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Top 25 Photography Scholarships for Students in June 2023
Do you love to take pictures? If so, you can put your photography skills to use by applying for photography scholarships. Whether you are snapping pictures for your Instagram account or are a serious photographer, there are a number of great scholarships available to you.
Jump ahead to:
- Top photography scholarships
- How to win scholarships for photography students
- Resources for photography students
- Frequently asked questions about photography scholarships
- Other scholarship lists to explore
Keep on reading to learn more about our top photography scholarships including eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines!
Top 19 Photography Scholarships for Students in June 2023
The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:
- The scholarship requires a fee to apply
- The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
- The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
- Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
- The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
- The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
- The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
- There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
- The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
- There is no available contact information
If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!
* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.
Creativity Takes Courage Scholarship for Art Students
This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage.…
This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage.…
This award is open to students studying any form of visual and/or performing arts who write an essay expressing their views on creativity and courage. The French artist Henri Matisse once said, “another word for creativity is courage.” Artists can be loved and appreciated for their work, but they also have the potential to be criticized and rejected. Releasing art into the world involves overcoming fear and self-doubt. Even the most successful artists grapple with questions like “am I good enough?” or “will people like this?” If you’re a creative student who has ever struggled with these questions, we encourage you to apply for this scholarship! See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the essay prompt. We look forward to reading your application!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Academic Interest: TV/Radio Broadcasting, Visual & Performing Arts, Graphic Design/Printing, Film/Video Production, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Ocean Awareness Art Contest
Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make…
Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make…
Are you an 11 - 18 year old who has a passion for saving the environment and/or the ocean? Additionally, would you like to make a statement about the impact of climate change through writing, artwork, or even dance? You might consider applying for the Ocean Awareness Art Contest! Dedicated to encouraging the next generation to get involved in ocean conservation (and environmentalism as a whole), the contest asks its applicants to create a piece of artwork that reflects an impact/aspect of the current environmental crisis and its effect on the ocean. Each year has a specific theme to focus on, with this year being climate change. If you would like to make a statement about climate change’s impact on the ocean through art, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Students
Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Academic Interest: Environmental Science, Literature/English/Writing, Visual & Performing Arts, Film/Video Production, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
$2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay
Easy scholarship from Nitro College open to all high school, college, community and graduate students.
Easy scholarship from Nitro College open to all high school, college, community and graduate students.
Easy scholarship from Nitro College open to all high school, college, community and graduate students.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Citizenship: US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, DACA, Other
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Niche $15,000 No Essay Scholarship
Open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.
Open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.
Open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
HIE Help Center Scholarship for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Students
The HIE Help Center Scholarship for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Students is funded by the HIE Help Center, an organization that serves as an…
The HIE Help Center Scholarship for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Students is funded by the HIE Help Center, an organization that serves as an…
The HIE Help Center Scholarship for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Students is funded by the HIE Help Center, an organization that serves as an informational resource guide for families of children with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Every year, the HIE Help Center Scholarship for Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Students awards $1,000 to one postsecondary student pursuing a career in physical or speech therapy who submit a creative project about why they chose the field. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: College & Graduate Students
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Academic Interest: Healthcare, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Pretty Photoshop Actions Annual Scholarship
Are you a high school senior or college student interested in photo editing? If so, check out the Pretty Photoshop Actions Annual Scholarship! The scholarship…
Are you a high school senior or college student interested in photo editing? If so, check out the Pretty Photoshop Actions Annual Scholarship! The scholarship…
Are you a high school senior or college student interested in photo editing? If so, check out the Pretty Photoshop Actions Annual Scholarship! The scholarship is open to current or prospective college students who are looking to fund their education and write an essay-style tutorial for Adobe Photoshop. A photography business called Pretty Presents & Actions offers the scholarship award annually. The company was started in 2009 and is passionate about providing photo editing services and photography-related products to an international audience. Each year, the business awards $500 to help the lucky recipient pay for their college degree. If you’re a student interested in Adobe Photoshop and looking to fund your education, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students
Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Trevor Coopersmith Urban Art Scholarship
Are you an artistically driven individual who uses art to creatively benefit your community? If so, consider applying for the Trevor Coopersmith Urban Art Scholarship!…
Are you an artistically driven individual who uses art to creatively benefit your community? If so, consider applying for the Trevor Coopersmith Urban Art Scholarship!…
Are you an artistically driven individual who uses art to creatively benefit your community? If so, consider applying for the Trevor Coopersmith Urban Art Scholarship! The Trevor Coopersmith Urban Art Scholarship is open to all artistically driven individuals who utilize their art to creatively benefit their communities. The scholarship is funded by Trevor Coopersmith, a young artist and University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) graduate dedicated to helping out his community however he can. During college, Trevor worked four jobs in order to graduate debt-free without any financial support. Thus, he realized his dream was to help others by donating all his works and creating art for his community. Every year, his Urban Art Scholarship awards $350 to help one (1) lucky artist pursue their dreams. If you’re passionate about having a career in arts and are looking for some help to pay off your degree, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
International Documentary Photography Scholarship
Are you a post-secondary student with a passion for photojournalism? If so, consider applying for the International Documentary Photography Scholarship! The International Documentary Photography Scholarship…
Are you a post-secondary student with a passion for photojournalism? If so, consider applying for the International Documentary Photography Scholarship! The International Documentary Photography Scholarship…
Are you a post-secondary student with a passion for photojournalism? If so, consider applying for the International Documentary Photography Scholarship! The International Documentary Photography Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who use photography to bring attention to social issues. The scholarship is funded by Anchell Photography, Inc., an organization established by the award-winning photographer, Steve Anchell. Steve Anchell is a passionate photojournalist and photographer whose works have been exhibited in galleries and private collections around the world. To support young photographers pursuing socially conscious photography, Steve's "International Documentary Photography Scholarship" offers $1,000 to one talented applicant each year. Selection is based on students' submissions and demonstrated interest/involvement in using photography to document a person, group of people, place, event, or happening of social or personal importance. If you’re passionate about photography and are looking for some help to pay off your degree, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: College & Graduate Students
Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
HSLDA Contests
The HSLDA Contests are funded by the Home School Legal Defense Association, an organization dedicated to protecting parents' rights to homeschooling and providing homeschooling families…
The HSLDA Contests are funded by the Home School Legal Defense Association, an organization dedicated to protecting parents' rights to homeschooling and providing homeschooling families…
The HSLDA Contests are funded by the Home School Legal Defense Association, an organization dedicated to protecting parents' rights to homeschooling and providing homeschooling families with the necessary resources. Each year, the Home School Legal Defense Association Contests award scholarships of varying amounts to multiple homeschooled students aged 7-19 (2nd graders through high school seniors) who create and submit original pieces of artwork, videos, or writing. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Students
Academic Interest: History, Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Rick Jowett Fellowship
The Rick Jowett Fellowship was established by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation to support educational opportunities for photographers and videographers who work in media in…
The Rick Jowett Fellowship was established by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation to support educational opportunities for photographers and videographers who work in media in…
The Rick Jowett Fellowship was established by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation to support educational opportunities for photographers and videographers who work in media in Wisconsin. Recipients of the fellowship can use the grant for professional development in the areas of photography and videography. Applicants must specify how the funds will be used. Potential uses include but are not limited to courses offered by the National Press Photographers Association, the Poynter Institute, or any accredited college or university.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: College Students
Academic Interest: Film/Video Production, Photography/Photojournalism
State: Wisconsin
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship
Are you an Asian or Pacific Islander high school senior or college student who is (or will be) pursuing a major in performing visual arts,…
Are you an Asian or Pacific Islander high school senior or college student who is (or will be) pursuing a major in performing visual arts,…
Are you an Asian or Pacific Islander high school senior or college student who is (or will be) pursuing a major in performing visual arts, journalism, and/or mass communications? If so, the Against the Grain Artistic Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to an applicant with an impressive artistic portfolio and thoughtful essay about their art. The scholarship is funded by Against the Grain Productions, an organization dedicated to promoting leadership, unity, and artistry in the Asian American community. If you would like to display your artwork while receiving financial help for college, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Seniors & College Students
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Race/Ethnicity: Asian/Pacific Islander
Academic Interest: Journalism, Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Celebrate The West
Are you a high school student residing in the American west or U.S. territories whose Governors participate in the bipartisan Western Governors’ Association (WGA)? More…
Are you a high school student residing in the American west or U.S. territories whose Governors participate in the bipartisan Western Governors’ Association (WGA)? More…
Are you a high school student residing in the American west or U.S. territories whose Governors participate in the bipartisan Western Governors’ Association (WGA)? More importantly, do you love where you live and have a passion for art? If so, you might consider applying for the Celebrate the West Contest! Each year, the scholarship awards between $200 and $1,500 to 23 lucky students who create a piece of artwork that most thoughtfully reflects an insight about the West or the applicant’s relation to the West. In order to apply, you simply need to email a digital copy of your artwork and your entry form to [email protected]. If you’re passionate about art and have some insights about where you live, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Students
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship
Are you pursuing a degree in visual arts? You might consider applying for the CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship! This scholarship is open to Black…
Are you pursuing a degree in visual arts? You might consider applying for the CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship! This scholarship is open to Black…
Are you pursuing a degree in visual arts? You might consider applying for the CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship! This scholarship is open to Black high school seniors, college, and graduate students who are studying fields such as architecture, ceramics, fashion, graphic design, illustration, interior design, painting, photography, and video production. The scholarship is funded by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses, an organization comprised of the wives and husbands of African American members of the U.S. Congress. Since 1988, the organization has awarded more than $9 million in scholarships to deserving students. If you’re passionate about visual arts and are seeking funds to help pay for college, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: 2.5
Race/Ethnicity: Black/African
Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts, Fashion Design, Film/Video Production, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships
The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships are funded by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), an organization that “advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage,…
The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships are funded by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), an organization that “advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage,…
The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships are funded by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), an organization that “advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force.” Every year, the AIGA Worldstudio Scholarships award up to $5,000 to multiple postsecondary students pursuing a degree in graphic design, illustration, or photography. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: College & Graduate Students
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: 2.0
Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts, Graphic Design/Printing, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
Iowa Scholarships for the Arts
Are you an Iowa high school senior with a passion for the arts? Furthermore, do you intend on attending an in-state (Iowa) college or university…
Are you an Iowa high school senior with a passion for the arts? Furthermore, do you intend on attending an in-state (Iowa) college or university…
Are you an Iowa high school senior with a passion for the arts? Furthermore, do you intend on attending an in-state (Iowa) college or university to pursue an arts-related major? If so, look no further! The Iowa Scholarships for the Arts are annual scholarships awarding $2,500 to multiple students. To apply, submit 3-5 artistic work samples which best represent the artwork you intend on studying in college. This program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, an organization dedicated to empowering Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define Iowa.
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Senior
Citizenship: Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Academic Interest: Architecture, Literature/English/Writing, Visual & Performing Arts, Film/Video Production, Photography/Photojournalism
State: Iowa
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
The Christophers High School Poster Contest
Are you a high school student interested in graphic design and/or marketing and are looking to aid in future educational expenses? Consider applying for the…
Are you a high school student interested in graphic design and/or marketing and are looking to aid in future educational expenses? Consider applying for the…
Are you a high school student interested in graphic design and/or marketing and are looking to aid in future educational expenses? Consider applying for the Christophers High School Poster Contest! Each year, the Christophers, a nonprofit organization that promotes ideals of service to “God” and humanity regardless of religion, offers a scholarship for high school students. Students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to submit a digitally created or hand-drawn poster addressing a certain prompt. First place can receive up to $1,000, with second place receiving $500, third $250, and five honorable mentions receiving $100 each. Since the scholarship is for high school students, the award is given in cash to each student and can be used for educational expenses as they see fit. If you’re a high schooler with a knack for design, the Christophers High School Poster Contest could be a good fit for you!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: High School Students
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Academic Interest: Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship
Are you interested in becoming a professional artist? If so, consider applying for the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship! The scholarship is open to individuals…
Are you interested in becoming a professional artist? If so, consider applying for the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship! The scholarship is open to individuals…
Are you interested in becoming a professional artist? If so, consider applying for the F. Lammot Belin Arts Scholarship! The scholarship is open to individuals planning to become professional/fine artists who are residing in or formerly resided in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Peter Belin funds the scholarship in memory of his father, F. Lammot Belin, former Chief of Protocol of the United States. Established to provide financial assistance to artists of outstanding aptitude and promise in the fine arts, the scholarship aims to help artists pursue their desired careers. Every year, they are happy to offer multiple recipients up to $10,000 to use for individual projects, formal or informal study, or travel. If you are passionate about becoming a professional artist and reside in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: College & Graduate Students
Citizenship: US Citizens, Permanent Residents
Academic Interest: Architecture, Literature/English/Writing, Music, Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
State: Pennsylvania
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
The James Alan Cox Foundation Student Photojournalism Scholarship
Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for photojournalism? If so, consider applying for The James Alan Cox Foundation Student…
Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for photojournalism? If so, consider applying for The James Alan Cox Foundation Student…
Are you a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with a passion for photojournalism? If so, consider applying for The James Alan Cox Foundation Student Photojournalism Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards Digital SLR cameras to five high school students and $2,500 to six university students who submit photojournalistic images and news videos that “tell a story.” In addition to a photo or video, applicants must also submit an essay explaining their photo, school transcript, financial data, and two letters of recommendation. The scholarship is offered by the James Alan Cox Foundation, an organization founded in honor of television photojournalist James Alan Cox with the goal of “providing financial support to student photojournalists of high school and college age.” If you’re passionate about photography and want to be awarded for your efforts and talents, we encourage you to apply!
Eligibility information
Grade Level: All Grade Levels
Minimum GPA: No GPA requirement
Academic Interest: Journalism, Visual & Performing Arts, Photography/Photojournalism
Next steps
Check your eligibility through the Scholarships360 app.
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How to win scholarships for photography students
Don’t forget to brainstorm!
Photography scholarship applications may look a little different from your average scholarship. Rather than strictly submitting essays, you’ll probably be submitting your photographs, perhaps with artist statements or essays to accompany them.
Before you start sending out submissions, it’s a good idea to do a bit of brainstorming. Think about your goals and aspirations as a photographer. Try going over the following questions and jotting down the first things that come to mind when you ask them of yourself. Don’t worry about writing elegantly or succinctly; just get it down on a piece of paper to reference later. Try asking some trusted family members, friends, and mentors the same questions of yourself to get some other perspectives. This will prove invaluable as you begin your applications.
Questions to consider
- What was the first moment you know you wanted to be a photographer?
- Who are your photographer heroes and why?
- How do you want to change the world with your photography?
- Why photography, out of all the artforms out there?
- What do you want to say with your photography and why is it best said through the art of photo?
- How have your personal experiences informed your work so far?
Write strong statements and essays
Once you have done some reflecting, it’s time to get to writing! We can help you write strong statements and essays with our guides on how to write an essay about yourself, how to write a winning scholarship essay, and how to tailor your writing to 250 and 500 word limits.
It may also be your first time writing an artist statement. This is a unique type of writing that has its own style. Check out Art Prof’s guide on the artist statement to get an idea of what scholarship providers may be looking for. We can also help you start and end your essays, and respond to common scholarship essay prompts. Good luck!
Also see: How to create your best college portfolio
Resources for photography students
National Press Photographers Association
If you’re interested in photojournalism, this is a great association to check out and eventually join. They serve as advocates for the profession and connect photojournalist around the country to share ideas and resources. They also offer membership discounts to students.
Professional Photographers of America
As with any major, it’s a great idea to connect with some people in the field as you study your material. The Professional Photographers of America gives you the opportunity to do just that. You’ll connect with people who take photographs for a living and have the opportunity to ask them about their experience. You’ll be able to get advice and testimony about the field from people all over the world and of all different ages and fields of photography.
Federal financial aid
This one may seem obvious, but we want to make sure that every single student is filling out the FAFSA. The application qualifies you for institutional aid, as well as federal grants such as the Pell Grant and loans such as Stafford Loans. It’s free and easy to apply, and no matter your income or assets, you will qualify for at least some benefits. Be sure to complete the FAFSA before its deadline.