AIAS Foundation Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Sponsored by Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences

Introduction
The AIAS Foundation Scholarship supports students and early-career professionals who plan to build careers in any area of game development — including but not limited to art, animation, programming, engineering, game direction, game design, sound design, law, marketing, and business administration.

We gratefully acknowledge Mark Cerny for his generous contribution to this year’s AIAS Foundation scholarship fund.

Who is eligible
- Candidates must be either:
- A full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at an accredited college or university for the 2025–26 academic year, OR
- An early-career professional based in the United States who is within their first four years working in the games industry.
- Age: Applicants must be 21 years old or older by February 1, 2026. Applicants younger than 21 may apply but must acknowledge they will not be eligible to take part in on-site D.I.C.E. Summit activities, including the mentor program.
- Field of study: Any major is acceptable.
- Academic minimum: 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Citizenship: Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, in accordance with federal law, any non-U.S. citizen awarded a scholarship must not appear on the U.S. “Specifically Designated Nationals” (SDN) terrorism watch list.
- Ineligible applicants:
- Immediate family members of AIAS Foundation board members, staff, or individual major donors (major donors are defined as contributors who have given $1,000 or more) may not apply.
- Prior recipients of this scholarship are not eligible to reapply.
- Accreditation: Academic institutions must be accredited by the customary accrediting body(ies) for their country. The AIAS Foundation retains sole discretion to determine whether an institution’s accreditation meets its standards and may disqualify applicants from institutions it deems non-accredited.

Required application materials (upload)
1. Personal statement (maximum two pages), addressing:
- Your current studies and how your work/education will contribute to the game industry.
- A discussion of your service, leadership, character, and financial need.
2. Two current, signed letters of recommendation:
- Recommenders should be supervisors, professional advisors, or faculty/administrators who know you personally.
- Each letter must speak to your potential to make meaningful contributions to the games industry through your character, leadership, or service.
3. Documentation, depending on applicant type:
- Students: an online transcript and proof of enrollment.
- Early professionals: proof of employment.

Additional notes
- All letters must be recent and signed.
- The Foundation may request additional documentation to verify eligibility.
- Failure to meet any stated requirement may result in disqualification.

If you have questions about eligibility, acceptable documentation, or the application process, contact the AIAS Foundation for guidance.