available for aspiring graphic designers. Here are some of the most notable options:
Against the Grain Artistic ScholarshipAgainst the Grain Artistic Scholarship
- Award: $1,000
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who are at least 25% Asian or Pacific Islander. Must be a high school senior or full-time college student pursuing visual arts, performing arts, journalism, or mass communications. Minimum 3.0 GPA and community leadership required.
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Decision: Winner announced in late September (date TBD)
- Learn more: Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship
AAF Student Scholarships
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility: College students majoring in graphic design, advertising, or related creative fields. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and creativity.
- Deadline: May 9, 2025
- Decision: Early summer (varies by year)
- Learn more: AAF Student Scholarships
AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarships
- Award: $2,500–$5,000 (some awards up to $5,000)
- Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions studying graphic design, illustration, or photography. Requires a portfolio, financial need documentation, and typically a 3.0 GPA. Focus on social change, cultural awareness, or environmental responsibility.
- Deadline: May 5, 2025
- Decision: Notifications sent in August
- Learn more: AIGA Worldstudio D×D Scholarships
Adobe Design Circle Scholarships
- Award: Up to $25,000/year (maximum $100,000 over 4 years) plus mentorship
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students planning to major in product, interaction, UX, or web design. Requires a portfolio, essays, and letters of recommendation.
- Deadline: March (varies by year)
- Decision: August (varies by year)
- Learn more: Adobe Design Circle Scholarships
Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF)
- Award: $1,000–$5,000 per year
- Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, or working adults enrolled in graphic communications, visual design, or printing programs. Requires transcripts, letters of recommendation, and commonly a 3.0 GPA.
- Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Decision: July-August
- Learn more: PGSF Scholarships
Visual Media Alliance (VMA) Graphic Arts Scholarships
- Award: $1,000
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in accredited graphic communications or visual communication design programs. Proof of enrollment and transcript required.
- Deadline: April 30th (varies annually)
- Decision: End of May (varies annually)
- Learn more: VMA Scholarships
Society of Illustrators — Student Scholarship Competition
- Award: $250–$10,000 per prize (total prize pool exceeds $50,000)
- Eligibility: College-level students in illustration, animation, or related programs. Submission requirements vary by category; faculty submissions may be required.
- Deadline: February 14, 2025
- Decision: May 9, 2025
- Learn more: Society of Illustrators Scholarships
Tips for Applying to Graphic Design Scholarships
- Build a standout portfolio — Include your strongest, most relevant design work.
- Tell your story — Many scholarships value personal experiences, diversity, and community engagement.
- Stay on top of deadlines — Create a calendar with due dates for each scholarship.
- Apply widely — Even smaller awards can help reduce your educational costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA do I need for graphic design scholarships?
Many scholarships require around a 3.0 GPA, but some focus more on your portfolio and creativity than grades.
Do I need a portfolio to apply?
Most graphic design scholarships require a portfolio showing your best work. Even for those that don’t, a portfolio can strengthen your application.
Are there scholarships for graduate design students?
Yes — scholarships like the AIGA Worldstudio and Adobe Design Circle accept graduate students in design-related programs.
Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
Absolutely. Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of winning financial aid.
Ari Moriah
Ari's passion for education and student support forms the foundation of her contributions to Scholarship Institute, where she writes about finding scholarships and funding opportunities. With a strong commitment to helping students, Ari leverages her academic expertise in history and philosophy to guide them in finding resources for their education. She earned a B.A. from Pacific University, where she focused on Early American History and Late Antiquity/Early Medieval Greco-Roman Europe, complemented by a minor in Philosophy. As a writer, Ari draws on her research and educational background to inspire and assist students in achieving academic success.
