Eligibility 

Q: Do I need to be a WIA member to apply?

A: Active WIA Maker-level members or higher are eligible to apply. Learn more about our levels on our website.

Q: I won’t turn 18 until after the WIA Scholarship applications close; can I apply?

A: You must be 18 or older at the time of application. We’ll see you next year!

Q: I am in my first year (freshman) of College/University. I really want this scholarship, can I please apply?

A: You are not yet eligible. All applicants must be a sophomore (or second year equivalent) or higher at the time of application. We’ll see you next year!

Q: I am not a US student, can I apply for this scholarship?

A: Absolutely! This scholarship is a global program.

Q: I can’t travel to the US but I am taking online classes for a university based in the US. Can I apply?

A: Yes! However there are requirements that you will need from your school, including your transcript. Make sure you contact your school ahead of time so you don’t miss the deadline.

Q: I am taking online courses, not at a degree-seeking school. Can I apply?

A: Yes, this program is open to all students who have taken classes previously. Please refer to our eligibility requirements for online courses/schools listed on the Scholarship homepage. We have a running list of eligible online courses/schools for your reference (schools not on this list will be considered on a case by case basis, please reach out to [email protected]).

Q: Can I apply if I am enrolled in classes, but I don’t start until Winter, Spring?

A: If you are officially enrolled in the program you can apply. Anyone not officially enrolled is not eligible.

Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am graduating after this semester?

A: Our scholarship program is open to any active student through December 31st of the current calendar year. You are ineligible if you have already graduated from your school/college/university. If you have questions about your specific eligibility scenario please email [email protected].

Q: Can I apply if I am Graduate Student (MA, PHD)? What Transcripts do I need to provide?

A: Yes, if you began your post graduate degree with no more than 1 gap year, you are eligible to apply. If there was more than a year between programs you are not eligible.

• To apply you must provide your most recent transcript.

Q: My school only has one art major and no animation/gaming/vfx specific major? Does that count?

A: Yes, as long as you are interested in working in the animation/gaming/vfx industry. 

Application Materials

Q: What if I don’t have a full transcript for my current year of study?

A: We prefer a full transcript that shows your cumulative GPA but the transcript can be unofficial; please avoid spending money to purchase your transcripts if your school requires it for official transcripts.

We understand that the Scholarship timeline may not align with your school’s terms, so you may not have all credits listed. If you need more time to get a complete transcript please follow the requirements to submit a missing transcript doc:

• Submit a word doc or pdf that states: “I am currently waiting on my ‘missing document’. I’m expecting it by ‘date’ (for a letter of recommendation please state: I am waiting on a letter from “name of person” and their email address).  

Q: My school doesn’t offer transcripts. What should I do?

A: The majority of traditional colleges and universities (US/CAN) offer a transcript. It is rare that a school will withhold any transcripts from the student. Please reach out to your academic advisor for support if needed. WIA will not reach out on your behalf to determine if your school provides a transcript.

If you’re attending online classes or an online school please check our eligible online courses/schools. 

Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions or need to talk through this issue.

Q: I am interested in animation production management so I don’t have a creative art portfolio. Am I eligible? How can I apply?

A: Production management is included as an interest in our scholarship program. Submit your resume and put an emphasis on this in your Statement of Purpose. While we won’t heavily critique your art work, we still ask that you showcase your art or a project in which you acted as a Producer along with an explanation of how you helped complete that project. Please make sure you are properly crediting any artist whose work you are showcasing.

Q: What do I submit for Samples of Work? 

A: We suggest editing your work to only show strong pieces that represent you as an artist, not every piece that you like. Try to show variety, pieces we may not see in your portfolio, but overlap is fine.

Q: My school does not use a GPA grading system. How do I fill in this section?

A:  We understand many non-US schools don’t use the GPA system. 

1. Use an online GPA conversion tool to get an equivalent number. 
2. If your school uses a pass/fail system or something similar, then put “GPA N/A – Pass/Fail” in the application form. Please include if you passed or failed and not “Pass/Fail”.
3. If your situation is unique please let us know by email [email protected].

Q: What sets a candidate apart from others?

A: A well-balanced application will set you apart; pay attention to the requirements. They have been very clearly outlined to express our expectations and restrictions. 

Q: What should be included in the artist statement?

A: Your artist statement can include: who you are as an artist, what your career goal is, why you are applying for this scholarship and how you will plan to use the grant. Tell us about yourself and be genuine.

Q: Who can write my letter of recommendation? How do I get them to WIA?  

A: We would like the letter of recommendation to be from a professor, staff, or professional mentor who has assisted you in your academic journey and can speak to your abilities as an artist and student! 

The writer can send the letter directly to [email protected], addressed to the WIA Scholarship Team, and include the following information: 

• The Applicant’s name
• The Applicant’s email (it must match the email used for the scholarship application)
• The letter as either a pdf or doc (official letterhead is preferred but not required)

Q: I made a mistake on my application! Can I get it corrected?

A: Please TRIPLE check your application before hitting submit. Have a friend or family member review your application before you submit! Corrections will be made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

Q: I don’t have all of my materials and the deadline is approaching. What should I do?

A: We ask you to plan ahead when possible. Your application should be complete at the time of submission. Exceptions will be made ONLY for letters of recommendation and transcripts. We will announce a deadline for support documents for these items. After that deadline, incomplete applications will be disqualified.

• In the event that you are unable to submit the application in its entirety please submit a word doc or pdf that states: “I am currently waiting on my ‘missing document’. I’m expecting it by ‘date’ (for a letter of recommendation please state: I am waiting on a letter from “name of person” and their email address).  

Q: I have submitted my application! Will I be able to get updates?

A: Thank you for your submission to the scholarship program! We don’t provide updates while judging is active. All applicants will be alerted if they are chosen as a recipient, typically around February of the following year. Thank you for your patience!

Awards

Q: What are the awards this year? 

A: Take a look HERE to see this year’s awards (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Q: How can I ensure I get my award(s)?

A: We will walk all winners through the process of collecting the required information. For physical awards please ensure you submit a mailing address that is secure and where you’re confident you will be able to receive your mailed item. Sometimes this means not sending an item/check to a university address. Please ensure all information we get from you is accurate. WIA is not responsible for any lost or stolen reward items.

Q: I am not based in the US, if I get selected, how do I go about getting the cash awards?

A: WIA sends checks within the States, but can wire funds to international bank accounts.