Top 15 Institutions and Organizations Offering Photography Scholarships
Top 15 Institutions and Organizations Offering Photography S
Scholarships can provide you the opportunity to explore your passion for photography without worrying about the cost. If you are passionate about exploring the possibilities of digital photography, then you should consider applying for a photography scholarship that fits your area of study. However, it is essential to know precisely your options and what qualifies as a photography scholarship. There are many photography scholarship opportunities in the United States for students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree and even continuing with a PhD. The following institutions and organizations in the US offer photography scholarships that will help you advance your career as a photographer.
The Missouri Photo Workshop Scholarship
The Missouri Photo Workshop Scholarship is offered once every year. It is open to young people from 18 years old and above who have a strong interest in photojournalism and documentary photography. Scholars are required to submit their applications between September and November, along with their portfolio of ten images, proof of enrollment, resume, and other relevant materials.
Cullen Grant for Photojournalism
The Willard R. Espy Foundation awards this grant, and it covers tuition costs not covered by other scholarships or grants, as well as travel expenses. The grant is available to students with a demonstrated interest in photojournalism who have been accepted into a post-secondary school in the United States that offers a program in the field of photojournalism. The student must have completed at least one year of college-level education, and they must be enrolled as a full-time student. Proof of enrollment and financial needs are required when applying for the grant.
NPPA Short Course Tuition Grant
The National Press Photographers Association offers this grant to its members who want to take short courses at an accredited institution of higher education in pursuit of career advancement. The applicant must be a current member of NPPA, and they must not have received any previous tuition assistance from NPPA or its chapters. They must also pay at least $50 of their own money toward the course before applying; however, they can request reimbursement if they are awarded.
Eileen Collier Memorial Scholarship
The College of Arts, Communication, and Design offers this scholarship at Northeastern University. It awards $1,500 annually to a student who has demonstrated an interest in photojournalism and plans to pursue photography as a career. Applicants must submit a portfolio of their work and a written essay describing their career goals.
The White House News Photographers’ Association Scholarship
Each year, the White House News Photographers’ Association awards ten $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing photojournalism or video journalism careers. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited college or university in the United States and submit an application that includes a biography and letter of recommendation.
CardsDirect Future Designer Scholarship
CardsDirect offers a $2,500 scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in design, fashion, photography, or architecture. Students must submit a portfolio of their original work and respond to an essay question to enter.
Students studying design and photography should consider submitting photos that showcase their creativity. Architecture students should submit sketches illustrating how they will use the prize money for school-related expenses. Fashion students should submit photos of themselves in clothing that illustrates their style. Students who study architecture or fashion may also want to include photos of themselves in their portfolios.
Ocho Cares Artistry Scholarship
Ocho Cares Artistry Scholarship offers a $1,000 scholarship for students enrolled in college for at least one semester or who have been accepted into an accredited college or university and plan to enroll in the following semester. To enter, students must submit a portfolio of original artwork and respond to an essay question. Students attending school as undergraduate students may want to include drawings or paintings that demonstrate their artistic talent.
The College Photographer of the Year Award
The College Photographer of the Year Award is an annual award presented by the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) to recognize excellence in student photojournalism and photo documentary. Open to college students enrolled in a four-year degree program, the category awards will be given in both color and black-and-white. Scholarship winners will receive $3,000, while runners-up will receive $1,500.
WPPI Student Scholarship Program
WPPI’s Student Scholarship Program is an annual award presented by Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) to recognize excellence in student photography. Open to college students enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree program. The category awards will be given out for color and black-and-white work. Winners will receive $1,000; runners-up will receive $500.
Photographer of the Year
International Photography Awards honors photographers who find new ways to present their perspective and whose work demonstrates a deep understanding of humanity. IPA offers a special scholarship for students passionate about photography who wants to advance their knowledge in this field. The scholarship is open to undergraduate students majoring in film, visual arts, or photography.
FujiFilm Scholarship
FujiFilm Scholarship was created with a vision to help talented young photographers continue their education. An annual scholarship of $5,000 is awarded to one student, preferably African American or Hispanic/Latino descent, between 18 and 25 years of age, who can demonstrate financial need and a passion for photography. All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited degree program when applying and maintain academic eligibility throughout the year they receive the award.
Dwayne’s Photo Scholarship
Dwayne’s Photo offers a scholarship to any student currently enrolled in an accredited high school, college, or university. The applicant must be pursuing a degree in photography or photojournalism and must have at least one year left to complete their studies. The winner will receive $1,500. Applications are due by April 30th each year. Students should submit an application form with the applicant’s name, contact information, date of birth; a letter of recommendation from a professor or mentor; a statement of financial need; and several samples of their work. Student photographers may submit up to 12 photographs or one video. Qualified applicants will be notified by May 30th.
John Gutmann Photography Fellowship Award
The San Francisco Foundation offers the John Gutmann Photography Fellowship Award to an artist who lives in one of the nine Bay Area Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. The award is given annually to an outstanding photographer who works in the documentary-style made famous by John Gutmann. The fellowship includes a cash award of $24,000 and a solo exhibition at the SF Camerawork Gallery.
World Press Photo Contest
The World Press Photo Contest is one of the world’s most prestigious press photography contests. It encourages photographers from all over the world to submit their work and is open to professional, amateur, and student photographers. The organization offers a wide range of awards in different categories. Applicants must be 18 or older to enter. This contest is for professional and amateur photographers and photojournalists who want to enter their work at the beginning of April. The top honor is $25,000, but there are also categories for sports, nature, wildlife, travel, portraits, and various other subjects.
Nikon Photo Contest International
The Nikon Photo Contest International has been held every year since the 1960s, and it has grown to be one of the most prestigious contests in photography today. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges who have extensive photography and art history background. Each year, there are over 100,000 entries from professional photographers and amateur photographers from around the globe.
This contest is open to amateur and professional photographers who incorporate Nikon products into their photos. Photographers can submit up to 10 photos on Flickr, and winners will appear in a Nikon-sponsored online gallery. Winners will also receive prizes such as cameras and lenses.
Wrapping Up
There are numerous photography scholarships available in the US. You have to make an effort and apply. Competition is stiff, but these photography scholarships can be won if you have what it takes.