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25 Best Gaming Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

gaming scholarships

Do you spend hours mastering your favorite games, strategizing the perfect move, or designing incredible worlds? And have you ever thought, “Hey, maybe I could get a scholarship for this?” Are there really gaming scholarships?

The world of esports (electronic sports) is booming, and colleges are recognizing the dedication, skill, and creativity that gamers bring to the table. That’s right, there are scholarships out there specifically for gamers – scholarships that can help you pay for college while you keep doing what you love.

Now, we can help you find the perfect gaming scholarship in 2024. We’ll explore 25 amazing scholarships, from those for esports competitors to those for aspiring game designers. We’ll break down what you need to apply, what skills they’re looking for, and how to make your application shine brighter than a golden power-up.

Table of contents

Can video games get you a scholarship?

Forget jock stereotypes, esports is the new scholarship contender. Colleges are recognizing the valuable skills you develop through countless hours of gameplay – strategic thinking, lightning-fast reflexes, and teamwork under pressure. These esports scholarships are like athletic scholarships, but for the digital arena, offering financial aid to talented gamers.

How do you transform your gaming passion into a scholarship? Two paths exist. The first is the esports competitor route. Colleges with varsity esports programs actively seek top competitors to build winning teams. If you see yourself as the next esports champion, hone your skills through regular practice and online tournaments. Building a strong reputation within the gaming community is key!

The second path caters to aspiring game designers and developers. Gaming-related academic scholarships are your golden ticket. Colleges here look for a blend of academic excellence and a clear passion for games. Stellar grades in relevant subjects like computer science or art will impress, and a killer portfolio showcasing your game design skills (think game mods or design projects) will truly make you shine.

Remember, balance is key. While mastering in-game moves is important, don’t neglect your studies. Colleges seek well-rounded students, so maintain good grades. Once you’ve built a strong foundation, research scholarships that align with your interests and goals.

Finally, craft a compelling application highlighting your gaming achievements, academic record, and burning passion for the video game industry. Showcase your dedication and your love for gaming might just become the key that unlocks your college dreams.

Read: 10 Reading Scholarships for College Students in 2024

Best Gaming Scholarships to Apply For

These are 25 of the best gaming scholarships to apply for in 2024:

#1 NerdScholar ($1,000)

NerdScholar offers scholarships to students who are passionate about gaming and technology. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

#2 The Call of Duty Endowment

The second gaming scholarship on this list is Call of Duty.

It offers scholarships to veterans and military spouses who are pursuing a college education. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

#3 The Electronic Sports League (ESL)

The Electronic Sports League (ESL) gives scholarship holders $10,000.

The gaming scholarships is to students who are interested in pursuing a career in esports. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

#4 The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE)

The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) gaming scholarships are worth $2,500.

It offers scholarships to students who are participating in varsity esports programs at NACE-member schools.

Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

#5 The Women’s Game Development Foundation

The Women’s Game Development Foundation ($5,000) offers scholarships to women who want a career path in game development.

Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

#6 The International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has a gaming scholarship worth $10,000.

It offers scholarships to students who wish to pursue a career in game development. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

#7 The National Association of Black Programmers (NABP)

The National Association of Black Programmers (NABP) with a worth of $5,000 offers scholarships to African American students in computer science or engineering.

Also, see: Do Video Games Make You Smarter? Expert Guide

#8 Twitch Student Scholarships

Twitch gamers have some gaming scholarships up their sleeves. They include:

1,000 Dreams Fund-Twitch BroadcastHER Student Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship for women who are pursuing a career in gaming or esports. Applicants must be enrolled in high school, college, or graduate school and have a Twitch channel with at least 500 followers.

Twitch Community Impact Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship for students who are in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program and are active in their local gaming community.

Twitch Rivals Collegiate Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship for full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are participating in a Twitch Rivals collegiate esports event. Applicants must demonstrate their academic achievement and their commitment to esports.

#9 Intel Gamer Days Scholarship

The Intel Gamer Days Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship that is awarded to a student who is passionate about gaming and technology. The scholarship is open to students who are full-time undergraduate or graduates

To be eligible for this gaming scholarship, candidates must:

  • Be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university.
  • Be studying a degree program related to gaming or technology.
  • Have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Then, submit an essay of 500 words or less on why you are passionate about gaming and technology, a letter of recommendation, and transcripts.

#10 ESA Foundation Scholarship Program

The ESA Foundation Scholarship Program is a series of scholarships for students who are pursuing careers in the video game industry.

These gaming scholarships are by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the trade association for the video game industry in the United States.

In addition, there are three gaming scholarships through the ESA.

#11 Extra Life Scholarships

Extra Life Scholarships is a program that offers scholarships to students who are participants in the Extra Life gaming marathon fundraiser.

It is a gaming charity event where participants play games to raise money for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The Extra Life Scholarships aim to recognize and support students who commit to making a positive impact in their communities through gaming and fundraising efforts.

#12 Dr. Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Randy Pausch Scholarship Fund is a scholarship for students who are pursuing a career in the video game industry. The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), a professional organization for the video game industry funds this scholarship.

Dr. Randy Pausch Scholarship is named after Dr. Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University who was known for his work in video game development. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006 and gave a series of lectures called “The Last Lecture” in which he talked about his life and work.

The Dr. Randy Pausch Scholarship is awarded to two students each year. The scholarships are worth $5,000 each.

Also, see: Duck Life 4 Unblocked Games For School Students

#13 The Frag Dolls Scholarship

The Frag Dolls Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to female gamers who are in the video game industry.

Frag Dolls Scholarship was awarded to one full-time student each year. The scholarship is worth $5,000.

#14 The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship is awarded to female students who are pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field.

#15 Riot Games Scholarship Program

The Riot Games Scholarship Program is an initiative by Riot Games, the developer behind popular games like League of Legends. This scholarship program aims to support and recognize students who have shown exceptional skills and passion for gaming, particularly in the field of esports.

The Riot Games Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students who plan to pursue higher education while actively participating in esports or related fields.

The program recognizes the potential of esports as a career path and aims to support students in their academic and gaming endeavors.

#16 DreamHack Scholarships

DreamHack Atlanta Scholarship is a $5,000 gaming scholarship for one student who attends the DreamHack Atlanta event. The scholarship is open to students who are attending a college or university in the United States and who are majoring in a field close to esports or gaming.

It is available in some other places like Dallas, Austin, Montreal, and Valencia.

#17 Academy of Art University Esports Scholarships

The Academy of Art University Esports Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship to one student who is participating in the Academy of Art University esports program.

This gaming scholarship is open to students who are majoring in any field and who have a record of success in esports.

#18 Scholarship for Gamers by Big Fish Games

There are 3 Big Fish scholarships for gamers which include;

Firstly, the Big Fish Scholarship for Online Games is a scholarship awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in any field in the video game industry. The scholarship is worth $2,500.

Secondly, the Big Fish Scholarship for Game Design is a scholarship awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in game design. The scholarship is worth $1,000.

Lastly, the Big Fish Scholarship for Mobile Game Development is a scholarship awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in mobile game development. The scholarship is worth $1,000.

#19 Jackpot Rising Game Development Scholarship

The Jackpot Rising Game Development Scholarship is a scholarship for students who are pursuing a degree in game development. This scholarship is worth $5,000 and is funded by Jackpot Rising, a game development company.

#20 eSports Scholarships by Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University offers a variety of esports scholarships to students who want to compete in collegiate esports. The scholarships are available to students who are majoring in any field and have a record of success in eSports.

Some of the esports scholarships by Robert Morris University are

  • Robert Morris University Full-Tuition Scholarship is awarded to one student. This student will be participating in the Robert Morris University esports program.
  • Robert Morris University Half-Tuition Scholarship is for two students who are participating in the Robert Morris University esports program.

The Robert Morris University Quarter-Tuition Scholarship is for four students who are participating in the Robert Morris University esports program.

Also, read: Ev.io Unblocked Game For School Students

#21 New York University Game Center Scholarships

The New York University Game Center offers a variety of scholarships to students who want a career in game design or development. The scholarships are available to students who are majoring in any field and who have an interest in game design or development.

Some of the scholarships by the New York University Game Center include:

Evo Scholarship is one student who is passionate about fighting games and esports. The scholarship is funded by subscriptions to the Evo tournament live stream and by a generous gift from world-famous fighting game champion Daigo Umehara.

Barlovento Scholarship for Women in Games is a scholarship to one female student who is pursuing a graduate degree in game design. Barlovento Foundation funds this gaming scholarship.

The Festival Scholarship is a scholarship for talented developers who are already creating and showcasing games. The scholarship is worth $25,000.

#22 The Next Gen Scholarship Fund by GameStop

The Next Gen Scholarship Fund by GameStop is a scholarship program that awards scholarships to students in the video game industry. The scholarship is worth $5,000 and GameStop, a video game retailer funds it.

#23 HyperX Scholarship Program

The HyperX Scholarship Program is a scholarship program that awards scholarships to women who want to pursue a career in the gaming and esports industry.

The scholarship is worth $1,000 and HyperX, a gaming peripherals company funds it.

#24 Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Foundation Scholarships

The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Foundation (AIAS Foundation) offers several scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in the video game industry.

Scholarships are available to students who are majoring in any field related to the video game industry, including game design, development, programming, art, and animation.

The amount of each scholarship varies, but they are all worth at least $5,000. To be eligible for an AIAS Foundation Scholarship, you must:

  • Be a full-time student. Accreditation of your college is necessary.
  • I am majoring in a field related to the video game industry.
  • Have a GPA of at least 3.0.
  • Submit an essay of 500 words or less on why you want a career in the video game industry and how the scholarship would help you achieve your goals.
  • Write and submit a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or other mentor.
  • Lastly, submit your transcripts.

#25 Full Sail University Gaming Scholarships

Full Sail University offers a variety of scholarships to students who want a career in gaming.

The scholarships are available to students who are majoring in any field related to gaming, including game development, esports, and digital media.

Some of the gaming scholarships offered by Full Sail University include:

The Full Sail Armada Scholarship is for students who are participating in the Full Sail Armada collegiate esports team.

Full Sail Esports Invitational Scholarship is for students who participate in the Full Sail Esports Invitational tournament.

The Full Sail Game Business & Esports Scholarship is for students who are majoring in the Game Business & Esports bachelor’s degree program.

The Full Sail Dedication Scholarship is for students who demonstrate a strong academic record and a commitment to their studies.

Similarly, the Full Sail Global Achievement Scholarship is for students who are from outside of the United States and who demonstrate academic excellence.

See Also: M4ufree.com Unblocked Games for College Students

How to apply for gaming scholarships

Applying for gaming scholarships involves the following steps:

Research and Identify Scholarships:

Start by researching and identifying gaming scholarships that align with your interests, skills, and educational goals.

Look for scholarships from gaming organizations, universities, or companies in the gaming industry.

Review Eligibility Criteria:

Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements.

Pay attention to factors such as academic achievements, gaming experience, community involvement, and any specific prerequisites mentioned by the scholarship provider.

Gather Required Documents:

Prepare the necessary documents in the scholarship application instructions. These documents may include academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, gaming portfolios or achievements, and financial aid information.

In other words, submit all they ask of you.

Write a Good Personal Statement or Essay:

Many gaming scholarships require a personal statement or essay. Take the time to write a compelling essay that shows your passion for gaming, highlights your achievements, and experiences, and demonstrates why you are deserving of the scholarship.

Tailor your essay to the specific scholarship and emphasize how gaming has influenced your life and future aspirations.

Prepare a Gaming Portfolio:

Some gaming scholarships may require you to submit a gaming portfolio showcasing your skills and achievements.

This can include videos of your gameplay, highlights of tournaments or competitions you were a part of, and any relevant gaming projects or accomplishments.

Request Letters of Recommendation:

Reach out to teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can write strong letters of recommendation that speak to your abilities, character, and passion for gaming. Request these letters well in advance of the application deadline to give your recommenders ample time to prepare them.

Complete the Application Form:

Fill out the scholarship application form accurately and thoroughly, providing all the requested information. Double-check any errors or missing information before submitting.

Submit the Application on Time:

Be mindful of the application deadline and submit your application before the stated cutoff date. Ensure you complete and submit all required materials on time.

Also, see: Lich Games Unblocked For School Students

Follow-Up:

After submitting your application, consider following up with the scholarship provider to confirm receipt and express your gratitude for the opportunity.

FAQs

Can I get an esports scholarship?

It depends! Scholarships often look for top competitors or students with gaming-related academic goals. Showcasing your skills and passion is key!

What qualifications do you need for esports?

Esports qualifications vary by game but typically require high-level gameplay, strategic thinking, teamwork, and excellent hand-eye coordination.

Can you get a scholarship for playing Pokémon?

Yes! The Pokémon Company offers scholarships to top players in official tournaments, rewarding competitive Pokemon battling skills.

Conclusion

These are the 25 top best gaming scholarships in 2024, make an effort to apply.

Thoroughly read and understand the specific application instructions for each scholarship you are applying to. Summarily, good luck with your gaming scholarship applications!

References

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