2024|25 SAIC Graduate Merit Scholarships (US Based)

Scholarship Awarding University: 

Type of degree: 
Master’s

Scholarship Deadline: 
Applications for this scholarship will depend on the deadlines of individual programs.

Scholarship Summary: 
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) awards merit scholarships to graduate students (domestic and international) who demonstrate exceptional levels of thoughtfulness, skill, conceptual capabilities, and academic groundedness.

Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
There are no set criteria for consideration but below are tips on how to build merit scholarship portfolio;
i. Be bold, experiment, take risks, and be inventive.
Ii. Show what makes you different, present your work in a clear and cohesive manner, and go beyond technique.
iii. Build a portfolio of thematic work—multiple pieces that share similar ideas, techniques, or media.
iv. Mesh great ideas—political, environmental, and even social within your work.
v. Think about your portfolio as a gallery show you are curating.
vi. Highlight work that is consistently expressive, curious, and thought-provoking.

Value of Scholarship: 
Students considered for a merit scholarship may receive one of the scholarships listed below;
i. New Artists Society Scholarship: 50% - 100% tuition
ii. Presidential Scholarship: 50% tuition
iii. Recognition Scholarship: 30% tuition
iv. Incentive Scholarship: 20% tuition
v. Enrichment Scholarship: $2,000
vi. The Margot and Thomas Pritzker Scholarship (special application)

Applicants must enroll for at least half-term of graduate study to be considered. To successfully renew a merit scholarship, you must successfully complete either 75% or 100% of credit hours each semester depending on your scholarship.

Scholarship Application Guide: 
No additional application is required; merit scholarships are awarded at the time of admission based on a holistic view of your portfolio and application materials.

Scholarship Website: 
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the SAIC Merit Scholarship Page.