Top photography scholarships: Find free money for students

What to know about photography scholarships

• Photography scholarships can help you pay for college while you study photography or a related visual arts field.
• Many awards are portfolio-based, so your work and creative voice can matter as much as grades.
• You don’t always need to be a photography major—some scholarships are open to students in journalism, media, design, and other programs.
• Requirements vary, but common materials include images, captions, an artist statement, and basic school information.
• Deadlines and rules can change year to year, so it’s smart to double-check details before you apply.

Photography scholarships can offset tuition and the real costs that come with the craft—camera gear, software, printing, and project expenses. Whether you’re finishing high school or already in college, these awards can support your education and help you keep building your portfolio.

Scholarships can be the difference between planning and actually enrolling. In Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025, 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. For photography students, that support can mean more room in your budget to create work you’re proud of.

What are photography scholarships?

Photography scholarships are financial awards that support students who show interest or ability in photography and visual storytelling. Some are designed for photography majors, while others welcome students in related fields who use photography in their work.

Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. They’re often funded by foundations, photography organizations, media groups, colleges, and arts institutions that want to invest in emerging photographers.

• Scholarships for photography majors and visual arts students
• Portfolio-based awards that emphasize creativity and technique
• Photojournalism and documentary photography scholarships
• Creative media and communications scholarships that accept photography work
• Competition-based awards tied to juried submissions
• Scholarships connected to mentorship, exhibitions, or project funding

What scholarships are available for photography students?

If you’re looking for photography scholarships, you’ll find options through photography foundations, arts organizations, and journalism groups. Some focus on the images you submit, while others are tied to academic programs or career goals.

Below are real scholarships and programs that photography students commonly explore. If a deadline isn’t listed or changes year to year, check the official program page for current details.

National Press Photographers Foundation Scholarship

The National Press Photographers Foundation Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in visual journalism and documentary storytelling. Awards are given to students who demonstrate strong potential in photojournalism through their portfolio and supporting materials.

Applicants typically submit photography samples along with academic information and recommendations. Award details and deadlines can vary each year.

Getty Images Creative Bursary

The Getty Images Creative Bursary supports emerging photographers and visual storytellers working on projects that explore meaningful social, cultural, or global topics.

Applicants usually submit a portfolio and a project proposal describing the story they want to tell through photography. Program structures and award amounts may change from year to year.

Gordon Parks Foundation Scholarship

The Gordon Parks Foundation Scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing careers in the arts, including photography and visual storytelling.

The program honors the legacy of Gordon Parks by supporting students whose work reflects creativity, purpose, and narrative strength. Application details and deadlines may change each year.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (Photography Category)

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recognize talented high school students across creative disciplines, including photography.

Students submit original work that is evaluated for originality, technical skill, and artistic voice. Winners may receive scholarships, recognition, and opportunities to showcase their work.

What scholarships are available for photography majors?

Some scholarships are designed specifically for students enrolled in photography programs, visual arts departments, or related majors such as photojournalism. Others are open to students in broader creative fields who submit photography portfolios.

• You’re majoring in photography, visual arts, photojournalism, or a related field
• You can submit a portfolio that demonstrates technical skill and creativity
• Your work shows storytelling ability or a clear artistic perspective
• You meet academic or enrollment requirements set by the sponsor
• You can provide transcripts or recommendations if requested

Who qualifies for photography scholarships?

Eligibility for photography scholarships varies depending on the organization offering the award. Some focus on academic majors, while others primarily evaluate the strength of your photography portfolio.

• High school seniors planning to study photography, visual arts, journalism, or media
• Current college students in photography, communications, or related programs
• Students who can submit a strong photography portfolio
• Applicants interested in photojournalism, documentary photography, or visual storytelling
• Students who meet any GPA, enrollment, or program requirements listed by the sponsor

How to apply for photography scholarships

1. Search for photography scholarships through arts organizations, photography foundations, and scholarship platforms.
2. Review eligibility requirements carefully before starting an application.
3. Prepare a photography portfolio with your strongest and most relevant images.
4. Gather supporting materials such as transcripts, captions, or recommendations if requested.
5. Complete the application and upload portfolio materials before the deadline.
6. Track your submissions and respond quickly if a scholarship sponsor requests additional information.

What are some tips for winning photography scholarships?

• Lead with your strongest images. A focused portfolio often makes a stronger impression than submitting too many photos.

• Show a clear point of view. Scholarship reviewers want to see how you approach storytelling through photography.

• Follow portfolio guidelines carefully. Image limits, file formats, and captions are often part of the evaluation process.

• Include variety when it makes sense. Different subjects or styles can demonstrate versatility if they fit the scholarship’s theme.

• Provide helpful context. Short captions or descriptions can help judges understand the story behind your work.

• Apply consistently. Photography scholarships can be competitive, so applying to multiple programs improves your chances.

Additional scholarship resources

If you’re exploring top scholarships for photography students, it can also help to review broader scholarship categories that support creative fields.

Scholarships by major – Browse scholarships organized by academic field, including visual arts, communications, and media programs.

Scholarships for college students – Find scholarships specifically available to students already enrolled in college programs.

Scholarships for adults – Opportunities for adult learners returning to school or pursuing creative careers.

Scholarships for women – Scholarships designed to support women pursuing higher education across many majors.

LGBTQ+ scholarships – Financial aid opportunities supporting LGBTQ+ students in a variety of academic fields.

STEM scholarships – Some technology-focused scholarships also support digital media and imaging programs.

Scholarships by state – Explore local scholarships from community organizations and regional foundations.

Your next steps

Photography scholarships can help support your education while you build the skills and portfolio needed for creative careers. Whether you’re finishing high school or already enrolled in college, there are scholarships available for students interested in photography and visual storytelling.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before applying. Start with one application and build from there. You can explore the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, browse Scholly Scholarships, or try Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships to find opportunities you can apply to quickly.