Animation enlivens the world, but how will you give life to your dream of studying animation? Believe it or not, there are ample scholarships for animators. See for yourself with the animation scholarships listed below!
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- Top animation scholarships
- Other animation scholarships
- Upcoming animation scholarships
- How to win animation scholarships
- Resources for students studying animation
- Frequently asked questions
- Other scholarships to explore
How to win animation scholarships
Many animation scholarships require students to submit examples of their work as part of their application. Some scholarships are even set up as competitions in which students showcase their animation skills through a project. As such, it’s important to put your best foot forward and submit a piece of work that reflects your skills as an animator. If you have multiple projects that you’d like to showcase, you should consider putting together a portfolio of your best pieces.
You may also be asked to submit an essay as part of your application. This is your chance to write about why you chose to pursue animation, and what you aim to accomplish within your field. Scholarship review committees read tons of applications, so it’s important to write an essay that stands out from the crowd!
If you need help with your essay, we have many resources to point you in the right direction. We can walk you through how to start and how to end an essay, how to write an essay about yourself, and how to write a 250 and 500 word essay. You can also check out our overview of common scholarship essay prompts (and how to respond to them) if you’re looking for additional inspiration.
Resources for students studying animation
There are several great organizations aimed at supporting animation students and professional animators. Here are a few that you should consider joining if you’d like to further your skills and network with industry professionals:
Society for Animation Studies (SAS)
SAS is an international organization dedicated to the study of animation history and theory. The society holds annual conferences around the world, as well as smaller local events. This is a great group to join if you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of animation.
Women in Animation
This organization’s mission is to advance women in the field of animation. WIA offers job boards, mentorship programs, educational events, and other professional development opportunities for women.
International Animated Film Society (ASIFA)
Founded over 35 years ago, ASIFA is dedicated to supporting and encouraging animation education. The organization hosts a variety of networking events, workshops, and film screenings both locally and internationally.
Animation World Network (AWN)
AWN is an excellent website to follow if you’re looking to stay on top of news and trends within the world of animation. AWN also offers a job board for students interested in animation careers.
Frequently asked questions
Are there scholarships for animation?
Yes, there are a variety of scholarship opportunities for students studying animation. However, you may find that scholarships for animation are nestled within the larger category of the arts. For example, the Academy of Special Dreams Scholarship is open to students pursuing a course of study related to art. And since animation is a form of art, animation students are welcome to apply! Check out our top art scholarships if you’re seeking related opportunities.
What college do most animators go to?
The Savannah College of Art and Design, the California Institute of the Arts, and the Ringling College of Art and Design are ranked as some of the best animation schools in the U.S. That being said, each program is unique and you should do your own research to determine which school is best for you.
Is animation a good career?
Animation can be a fun and exciting career for students interested in the arts. After all, what could be better than seeing your drawings come to life on the big screen? In addition to being rewarding, animation can be lucrative as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay of special effects artists and animators is $78,790 per year. Plus, jobs are expected to grow by 5 percent throughout the 2020s.
Explore these other scholarship categories
- Top art scholarships
- Top scholarships for women
- Easy scholarships to apply for
- Top video scholarships
- Top film scholarships
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