Architecture is a career that blends creativity, technical skill, and critical thinking. But here’s the reality: it can also be expensive to pursue. With rising education costs and the increased popularity of unpaid apprenticeships, scholarships are more crucial than ever to help students achieve their academic and professional dreams. Whether you’re just starting your path or are already a student, these scholarships can provide the financial backing, recognition, and career growth opportunities needed to succeed in the architecture field.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 10 scholarships designed for aspiring architecture students. We’ll cover eligibility criteria, award amounts, and how each scholarship can help build your future in design.
First Steps to a Portfolio
If you are considering a future in architecture, your first step should be to start assembling your work into a portfolio. Even if a complete, cohesively-formatted portfolio isn’t explicitly required yet, you’ll be thankful later that you at least saved your work.
What kind of work should you, an aspiring architect, include? Consider keeping your personal portfolio updated with any sketches, design concepts, and projects that you ace. Doing so will allow you to curate your best examples later on, and make you more prepared for scholarships that do require an official portfolio submission.
Top 10 Scholarships for Architecture Students
Explore 10 of the best scholarships for architecture students, including eligibility, award details, and opportunities for career growth.
Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive; there are plenty of other lesser-known scholarships that may be able to serve your goals just as well!
Without further ado…
1. Architects Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship
Diversity is key to shaping the future of architecture. This scholarship aims to support minority students with financial aid while promoting diversity within the profession. Recipients can receive up to $20,000 over multiple years and also gain mentoring from industry professionals.
- Eligibility: Open to minority high school seniors or college freshmen pursuing an architecture degree at an NAAB-accredited U.S. program. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to increasing diversity in the field.
- Award: Up to $20,000 over several years.
2. Houzz Scholarship Program
For students passionate about architecture, interior design, or landscape architecture, the Houzz Scholarship Program offers financial assistance based on creativity and academic excellence. Applicants are required to submit an essay and a portfolio showcasing their design approach.
- Eligibility: Open to students in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Applicants must submit a design portfolio and an essay.
- Award: Varies depending on the specific scholarship.
3. LAF Olmsted Scholars Program
The Landscape Architecture Foundation’s Olmsted Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in landscape architecture. It recognizes students for leadership and dedication to solving environmental and societal challenges through landscape design. Graduate students can receive up to $25,000, while undergraduates are awarded $15,000.
- Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in NAAB-accredited programs in landscape architecture in the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to environmental design.
- Award: $25,000 for graduate students; $15,000 for undergraduates.
4. ACSA Scholarships
The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) offers multiple scholarships to students enrolled in their accredited programs in the U.S. and Canada. These scholarships focus on encouraging innovation and leadership in architectural education. The ACSA/AIA Topaz Medallion is a particularly prestigious award, recognizing significant achievements in both academics and practice.
- Eligibility: Open to students in ACSA-accredited architecture programs. Selection is based on academic excellence and design innovation.
- Award: Varies by scholarship.
5. McCulley Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship focuses on underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in architecture. Along with financial support, recipients receive mentorship opportunities to help guide them through their studies and transition into professional life. For this scholarship, it’s important to emphasize diversity and inclusion in your application, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Eligibility: Open to minority students pursuing undergraduate or graduate architecture degrees. Applicants must demonstrate leadership and academic potential.
- Award: Financial assistance and mentorship.
6. ZGF Scholarship
Offered by ZGF Architects LLP, this scholarship is designed for students with a passion for architecture, urban design, and sustainability. Along with a monetary award, recipients may also gain internship opportunities at ZGF, offering real-world work experience.
- Eligibility: Open to architecture students who demonstrate design excellence, leadership, and a commitment to sustainability. A portfolio and letters of recommendation are required.
- Award: Scholarship plus potential internship opportunities.
7. AIA/American Institute of Architects Scholarships
The AIA offers a range of scholarships that cater to various aspects of architectural education—from academic merit to community service and sustainability. With scholarships available through both national and local chapters, students can receive awards ranging from a few thousand dollars to full tuition.
- Eligibility: Open to architecture students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, or community involvement. Specific eligibility depends on the scholarship.
- Award: Varies; awards are available at national and chapter levels.
8. PAVE Student Design Competition
The PAVE Student Design Competition encourages architecture and design students to create innovative retail and commercial design projects. Winners receive scholarships and industry recognition, which can lead to valuable career opportunities.
- Eligibility: Open to architecture, interior design, and related fields. Applicants must submit a design project for consideration.
- Award: Varies based on placement in the competition.
9. Concrete Masonry Education Council Scholarship
This scholarship is targeted at students with an interest in architecture, civil engineering, and construction management, with a focus on masonry. It encourages applicants to think critically about the role of masonry in sustainable building designs.
- Eligibility: Open to students in architecture, construction management, or civil engineering. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in masonry and sustainable design.
- Award: Financial assistance for education related to masonry.
10. Landscape Forms Design Scholarship
Designed for students in landscape architecture, this scholarship supports those who have demonstrated talent in sustainable urban design. Along with financial aid, recipients gain networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
- Eligibility: Open to landscape architecture students with a strong commitment to urban planning and sustainable design.
- Award: Financial assistance and professional networking opportunities.
Hopefully, this list can boost your scholarship search! The awards listed above are perfect for students who are committed to pursuing architecture as a career. Nonetheless, this list is far from exhaustive—there are plenty of other financial opportunities out there for you. Applying widely can maximize chances of securing funding and provide valuable experience, so don’t limit yourself to only the listed scholarships.
For any scholarship opportunities, a well-written personal statement will help you stand out from a competitive pool of applicants. As a student of architecure, what do you love most about this field? No matter which path you ultimately choose to accomplish your dreams, it’s valuable to take some time now to reflect on your passion for architecture and goals for the future.
But what if you’re still unsure? If you’re uncertain about whether architecture is the right path for you, gaining hands-on experience can help clarify your passion and strengthen your resume for future scholarship applications.
How High School Students Can Get Involved in Architecture
If you’re a high school student with an interest in architecture, now is the best time to start laying the groundwork for a potential career. Even if you’re still exploring whether this field is right for you, early involvement will give you valuable insights and a head start on building the skills and portfolio you’ll need for college applications and scholarships. Experiences in clubs, competitions, and design projects can distinguish you from peers, as many scholarship reviewers value commitment outside of the classroom.
Here’s how you can start getting involved:
1. Join an Architecture Club or Organization
Look for architecture or design clubs at your school or within your community. These groups often provide opportunities to work on projects, learn design principles, and connect with like-minded peers. This can also help you practice creative problem-solving and gain experience working in teams—skills that are highly valued in the field.
2. Try Enrolling in Design or Art Classes
Many high schools offer elective courses in art, design, or drafting that can help you develop your artistic abilities and learn the basics of architecture. You can also consider enrolling in online courses or summer programs that focus on architectural drawing, modeling, or computer-aided design (CAD).
3. Sign Up for Summer Architecture Programs
Several universities and organizations offer summer architecture programs specifically for high school students. These programs provide hands-on experience in design, construction, and urban planning, often taught by industry professionals. They’re an excellent way to explore the field, build a portfolio, and make connections that could be helpful later in your career.
4. Shadow an Architect or Get an Internship
Reach out to local architecture firms to see if they offer shadowing opportunities or internships for high school students. Observing architects at work or assisting with small projects can give you a better understanding of the daily responsibilities and challenges in the profession. Plus, internships are a great way to network with professionals who can offer advice and mentorship! Take the opportunity to network early on with other architecture professionals whenever possible.
5. Start a Personal Design Project
You don’t need to wait for formal opportunities to start exploring architecture. Take on your own design projects, whether it’s drafting a blueprint for a dream home, creating a model of a public space, or experimenting with architectural software. Documenting these projects can become part of your portfolio, showcasing your creativity and initiative when applying to college programs and scholarships.
By taking these steps now, you’ll not only gain a clearer understanding of what it’s like to work in architecture but also build a strong foundation for your future studies and career. Whether you’re applying for scholarships or looking to impress college admissions committees, the experience and skills you gain will make you stand out as a motivated and passionate candidate.
6. Practice Makes Progress
We’re less concerned with perfecting your skills; you’ll get there, eventually, but it takes time and a lot of hard work! So instead, as we practice skills in high school, our counselors say “practice makes progress.” The more times you have the opportunity to practice writing applications and personal statements, the less intimidating important applications will feel.
How does this relate to your scholarships? Try preparing with mock scholarship applications, or lower-stakes awards, before the real deal. You can work on practice applications and get feedback to refine your essays and portfolio submissions so that when the big fish comes around, you’ll be that much more ready.
Unlock your dream future!
Pursuing a career in architecture comes with its challenges—but these scholarships can make all the difference. Beyond financial aid, many of these opportunities offer mentorship, networking, and recognition, all of which are essential for long-term success in the industry.
Looking for personalized guidance on finding and applying for scholarships? Empowerly can help. Our expert counselors provide tailored advice, from crafting standout applications to securing scholarship funds. Let Empowerly be your partner in achieving your architecture career goals. Explore more with Empowerly today!
