CONSERVATORY
FESTIVALS
AWARDS
PRESERVATION
LISTS
SILVER THEATRE
SUPPORT
AFI
header logo

Scholarships

The AFI Conservatory offers scholarship support to incoming and current Fellows. Scholarships are awarded based on both financial need and demonstrated alent, and range from $2,500 up to full tuition. Several scholarships are available for Fellows from underrepresented communities, specific nationalities and Conservatory disciplines.

Scholarships awarded to first-year Fellows are renewable in the second year provided the recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress. To apply for AFI Scholarship funds, a prospective Fellow must submit the AFI Conservatory scholarship application during the admissions process. Download and complete the pdf application, submit the required essay(s) and upload your document in pdf format within the online application.

Scholarship selection is determined by the AFI Conservatory Scholarship Committee with advisement from select scholarship donors on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships available include the following. Please do not contact donors directly or address your scholarship application to a specific donor or award. With any questions, contact Admissions@AFI.com.

  • The Audi Fellowship for Women, a two-year, full-tuition scholarship awarded to an incoming female Directing Fellow.
  • The Screen Australia Onbass Fellowship, a two-year, full- tuition scholarship awarded to an incoming Fellow who is an Australian citizen or national. Read more about the Fellowship here.
  • The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Scholarship, awarded to an incoming Fellow with an undergraduate science degree or relevant work experience, and an interest in making science-related films. More information on the Sloan Film Program and its various offerings at the AFI Conservatory can be found here.
  • The Paul and Monica Bancroft Family Foundation Scholarship, supporting women of color studying at the AFI Conservatory.
  • The Green Foundation Scholarships, awarded to aspiring minority filmmakers from communities traditionally underserved in film and television.
  • The Jane Stewart Endowed Scholarship, providing tuition relief to female Fellows studying in the Production Design discipline.
  • The Tom Yoda Scholarship Award, given to five Fellows each year — a first year Fellow from Japan, and four non-Japanese Fellows in their first or second year of study.
  • Daniel and Dorothea Petrie Endowed Scholarship, awarded to a Directing Fellow from an underserved community in film and television.
  • Women In Film/Tichi-Wilkerson Kassel Endowed Scholarship, providing tuition relief to one female Fellow in any discipline.
  • The Auerbach-Stuart Family Endowed Scholarship, given to one international Fellow each year.

Non-AFI Scholarships

Although the Conservatory does offer scholarships, we encourage applicants to apply  for private scholarships for which they may be eligible. Applicants must research and apply for these opportunities independently. There are several free, online scholarship search engines to assist in this process. Listed below are some helpful online tools and scholarship opportunities for graduate study.

Search Engines:

Scholarship Notices:

BAFTA Los Angeles Scholarships

  • Provided by BAFTA Los Angeles.
  • Various scholarships in support of British nationals studying at renowned film schools.
  • Deadline is March 7.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Scholarship

  • Provided by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
  • Provides $5,000 to Latino students with a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who continue to contribute in the future.
  • Various deadlines.

The John L. Dales Scholarship Fund

  • Provided by the SAG Foundation for SAG members or their children.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship

  • Provided by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
  • Various scholarship awards are given to applicants of Hispanic heritage who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or at least the equivalent).
  • The application opens in January for the following academic year.

Korean American Scholarship Foundation Scholarship

  • Provided by the Korean American Scholarship Foundation.
  • Provides funding to Korean American students in higher education.
  • Applications available April 1.

The Francis D. Lyon Graduate Fellowship

  • Provided by the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
  • Approximately $2,500 grant. Open to all graduate level film students. Membership in the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity is not a requirement.
  • Deadline is April 1.

National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles Scholarship Program

  • Provides merit-based scholarships to those who live and attend school in the Greater Los Angles area.
  • Scholarships are awarded regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender identity, sexual or national origin.
  • First cycle applications accepted February 1 through May 1 for June awards.
  • Second cycle applications accepted August 1 through November 1 for December awards.

The Don & Gee Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting

  • Provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
  • Up to five $35,000 fellowships are awarded each year.
  • Deadline is May 1.

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

  • Provides $20,000 maintenance and half tuition (up to $16,000 per year) for 30 selected recipients a year for up to two years of graduate study.
  • Candidates must be either holders of alien registration cards (aka ‘green cards’), naturalized citizens, or children of two naturalized citizen parents.
  • Candidates must be in their final year of undergraduate study, have a bachelor’s degree already or be in their first year of graduate study.
  • Candidates must not be older than 30 years of age as deadline date.
  • Applications available on-line and may be submitted via Online Application System or downloaded and mailed.
  • Applications open in mid-April.

Worldstudio Foundation Scholarship

  • Provided by Worldstudio Foundation.
  • For applicants who are pursuing a fine or commercial arts degree. Production design included as well as filmmaking.
  • Minority status is a significant factor, but not a requirement while financial need is a requirement.
  • Applicants who have yet to enroll must submit proof of acceptance from school of choice.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER