The Design Circle Scholarship by Adobe

Name: Adobe Design Circle Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $25,000 per year (renewable up to 4 years — up to $100,000 total)

Information and Eligibility:
The Adobe Design Circle Scholarship is a global initiative by Adobe in partnership with Institute of International Education (IIE), aimed at supporting and mentoring aspiring designers from diverse backgrounds. The program seeks to increase diversity and inclusion within the design industry by awarding eligible students who show promise in product design, interaction design, UX/UI design, and related creative fields. Recipients of this scholarship receive substantial financial support toward tuition and fees, along with mentorship from design industry professionals. The goal is to build a new generation of designers committed to creativity, social impact, and inclusive design.

Scholars are expected to pursue an undergraduate design-related degree (or certificate) at an accredited college or university — in their home country or abroad. The scholarship is open internationally: students from around the world may apply. Adobe especially encourages applications from individuals historically underrepresented in design (e.g., racial or ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities). The program is not limited to a specific nationality, as the funding and support are offered globally.

Recipients benefit from tuition coverage (up to $25,000 per academic year), as well as mentorship, professional guidance, portfolio development, and access to a network of design professionals. The scholarship supports the full duration of undergraduate studies (up to four years) provided the student continues to meet eligibility and academic progress requirements. This makes the Adobe Design Circle Scholarship one of the most generous and supportive opportunities for design-oriented students worldwide.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be accepted/enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited undergraduate program (any year) in design or related fields (product design, UX/UI, interaction design, digital design, etc.)
• Have a demonstrated interest or aptitude in design, creativity, and social impact
• Show academic or portfolio potential that indicates success in higher education and design practice

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application form through IIE/Adobe portal
• Personal written or video statement (approx. 500 words or up to 3 minutes) describing goals, motivations, and how design will be used to drive positive change
• Estimate of expected tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year
• Two letters of recommendation from non-family members familiar with the applicant’s work or character
• High school transcript (or equivalent) and college/university transcript if applicable
• Portfolio (up to three examples) of design work — e.g., UX mockups, web designs, digital art, or other creative outputs (hosted on personal or third-party platforms) as evidence of design skills

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated potential and achievement in design, creative thinking, and innovation
• Commitment to creating socially responsible, inclusive, and user-centered design solutions
• Academic readiness or potential for success in higher education
• Financial need (as assessed by application) in many cases
• Strength of personal statement and recommendations; overall professionalism and promise

Additional Details:

• Each year, Adobe awards ten new Design Circle Scholarships worldwide.
• Scholarship funds cover required tuition and fees, though typically not room & board — especially for U.S. schools.
• In addition to financial support, recipients receive mentorship from industry leaders, portfolio guidance, and networking opportunities — valuable for launching a professional design career.
• The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from under-represented and first-generation students, as well as those from economically or socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Deadline:
Varies — check the official Adobe/IIE Design Circle Scholarship page for current application cycles

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