6 Scholarships for Video Game and eSports Players
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Esports are becoming more popular by the day in this post pandemic world that we live in and many are now thinking of their future within the esports world. Though some have turned to streaming and even YouTube, others are looking for something even greater for their futures and searching for more.
There are colleges out there offering scholarships for gamers interested in furthering their education. This will not only help those who are looking in the field of esports, but lessen the financial burden of tuition along the way.
The field of gaming allows for many opportunities and positions as they are very complex and diverse in creation. So let’s see what’s available for different areas of the gaming genre.
Scholarships for Gamers
It’s been a long time coming where you can now get a scholarship for video game related majors. With the integration of eSports in a lot of college campus activities, it only makes sense to add scholarships for similar areas of education.
Video Game Design
Video game design encompasses a lot of roles from start to finish including new game ideas, plots, characters, visual designs, layouts and so much more. You work with a team to create video games that interest and inspire audiences everywhere.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Award | Eligibility | Major/Field of Study | Requirements | How to Apply/Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIAS Foundation Scholarship, WomenIn Scholarships, Girls for Gaming Scholarship | Support aspiring student game makers in undergraduate or graduate level programs who are planning to pursue a career in development or leadership as well as video game early professionals | $2,500 | Full-time College Students, 3.3 GPA, U.S. citizen/permanent resident | Game Design, Development or production. | Personal Statement (two-page max); Two Letters of Recommendation; Transcripts; Proof of Enrollment | Visit: www.interactive.org |
Computer and Video Game Arts
These talented artists are the creators behind concept art, character models, environments, and more within the video game medium.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Award | Eligibility | Major/Field of Study | Qualifications | How to Apply/Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship | Established by Entertainment Software Association Foundation, this scholarship supports underrepresented young people following their dreams of a career in the video game industry. | Not specified | Women or minority; current high school senior or college freshman, sophomore, or junior; pursuing degree leading to career in computer and video game arts and sciences; Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate at an accredited four-year college or university; U.S. citizen | Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences | Transcripts and FASFA | Visit: www.esafoundation.org |
| ESA Foundation LGBTQ+ Service Scholarship | pursuing video game arts, collegiate esports or content creation while actively supporting LGBTQ+ community | Not specified | woman, nonbinary, or gender-nonconforming; LGBTQ+; or racial/ethnic minority; Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate at an accredited four-year college or university; U.S. citizen | pursuing a degree leading to a career in video game arts and sciences, competing on or managing your college esports team/club, or pursuing streaming content creation | Transcripts and FASFA | Visit: www.esafoundation.org |
Graphic Design, Illustration, or Photography
Photos, paintings, drawings, and so much more within the art of video games.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Award | Eligibility | Major/Field of Study | Qualifications | How to Apply/Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIGA WorldStudio Scholarship | This scholarship is intended to increase diversity in the creative professions. | Up to $5,000 | Minimum 2.0 GPA; Undergraduate or graduate pursuing degree in graphic design, illustration, or photography | graphic design, illustration, or photography | Transcripts; FASFA; Portfolio of work; written statement; two letters of recommendation | Visit: https://www.aiga.org/ |
Animation
The joy of taking art and animating it, bringing it to life within the game. Whether that is the main character(s), parts of the setting or background, machines, and so much more!
| Scholarship Name | Description | Award | Eligibility | Major/Field of Study | Qualifications | How to Apply/Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women in Animation Scholarship | This scholarship is intended for those pursuing animation as a college major and have a financial need. | Up to $1,500 | Minimum 2.85 GPA; Sophomore, Junior or Senior in college | graphic design, illustration, or photography | Be a Women in Animation Member; Submit 6-10 pieces of their artwork; a photo of themselves; two letters of recommendation; submit an essay | Visit: https://www.aiga.org/ |
ESports (Not Specific)
These are scholarships for eSports as a whole, but not game specific as the ones below. You can use this for any college you wish for your eSports college goals.
| Scholarship Name | Description | Award | Eligibility | Major/Field of Study | Qualifications | How to Apply/Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESA Foundation Esports Scholarship | students who play esports on a collegiate team and are pursuing a four-year, academic degree | Not specified | Women or minority; Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate at an accredited four-year college or university by fall term; competing or confirm to compete at collegiate level esports team/club | Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences | Transcripts and FASFA | Visit: www.esafoundation.org |
ESports (Specific)
There are numerous scholarship available for students with an interest in pursuing a career in video games. Many colleges now offer eSports athlete gaming scholarships. So instead of making this one really lengthy post I’ll link below the colleges that I’ve found to provide scholarship for eSports and allow you to discover which is best for you.
*These colleges offer a degree or certificate in esports management or business fields. Check them out!
More Places to Look
I’ve found a few sites that have an amazing list of Colleges and Universities that are offering scholarships that may not be listed above. Click the links below to see more!
Final Thoughts
Those that are thinking about gaming as a college career or as an added bonus to their college terms are in luck with so many offering eSports. Even better when you can get some off tuition by getting a scholarship specifically for esports.
I wish you all the luck in the world with your future and gaming endeavors!
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