Top Art Scholarships (Updated October 2025)

If you're worried about paying for art school, you're in the right place. Join thousands of art students who trust Bold.org's exclusive, vetted scholarships to get the financial aid they need for school. No hidden fees or tricks. Just hard cash to fuel dreamers. We've already distributed more than $30 million in award money.

At Bold.org, we’ve awarded over 5,000 scholarships since 2020. Millions of students, including aspiring illustrators, photographers, and graphic designers, have successfully used Bold.org to find scholarships they can win.

The real barrier for young artists isn’t talent or opportunity—it’s student debt. One of the most cost-effective ways to remedy this is through scholarships. Students miss out on $3 billion in scholarship money every year by not filling out the FAFSA. Don't become a part of that statistic—tap into the available aid and reduce your student debt now.

How Bold.org helps you afford art school:

1. Exclusive list of art scholarships (including specializations like sculpting and fashion)
2. Easy, detailed guide on how to apply for art scholarships
3. Actionable tips to improve your chances of winning

Odds of Winning a Scholarship for Art Students

Let's take a look at your odds of winning an art scholarship according to the Education Data Initiative:

1. 11% of college students will receive a scholarship.
2. Over $100 billion in grant and scholarship money is awarded annually.
3. The average scholarship award for public 2-year institutions is worth $4,100.

Don't give up on your dreams for art. Following your passions means you'll truly care about the work you do, and producing quality designs will always be profitable.

If you attend an art college or plan to, create a free Bold.org profile to apply for scholarships to help you pay for your college education!

Best Art Scholarships to Apply For

1. Animation Scholarships

Students interested in working for Disney, Dreamworks, and other studios are eligible for animation art scholarship opportunities. Make sure to draw attention to any animation projects you've worked on in the past if you apply to these. Shorts or drawing frames for indie animation studios are good experience to talk about too!

2. Dance Scholarships

Whether you want to work for a ballet company or star in music videos, students who attend college for dance are good candidates for these scholarships. Show off your creative flair and secure financial support for a degree in dance.

3. Fashion Scholarships

Students with artistic skills that can be transferred to intricate clothing designs have a unique talent. Apply for these fashion scholarships to capitalize on your ability to visualize garment designs and bring them to life with a needle and thread. Eligible students may be asked for photos of their work or local fashion shows where their designs have been worn.

4. Film Scholarships

IF you're looking to be the next Christopher Nolan, see if you can get some funding from these film scholarships. These awards could also connect you with donors and organizations who can support your professional development in filmmaking!

5. Graphic Design Scholarships

Creative art and skill in digital software like Adobe Photoshop are in high demand. Understanding the principles of color theory and design is one thing, but being able to create your ideas in Illustrator or Lightroom physically takes you to a whole different level. Design majors are afforded several career options, from brand advisors to magazine editors.

6. Music Scholarships

Visual arts aren't the only type of art you can study. Aspiring musicians should seek support for their discography and future hits as well. Apply for these unique funding opportunities and receive scholarships in as little as a few months.

7. Performing Arts Scholarships

If your undergraduate study plan involves Shakespeare and improv, you might meet requirements for these scholarships. Performing arts awards may require students to send in clips of recent performances, while other scholarships in this category may ask for an essay on why you're inspired to study drama.

8. Photography Scholarships

It's not just snapping a photo on your smartphone—photographers and visual design students need to consider composition, lighting, and so much more. Check out each scholarship's requirements, as this category can be quite broad. Scholarship amounts may range from a few hundred dollars to up to $2,000.

9. Poetry Scholarships

Painting, pottery, and acting aren't the only ways you can be an artist. Full-time enrollment in a poetry or creative writing program could qualify you for poetry scholarships. Unlike other scholarships, these awards might ask for other materials in the application process, like samples of your published poetry and creative written works. Unpublished samples may also be accepted.

How to Apply for Scholarships for Art Majors

1. Find Scholarships for Art School

There are several ways art students can find scholarship awards they're eligible for:

1. Art foundation scholarships: Artists' guilds, foundations, or clubs may have awards to support your college education. These are also more likely to be niche scholarships, such as awards for art history majors or students specifically pursuing brand design.
2. Art contests: The Google Doodle Scholarship is one example of how art students can win money with their art skills. This and similar awards ask students to submit an art project or design. The student who is judged to have created the best visual arts media will win money.
3. Online scholarship platforms: Online platforms support students by connecting them to a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate students. These sites may receive more traffic and competition than most art scholarships, but they're still a good way to find art scholarships easily.
4. School-affiliated scholarships: Ask your high school guidance office or college financial aid office for school-specific scholarships. School scholarships may be specific to certain classes, such as studio art scholarships or scholarships for art history. In addition, only students attending your school can apply, reducing your competition.

2. Apply with Documents for the Eligibility Requirements

Every scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and submission requirements. Most art scholarships require:

1. A completed application form
2. Official transcripts
3. Letters of recommendation (preferably from art teachers or mentors)
4. A personal statement or essay
5. A portfolio of original work

Read the instructions carefully. For example, some art history scholarships may place more emphasis on essays, while fine arts scholarships often require an extensive portfolio.

Some scholarships may not require recommenders at all, while others may ask for two letters or even three. Renewable scholarships often have the strictest requirements, as these awards are usually worth much more than the average scholarship.

3. Prepare Your Art Portfolio

Your portfolio is probably the most important part of your application. It should reflect your technical skills, creative thinking, and personal voice. Here's how to prepare:

Choose Your Best Work to Showcase Artistic Talent

Select 8–15 pieces that showcase a variety of media, styles, and techniques. Aim for balance—demonstrate both your strengths and your willingness to experiment. Aspiring artists are still working on carving out a niche for themselves, but even if you know exactly what you want, you still need to show both breadth and depth of art knowledge.

Highlight Your Creative Process

Include a few pages from your sketchbook or development work to show how you think through ideas and execute projects. This is especially valuable for art education or creative writing scholarships, where process matters.

Consider Art and Design in Your Portfolio Presentation and Format

Use high-quality images with good lighting and clean backgrounds. Label each piece with the title, medium, size, and date. Digital submissions should follow the scholarship's formatting guidelines (JPEG, PDF, etc.).

Write Statements that Demonstrate a Thorough Art Education

Brief descriptions or statements (2–4 sentences) help reviewers understand your inspiration, techniques, and goals. Captions for your art pieces explaining what medium you used can also help show intention and avoid confusion.

4. Craft a Strong Personal Appeal for Financial Aid

Many scholarships will require a personal statement or essay. This is your chance to explain your passion for art, your academic goals, and why you're pursuing an arts degree. Mention relevant experiences—art exhibitions, creative projects, or community involvement—and explain how the scholarship would help you grow. Transfer students pursuing art at a different college should also follow these principles.

5. Request Letters of Recommendation

Ask art teachers, mentors, or supervisors who are familiar with your work and dedication. Give them plenty of time—ideally 2–3 weeks—to write thoughtful, specific letters that speak to your artistic potential and character.

6. Double-Check and Submit

Before submission:

1. Proofread all written materials
2. Ensure your portfolio is complete and properly formatted
3. Meet all eligibility criteria (grade level, GPA, major, etc.)

Submit your application before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications are rarely considered.

Tips for Applying for Art Scholarships

1. Portfolio Preparation

Your portfolio is the centerpiece of your application. Select a variety of your best and most diverse artwork that demonstrates your skill, creativity, and artistic voice. Include a range of mediums and styles to showcase your versatility. Even if you favor a specific medium, it's still a good idea to show donors you've dabbled in other areas and have skills that extend beyond what you're comfortable with.

2. Quality Over Quantity

Rather than including every piece of artwork you've ever created, focus on presenting a cohesive and high-quality portfolio. Choose pieces that highlight your technical ability, creativity, and conceptual depth.

3. Artist Statement

Write a compelling artist statement or scholarship essay that provides insight into your artistic journey, influences, themes, and motivations. Use this opportunity to express your passion for art and your commitment to pursuing a career in the field. A great essay can change a donor's mind about you and earn you money.

4. Letters of Recommendation

Obtain letters of recommendation from art teachers, mentors, or professionals who can speak to your artistic abilities, work ethic, and potential for success in the field if required. Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide meaningful insights into your artistic talent and dedication.

5. Highlight Achievements and Awards

Include any relevant achievements, awards, exhibitions, or competitions you've participated in related to your artwork. Highlighting your accomplishments can strengthen your application and demonstrate your dedication to your craft.

Additional Resources for Art and Design Scholarships

1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards support young artists in various disciplines, including creative writing and fine arts. This foundation hosts a number of scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000. Awards include the American Voices and Visions Award, the Flaunt It Award, and more.

2. Art Students League Scholarships

The Art Students League is committed to helping students pay for their art education. Apply to these scholarships by creating an account on Submittable and an Art Students League account (you'll need an ID number). The League hosts over 15 unique scholarships for art students in different concentrations, like realism, drawing, abstract painting, and more.

3. Google Doodle Scholarship

The Google Doodle Scholarship is one of the most well-known awards for artistically inclined students. Submit a design for the Google homepage to win up to $55,000 for your college tuition. Runner-up designs may win up to $5,000. Plus, the winner will have their artwork displayed on the Google homepage for 24 hours!

Learn more about life as a college student or what makes your scholarship application stand out by visiting our Scholarship Blog!