Are There Scholarships for Architecture Majors?
Yes, there are many scholarships and grants available for students majoring in architecture at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden of architectural education—often one of the more expensive and time-intensive degree paths—and to support the next generation of designers, planners, and urban thinkers.
Architecture scholarships are awarded by a wide variety of sources, including:
- Universities and Colleges – Many schools with architecture programs, such as Cornell, RISD, USC, and Georgia Tech, offer internal merit-based and need-based scholarships to enrolled students.
- Professional Organizations – Groups like the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC), and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) provide both scholarships and mentorship programs.
- Architecture Firms and Industry Foundations – Some private architecture firms and related companies fund scholarships to give back to the field and promote diversity, innovation, or sustainability in design.
- Community and Cultural Foundations – Many nonprofit and regional organizations support underrepresented students in architecture, including first-generation college students, women, and students of color.
Popular architecture scholarships include:
- AIA/AAF Minority Disadvantaged Scholarship – Supports minority and financially disadvantaged students entering architecture programs.
- Houzz Women in Architecture Scholarship – Promotes diversity in design by offering financial aid to female-identifying architecture students.
- The Fontainebleau Schools Scholarship – Offers scholarships for summer architecture programs in France for students from top U.S. schools.
- Architects Foundation Scholarships – A series of awards funded by the philanthropic arm of the AIA, supporting students at various stages of their studies.
To qualify, students are typically evaluated on the basis of:
- Portfolio quality (design creativity, technical skill, and originality)
- Academic achievement (GPA, coursework)
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Financial need (for some scholarships)
Whether you’re passionate about sustainable architecture, urban design, or historical preservation, there are scholarships that align with your goals and specialization. Applying for multiple awards each year can help significantly reduce tuition and give you access to valuable industry networks and experiences.
How to Apply for Architecture Scholarships
Applying for architecture scholarships takes time, planning, and creativity—but the reward can be substantial. Many scholarships support students studying architecture, urban planning, sustainable design, landscape architecture, or related disciplines. To improve your chances of securing funding, follow these steps:
- Prepare a Professional Portfolio: Most architecture scholarships require a design portfolio showcasing your creativity, technical skills, and understanding of space and form. Include sketches, 3D models, conceptual work, or real-world design projects. Tailor your portfolio to each scholarship’s criteria.
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Clearly communicate why you’re passionate about architecture. Discuss your career goals, design philosophy, influences, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic or professional aspirations.
- Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: Ask professors, architecture professionals, or mentors who are familiar with your work to write letters on your behalf. Their insights into your talent, discipline, and potential can strengthen your application.
- Highlight Academic and Extracurricular Achievements: Include your GPA, relevant coursework, internships, design competitions, or participation in organizations like the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS).
- Meet All Deadlines: Stay organized and submit all application components—portfolio, essay, transcript, financial documents, and letters—before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions are often disqualified.
Many students apply to just one or two scholarships—but applying to several increases your chances. Look for national, state, university, and private opportunities, and use databases like ours to find the best fit.
Myth: Architecture Scholarships Are Only for Design Students
Fact: While design portfolios are central to many architecture scholarships, these awards are not limited to students focused solely on building design. Architecture is a multidisciplinary field that includes:
- Urban and Regional Planning – Focused on city infrastructure, transportation systems, and public spaces
- Landscape Architecture – The design of outdoor spaces like parks, campuses, and natural environments
- Sustainable and Green Design – Specializing in energy-efficient, climate-responsive architecture
- Historic Preservation – Protecting and revitalizing culturally significant buildings and structures
- Structural Engineering – Combining architectural vision with the physics of materials and construction
Many scholarship programs welcome students pursuing any of these pathways. In fact, some awards are specifically intended for underrepresented specializations, such as sustainable design or architectural technology.
If you’re pursuing a degree that intersects with architecture—even from an engineering, environmental science, or planning perspective—it’s worth exploring architecture-focused scholarships. Always read eligibility criteria carefully, and don’t assume you’re excluded based on your exact major.
What Is the AIA/AF Scholarship Program?
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)/Architects Foundation (AF) Scholarship Program supports students enrolled in NAAB-accredited architecture programs. Key details include:
- Open to undergraduate and graduate architecture students.
- Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000 annually.
- Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
This scholarship also provides networking opportunities with industry professionals.
What Is the Diversity Advancement Scholarship?
The Diversity Advancement Scholarship, offered by the Architects Foundation, supports minority students pursuing careers in architecture. Eligibility includes:
- Being enrolled in or accepted into an accredited architecture program.
- Demonstrating leadership and a commitment to diversity in the field.
- Scholarship amounts of up to $20,000 over multiple years.
This scholarship aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the architectural profession.
Are There Scholarships for Women in Architecture?
Yes, scholarships specifically for women in architecture include:
- Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation Fellowship: Supports women excelling in architecture, urban planning, and design.
- American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships: Provides funding for women pursuing graduate degrees in architecture or related fields.
These scholarships aim to empower women and promote gender equity in the field.
What Is the PAVE Student Design Competition?
The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) Student Design Competition awards students studying architecture, interior design, or environmental design. Key details include:
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students globally.
- Requires submission of a design project based on a provided challenge.
- Winners receive scholarships and potential internships with industry sponsors.
This competition is ideal for students showcasing innovative design concepts.
Are There Scholarships for High School Students Interested in Architecture?
Yes, high school seniors planning to study architecture can apply for scholarships such as:
- National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Scholarship: Awards students pursuing degrees in architecture or construction-related fields.
- ACE Mentor Program Scholarships: Supports high school students participating in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) mentoring program.
These scholarships encourage young students to explore careers in architecture and design.
What Is the Simpson Strong-Tie Scholarship?
The Simpson Strong-Tie Scholarship supports architecture, engineering, and construction management students. Eligibility includes:
- Being enrolled in an accredited architecture or engineering program.
- Maintaining a strong academic record in architecture or related courses.
- Scholarship amounts of $2,000 annually.
This scholarship focuses on structural design and sustainable construction.
Are There Corporate Scholarships for Architecture Students?
Yes, several companies and organizations offer scholarships for architecture students. Examples include:
- Gensler Diversity Scholarship: Supports underrepresented architecture students and includes a paid summer internship.
- HKS Design Fellowship: Awards scholarships and mentorship to students excelling in architecture and design.
- Perkins and Will Innovation Scholarship: Recognizes students for innovative architectural projects and solutions.
These scholarships often provide both funding and professional development opportunities.
What Are Some University-Specific Scholarships for Architecture Majors?
Many universities offer scholarships tailored to architecture students, such as:
- University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture Scholarships: Merit-based awards for undergraduate and graduate architecture students.
- Pratt Institute School of Architecture Scholarships: Provides need-based and merit-based funding for architecture students.
- Harvard Graduate School of Design Fellowships: Supports graduate students pursuing advanced architectural studies.
Check with your university’s architecture department for additional opportunities.
