5 Scholarships for Gamers

Key takeaways

• There are scholarships for students who love gaming, esports, and animation.
• Some scholarships are made to help women, underrepresented students, or those who need financial support.
• Deadlines are different for each scholarship, so it’s important to apply early.

Do you love gaming and dream of turning that passion into a career? From design and animation to programming and esports, there are scholarships created just for gamers. These awards can help you pay for college and build your future in the gaming world.

Check out these five scholarships for gamers.

1. University of Delaware Esports Scholarship

• Award Amount: Varies; partial scholarships are awarded to a select number of students
• Status: Open now
• Deadline: March 20

The University of Delaware offers esports scholarships to current players and incoming students interested in joining the Blue Hen Esports teams. These awards support talented gamers as they pursue their education while competing at a high level in collegiate esports.

Eligibility:

• Current high school senior or college student planning to enroll in UD
• Demonstrated esports experience, including game highlights, rankings, and statistics
• Commitment to participate in Blue Hen Esports during the academic year

2. ESA Foundation ESports Scholarship

• Award Amount: $3,000 to 30 recipients
• Status: Applications are expected to open in February
• Deadline: April 15

The ESA Foundation Esports Scholarship is the first of its kind. It was created to support underrepresented students who compete in collegiate esports while pursuing a four-year degree. This scholarship helps dedicated gamers balance their passion with their academic goals. It provides financial support to those turning competitive play into a pathway for success.

Eligibility:

• A woman or member of an underrepresented group
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be competing on or confirmed to compete with a college esports team next fall
• A current high school senior, college freshman, sophomore, or junior
• Enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university
• A U.S. citizen

3.  Future Designer Scholarship

• Award Amount: $1,000 for 1 recipient
• Status: Open now
• Deadline: May 1

The Future Designer Scholarship from cardsdirect.com rewards artistic talent with a $1,000 scholarship and a chance to have your work featured as a product on Cardsdirect’s website. Each year, the scholarship challenges students to create a greeting card. Applicants can submit artwork in any two-dimensional medium, including digital illustration, watercolor, pencil, acrylic, mixed media, and more.

Eligibility:

• High school seniors or current college students
• Interested in visual and performing arts, graphic design, or printing
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• At least 17 years old
• Incoming or current full-time college student

4. Girls for Gaming Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2,500 for 1 recipient
• Status: Applications are expected to open in March
• Deadline: May 31

The Girls for Gaming Scholarship supports early professionals and female students pursuing a career in game development or related tech fields. This award recognizes leadership, dedication, and academic achievement. It can help recipients advance in the gaming industry while completing their education or early professional work.

Eligibility:

• Identify as a woman
• Minimum GPA of 3.3
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Full-time undergraduate or graduate student, or a recent graduate working as an early professional in the first two years of their career
• Eligible degrees include law, public relations, marketing, business management, and human resources

5. Minecraft Scholarship

• Award Amount: $2,000 for 1 recipient
• Status: Open now
• Deadline: July 31

The Minecraft Scholarship supports students who are passionate about using Minecraft as a tool for learning and creativity. Offered by Apex Hosting, this scholarship encourages students to explore how the popular game can positively impact their education and career development.

Eligibility:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Enrolled in high school or college
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Submit a short essay (minimum of 500 words) on Minecraft’s influence on education and career development

Play to win — in college and beyond

Gaming teaches creativity, focus, and persistence. These skills can lead to success in school and your career. Gaming scholarships show that your passion can open real opportunities. Whether you’re into designing worlds, competing on an esports team, or coding the next big hit, you might be surprised by the opportunities you can find. Applying early can help boost your chances of receiving an award.

Ready to find more scholarships? Use our FREE Scholarship Search tool to discover more gaming and tech-related scholarships that match your skills and interests. Start your search today and take the first step toward your dream career.