In honor of the passing celebration of International Games Day on November 3rd, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the best scholarships for gamers to take fun gaming hobbies to the next level.
Whether you are an avid player or an aspiring designer, gaming can turn into real money for covering the costs of your college education and help you break into the business. In the evolving computer technology sector, video game design and development is exploding with plentiful educational opportunities and notable studios are willing to hand over thousands of dollars to attract top talent.
Read on to learn about 25 excellent scholarships that will make your hours playing video games pay off in cutting tuition expenses.
1. Adobe Design Achievement Awards
Deadline: June 20th
Each year, the Adobe Design Achievement Awards are presented for up to $5,000 to college students aged 18 years or older enrolled in an accredited higher learning institution who enter a unique design project in the categories of web design, game art and design, digital publishing, animation, motion graphics, photography, illustration, or print communications. Along with the scholarship funding, winners will receive Adobe Creative Cloud membership, a student pass to the Adobe MAX event in Los Angeles, and a year-long mentorship with an industry professional.
Contact
Adobe Design Achievement Awards
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 536-6000
Scholarship Link
2. Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
In an effort to promote game animation and design as a career path for young people, the Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to high school gamers who intend to enroll full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution with a major in 3D graphics, computer animation, digital art, graphic design, electronic media, game design, game development, interactive design, or another animation-related field. Applicants must have a demonstrated record for academic success, have a passion for gaming, and submit a 1,000-word essay discussing specific skills in animation.
Contact
Aspiring Animation Professional Scholarship
2500 Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 224-3283
brad@daveschool.com
3. DigiPen Graduate Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
At the DigiPen Institute of Technology, several scholarships are awarded annually for up to $5,000 in funding each to new incoming graduate students who will utilize their gaming skills while enrolled in the school’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science or MFA in Digital Arts programs with a concentration in game design. Eligible candidates must show a history of high academic performance and demonstrate strong artistic talents in their portfolio.
Related Resource:
Contact
DigiPen Graduate Scholarships
9331 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
(866) 478-5236
info@digipen.edu
4. Dr. Edward de Bono Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
In honor of the leading international authority in the field of innovation and creative thinking, the Dr. Edward de Bono Scholarship has been created at the University of Advancing Technology to provide $2,500 each semester for up to four years to on-campus undergraduate students who go above and beyond in their game studies. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and make continuous satisfactory progress towards degree completion.
Contact
Dr. Edward de Bono Scholarship
2625 West Baseline Road
Tempe, AZ 85283
(602) 383-8228
fal@uat.edu
5. Eric Dybsand Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: December 2nd
Established by the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) to commemorate his contributions as a beloved game designer who was best noted for his works in AI, the Eric Dybsand Memorial Scholarship will award a $1,000 stipend for tuition assistance and tickets to the associate’s Annual AI Summit. To qualify, gamers should be high-achieving high school seniors or undergraduate students with similar interests in artificial intelligence development.
Contact
Eric Dybsand Memorial Scholarship
19 Mantua Road
Mt. Royal, NJ 08061
(856) 423-2990
scholarships@igda.org
6. ESA Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: May 15th
Annually, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation distributes up to 30 scholarships for $3,000 each to graduating high school seniors and current college students who are pursuing degrees leading to careers in computer and video game arts. Applicants must be women or minority students, be enrolled or accepted in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited four-year university, possess U.S. citizenship, and maintain a GPA above 2.75.
Contact
ESA Foundation Scholarships
317 Madison Avenue 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10017
(917) 522-3250
esafinfo@theEsa.com
Scholarship Link
7. ESA/LOFT Video Gaming Innovation Fellowship
Deadline: November 1st
In collaboration between the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s (HHF) Leaders on the Fast Track (LOFT) program the Video Gaming Innovation Fellowship will provide a $1,000 grant to 20 Latino or African American youth between the ages of 16 and 24 years old who develop a video game dealing with social issues. Fellows will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to present their game to key investors, receive coaching from gaming associates, and learn about employment options.
Contact
ESA/LOFT Video Gaming Innovation Fellowship
9675 Main Street Suite D
Fairfax, VA 22031
(202) 861-9797
info@loftinstitute.org
8. Evo College Scholarship for Gamers
Deadline: April 15th
In partnership with the NYU Game Center, the Evo College Scholarship for Gamers is presented annually for $10,000 to two talented high school seniors or college students who demonstrate great promise in pursuing a major and a future career in the video game industry. Eligible applicants must be actively involved in the fighting game’s community, exhibit legitimate financial need, and display a keen interest in game design with a focus on competitive games.
Contact
Evo College Scholarship for Gamers
2 Metrotech Center 8th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(646) 997-0708
gamecenter@nyu.edu
9. Ex’pression Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 5th
At Ex’pression College in Emeryville and San Jose, an annual scholarship program is held to offer multiple $2,000 awards to incoming and currently enrolled students who exhibit a strong potential for a future career in the digital arts industries, including video game design. In order to qualify, students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate artistic potential with at least five artistic work samples, and have significant financial need.
Contact
Ex’pression Scholarship Program
6601 Shellmound Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 654-2934
info@expression.edu
10. Global Gaming Women Education Fund
Deadline: Ongoing
As part of the American Gaming Association (AGA), the Global Gaming Women Education Fund has been established to provide up to $1,750 each year to lucky ladies employed in the gaming industry who wish to advance their skills in the field through taking continuing education coursework at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV) International Gaming Institute. The scholarship funding can only be applied to covering the tuition costs for online or on-campus seminars that focus on aspects of resort or casino gaming for nurturing strong female leaders.
Contact
Global Gaming Women Education Fund
1299 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 552-2686
blehman@americangaming.org
11. Halucinated Design Inc. Scholarships
Deadline: May 19th
As a small design studio based in New York City, Halucinated Design Inc. has created three annual scholarships to provide $1,000 each to an outstanding incoming freshman, undergraduate student, and graduate student currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution to complete a creative degree focused in the design and animation industry. Selection will be based on submitted student projects, financial need, academic record, and passion for design.
Contact
Halucinated Design Inc. Scholarships
244 West 54th Street 9th Floor
New York, NY 10019
(347) 871-2879
lucin@halucinated.com
12. High School StarLeague Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Sponsored by TwitchTV, Newegg, Razer, Jinx, and other video game industry leaders, the High School StarLeague Scholarships offer more than $20,000 total for talented gamers who participate in the annual competition for League of Legends, Dota 2, and StarCraft 2. In order to be eligible for winning the prize money, high school students in North America must display an interest in joining the professional gaming scene and be committed to enrolling in a post-secondary degree program for ultimate character development outside the game.
Contact
High School StarLeague Scholarships
225 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
admin@hsstarleague.com
13. International Game Developers Association Scholarships
Deadline: December 2nd
Annually, the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) awards $1,000 scholarships to full-time undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students over the age of 18 who are pursuing a degree from an accredited post-secondary institution relevant to the game development field. All applicants must be IGDA members in good standing, display active involvement in the video game community, and attend the Game Developers Conference with an all-inclusive pass.
Contact
International Game Developers Association Scholarships
19 Mantua Road
Mt. Royal, NJ 08061
(856) 423-2990
scholarships@igda.org
14. Kenneth and Margaret Reek Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
At the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the Kenneth and Margaret Reek Scholarship was created by two alumni of the School of Interactive Games and Media to offer $1,000 each year to assist one undergraduate or graduate student who exhibits a keen interest in video game design. Eligible candidates must have critical financial need, be majoring in the computer science division, and display academic achievement with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Contact
Kenneth and Margaret Reek Scholarship
One Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 475-7203
gccisscholarships@rit.edu
15. Mark Beaumont Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 30th
Administered through the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the Mark Beaumont Scholarship Fund will grant two $2,500 awards annually for full-time undergraduate students with at least sophomore status who are pursuing careers specializing in the executive leadership, law, marketing, public relations, or business development side of the video game industry. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 or better, submit two letters of recommendation, and write a two-page letter describing their goals in interactive entertainment.
Contact
Mark Beaumont Scholarship Fund
2355 Westwood Blvd. Suite 857
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 484-2552
debby@interactive.org
Scholarship Link
16. Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Each year, the Microsoft Corporation hosts the Imagine Cup Competition to give gamers over the age of 16 years old the opportunity to create a desktop or tablet game using Windows, a mobile game using Windows Phone, or an online web browser game with Windows Azure to bring home to up $50,000 in scholarship money. Students can enter the competition with teams of no more than four individuals by submitting their proposal, game software, and instructions.
Contact
Microsoft Imagine Cup Competition Scholarships
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
(206) 882-8080
scholars@microsoft.com
17. Penny Arcade Scholarship
Deadline: August 15th
For avid gamers with an intention to enter the video game industry in some capacity, the Penny Arcade Scholarship is granted each year for $10,000 to reduce the tuition expenses for enrolling full-time in an accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants must already be enrolled in post-secondary education, be majoring in a field relevant to gaming development or design, have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.3 or higher, and demonstrate a significant potential for positively impacting the future of gaming.
Contact
Penny Arcade Scholarship
520 2nd Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 729-8960
scholarship@penny-arcade.com
18. Phyllis Craig Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 29th
In honor of the founding member of Women in Animation (WIA), the Phyllis Craig Scholarship Program has been established to provide $1,000 annually to young women enrolled in post-secondary education who demonstrate the artistic talent and passion for game animation. In addition to receiving the scholarship funding, recipients will be granted a free one-year membership to WIA and participate in an internship to learn the latest techniques with animation industry professionals.
Contact
Phyllis Craig Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 7421
Alhambra, CA 91802
(818) 759-9596
19. Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 30th
Also supported by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund will grant two $2,500 annually to full-time undergraduate students who are pursuing careers specializing in art, animation, programming, engineering, game direction, game design, sound design, or music composition. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher, have at least sophomore status, submit two signed letters of recommendation, and write a two-page letter describing their future impact on the development of video games.
Contact
Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund
2355 Westwood Blvd. Suite 857
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 484-2552
debby@interactive.org
20. RMU League of Legends Scholarship Program
Deadline: Ongoing
Renowned for being the first university to announce the addition of online sports into its athletic programs, Robert Morris University has launched the League of Legends Scholarship Program to cover up to 50% of tuition as well as 50% of room and board expenses for qualified gamers who excel at playing the popular eSport game in the Collegiate Star League. At a value of $19,000 each academic year, the program demands gamers to have critical thinking and team strategy skills needed to participate in the virtual sporting world.
Contact
RMU League of Legends Scholarship Program
6001 University Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15108
(312) 935-4110
esports@robertmorris.edu
21. San Francisco Art Institute Video Game Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
At the Art Institute of California in San Francisco, multiple annual scholarships are presented for up to $5,000 apiece for undergraduate students who are enrolling full-time in the Game Art and Design or Visual and Game Programming degree plans with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher. Preference for the scholarships will be given to African American and Latino students who are seeking to develop their skills for increase diversity in the video game industry.
Contact
San Francisco Art Institute Video Game Scholarships
1170 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 865-0198
csprogramadmin@edmc.edu
22. Scholarship for Gamers Honor Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
With the mission of encouraging the most active gaming enthusiasts to pursue higher education while participating in e-sports or competitive gaming at the highest level, the Scholarship for Gamers Honor Scholarship is presented for $2,500 annually to college-bound high school seniors with the highest academic credentials. Applicants must rank in the top 25% of their graduating class, have a minimum GPA of 3.3, be enrolled in a rigorous curriculum, be regularly involved in the gaming community, and possess high in-game rankings.
Contact
Scholarship for Gamers Honor Scholarship
8001 Irvine Center Drive Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92618
admin@scholarshipforgamers.com
Scholarship Link
23. Sony Online Entertainment GIRL Scholarship
Deadline: March 19th
Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) presents the Gamers in Real Life (GIRL) Scholarship each year for $10,000 to female gamers currently enrolled at an accredited school in an undergraduate program related to video game art, design, animation, programming, production, or visual effects with an average GPA of 3.0 or better. Along with an application, candidates must submit two original pieces of concept art, a short caption describing each piece, and a 500-word essay discussing their goals for improving the image of women in games.
Contact
Sony Online Entertainment GIRL Scholarship
8928 Terman Court
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 577-3356
gamersinreallife@soe.sony.com
24. Twitch & Alienware Scholarship Program
Deadline: August 22nd
Sponsored by SteelSeries, the Twitch & Alienware Scholarship Program has been designed to provide five $10,000 scholarships annually to the most active and successful gamers who are pursuing post-secondary education in the United States to unlock career opportunities in the gaming community. Eligible applicants must possess an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, have high-in game rankings, earn top tournament placements, and display significant involvement in gaming on Twitch.
Contact
Twitch & Alienware Scholarship Program
225 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
(855) 833-7774
scholarship@twitch.tv
25. World Studio AIGA Scholarships
Deadline: March 28th
For young artists desperate to influence the world with their talents who lack the financial means to do so, the World Studio AIGA Scholarships are granted for up to $6,000 annually for full-time matriculated undergraduate or graduate students at accredited U.S. universities pursuing a career in one of the design/arts disciplines to fulfill their creative passion. Applicants must have American citizenship, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate critical financial need, and display great potential in any area of interactive design.
Contact
World Studio AIGA Scholarships
164 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
scholarship@aiga.org
Scholarship Link
As the computer and video game industry grows to accumulate over $10.5 billion in revenue each year, there are plenty of ways for you to turn your video game obsession into scholarship funding and jump-start an in-demand career without tossing aside your gaming console. No matter where you plan to take your gaming career, these 25 great scholarships for gamers can provide the financial backing you will need to reduce the heavy financial burden of tuition rates to get there.
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