Pursuing a degree in graphic design is a powerful step toward a creative and rewarding career — but tuition, software, and equipment costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are many scholarships and grants for graphic design majors that recognize artistic excellence, academic achievement, and innovation in design. These awards come from universities, private organizations, corporations, and professional design associations — many offering thousands of dollars in funding each year.
This guide highlights the most reputable and competitive graphic design scholarships available today. Whether you’re a high school senior preparing to major in design, an undergraduate refining your portfolio, or a graduate student advancing your creative career, you’ll find funding opportunities designed to support your goals and elevate your design education.
Yes. Numerous scholarships are specifically available for graphic design students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These awards are offered by colleges, private foundations, and design industry organizations to help talented students pursue careers in visual communication, digital media, and interactive design. Recipients are often chosen based on academic performance, artistic skill, creativity, and demonstrated leadership within the design community.
The Adobe Design Achievement Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in digital design, illustration, and media arts. To qualify, applicants typically must:
Winners receive awards ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 and gain recognition within the global creative industry through Adobe’s professional design network.
The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarship is one of the most respected awards in the design field. It supports students studying graphic design, illustration, or photography who demonstrate both creative potential and financial need. Applicants must:
Scholarship awards typically range from $2,500 to $5,000, and recipients also gain access to mentorship opportunities with AIGA industry professionals.
Yes, several organizations actively promote women’s representation in the design industry by offering scholarships and fellowships. Examples include:
These programs help close gender gaps in the creative sector and empower women to thrive in leadership and entrepreneurial design roles.
The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) awards annual scholarships to students pursuing education in graphic design, printing technology, and graphic communications. Eligibility requirements include:
PGSF awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year and can be renewed for up to four years, offering consistent support throughout a student’s academic journey.
Yes. High school students planning to major in graphic design can apply for several early-career awards, including:
These scholarships reward creative potential and help students transition smoothly into accredited design programs.
The GDUSA Student Design Awards honor exceptional creative work by college students across the United States. Winners receive:
While not a direct monetary scholarship, this award provides significant industry recognition and can enhance a student’s professional portfolio.
Yes. Many major corporations invest in creative talent through scholarships and design competitions. Notable examples include:
Corporate awards often come with valuable internships, mentorships, or job placement opportunities within leading tech and design companies.
Many art and design schools offer institutional scholarships to attract and retain talented students. Examples include:
Always check your university’s art or design department website for the latest scholarship opportunities and portfolio submission deadlines.
Applying for design scholarships requires both creativity and preparation. To strengthen your applications:
Applying to multiple scholarships — even smaller awards — increases your chances of receiving financial support and industry recognition.
Graphic design scholarships not only ease financial strain but also open doors to mentorships, exhibitions, and professional exposure. By investing time in building a strong portfolio and researching diverse funding options, you can transform your passion for design into a fully supported academic and creative journey.
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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| Scholarship | Award | Deadline | Est. Time | Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship | $2,000 | April | Low (~13 min) | No |
| The Building Beautiful Futures Scholarship | $10,000 | June | Low (~10 min) | No |
| The NAACP Society Awards Scholarship | $5,000 | June | Low (~10 min) | No |
| Worldstudio AIGA Scholarships | $5,000 | March | Low (~10 min) | No |
| Print And Graphics Scholarship Foundation | — | April | Med (~33 min) | No |
| Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Scholarships | $10,000 | December | Med (~38 min) | No |
| Fashion Design Scholarship to FIDM | — | April | Low (~10 min) | No |
| Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship | — | February | High (~113 min) | No |
| Madison Advertising Federation Foundation Scholarship | $5,000 | April | High (~113 min) | No |
| AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship | — | April | High (~103 min) | No |
