2026–2027 Scholarship Cycle
Consult the guidelines before submitting your application(s). The application deadline for all scholarships is Friday, March 6, 2026, by 11:59 p.m.
Have questions about the application process? Please contact Mackenzie Howell at mackenzie@sc.edu.
Apply Now
Start your application using the links below. You may submit applications in more than one area if you meet the eligibility requirements.
General Scholarship Guidelines (2026–2027)
Application deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
You must log in using your USC email address to complete the application forms.
Eligibility
- Be an undergraduate SVAD major or declared SVAD major (ARTS, ARTE, MART, ARTH) admitted to USC.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application (USC, transfer institution, or high school for incoming freshmen).
- Plan to enroll as a full-time student (12 credit hours or more) for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
Incomplete applications, including those missing transcripts, will not be reviewed.
Scholarships are available in Studio Art, Media Arts, Art Education, and Art History. Requirements vary by program, and separate applications are required if you apply to more than one scholarship.
Out-of-state students may be eligible for reduced tuition. Eligibility is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Scholarships are awarded for one academic year only. They are not automatically renewed. Students must reapply annually.
School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) Scholarship Guidelines
Academic Year: 2026–2027
Application Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
You must log in using your USC email address to complete the scholarship application forms.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Be an undergraduate SVAD major or declared SVAD major (ARTS, ARTE, MART, ARTH) admitted to the University of South Carolina
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (USC coursework or high school/transfer institution for incoming students)
- Plan to enroll full-time (12 or more credit hours) for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Missing transcripts or required materials will result in rejection.
If awarded, scholarships apply only to the 2026–2027 academic year and must be re-applied for annually.
Incoming & Transfer Students
- Unofficial transcript
- Ten digital images of recent artwork
- Two-page essay on becoming an art educator
- Letter of recommendation from an art teacher
Continuing USC Students
- Unofficial USC transcript
- Ten digital images of recent artwork
- Two-page essay on diversity in art education
- Letter of recommendation from an Art Education professor
Incoming & Transfer Students
- Unofficial transcript
- One-page statement of interest in Art History
- Letter of recommendation
Continuing USC Students
- Unofficial USC transcript
- Writing sample from an Art History course
- Letter of recommendation from an Art History professor
Incoming & Transfer Students
- Unofficial transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Two recent media works (video ≤ 5 minutes or equivalent)
Continuing USC Students
- Unofficial USC transcript
- Two recent media works
- Professional resume
- Artist statement
Incoming & Transfer Students
- Unofficial transcript
- Ten digital images of recent artwork
- Letter of recommendation
Continuing USC Students
- Unofficial USC transcript
- Ten digital images of recent artwork
- Artist statement
Scholarships for all SVAD Area Students
Studio Art and Design Scholarships
The Boyd Saunders Art Scholarship Fund is established to support promising undergraduate majors in Studio Art who excel in their studio art practice. Follow the instructions and upload all required documents to the online application form by the deadline. You may also include a link to your online portfolio site in your application.
The Robert Kennedy Scholarship Fund is established to recognize and support promising undergraduate students in Studio Art who excel in ceramics. Follow the instructions and upload all required documents to the online application form by the deadline. You may also include a link to your online portfolio site in your application.
Art History Scholarships
A competitive scholarship awarded to a top-performing student in the School of Visual Art and Design, with preference for the award to support an Art History major. Follow the instructions and upload all required documents to the online application form by the deadline. You may also include a link to your online portfolio site in your application.
The Undergraduate Art History Excellence Award, in honor of Charles R. Mack, is awarded to an undergraduate Art History major who has distinguished themself in Art History. Follow the instructions and upload all required documents to the online application form by the deadline.
Art Education Scholarships
The Ethel S. Brody Scholars Program Endowment Fund is established to recognize and support promising undergraduate students in Art Education at the University of South Carolina. The scholarship is awarded to a rising junior in Art Education who has shown exceptional promise and commitment to art and teaching.
Applicants will be interviewed by Art Education faculty. All applicants should have fewer than 90 credit hours completed at the time of application.
The Mary Carter Grant Scholarship is awarded to graduate and undergraduate Art Education majors who demonstrate progressive and socially relevant ideas on teaching art to elementary school students. Follow the instructions and upload all required documents to the online application form by the deadline.
A competitive scholarship awarded to a top-performing student in Art Education who shows passion for and commitment to becoming an art teacher and demonstrates potential for leadership in the field of visual arts education. Graduate and undergraduate Art Education majors are eligible to apply. Follow the instructions and upload all required documents to the online application form by the deadline.
Media Arts Scholarships
Helen Wingard Hill (May 9, 1970 – January 4, 2007) was an American artist, filmmaker, writer, teacher, social activist and native of Columbia, South Carolina. Her animated films and contributions to independent filmmaking have been widely celebrated and are in the permanent collection of the Harvard Film Archive.
The School of Visual Art and Design is honored to steward this award. The purpose of the fund is to support students’ production and/or study of independent and experimental media.