SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship Overview

Our scholarships support students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership, financial need, and dedication to the profession of architecture. The Foundation provides scholarships annually to:

  • New Jersey residents enrolled in NAAB-accredited architecture programs nationwide.
  • Students attending New Jersey NAAB-accredited schools of architecture, regardless of home state.

Why Scholarships Matter

The path to becoming an architect is rigorous—and often expensive. Your support ensures that talented students can pursue the education and training required to join the profession without being limited by financial constraints.

    What do I need to submit?

    • Completed scholarship application form
    • Personal statement (750–1,000 words)
    • Digital portfolio (PDF, 5–20 pages, 8.5″ × 11″)
    • Academic transcript(s)
    • FAFSA form for the current school year
    • Up to two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional or community, non-relative)

    Application Timeline:

    OPENS

    May 1, 2026

    CLOSES

    June 30, 2026

    Apply Now

    AIA New Jersey Scholarship Foundation – Student FAQ

    1. Who is eligible to apply for the AIA New Jersey Scholarship?
    • Students must be enrolled full-time in an NAAB-accredited or equivalent architecture degree program.
    • Applicants must have completed at least one full year toward a first professional degree (Associates, B.Arch or M.Arch).
    • Applicants must meet New Jersey residency requirements, which include:
      • Maintaining a permanent legal address in New Jersey, or
      • Being an independent student residing in New Jersey, or
      • Being a non-resident enrolled in an accredited School of Architecture in New Jersey.
    2. What materials do I need to submit?
    • Completed scholarship application form
    • Personal statement (750–1,000 words)
    • Digital portfolio (PDF, 5–20 pages, 8.5″ × 11″)
    • Academic transcript(s)
    • FAFSA form for the current school year
    • Up to two letters of recommendation (one academic, one professional or community, non-relative)
    3. How should I prepare my portfolio?
    • Include a selection of current and recent student design work, primarily from architectural studio courses.
    • Additional creative work such as drawings, models, photography, or craft projects may be included.
    • Clearly identify each project with a title, brief description, and your role.
    • Ensure the portfolio is well-organized and visually clear.
    4. What should I include in my personal statement?
    • Your interest in architecture and motivation for pursuing the profession.
    • Academic and personal experiences that shaped your goals.
    • Leadership, service, work experience, or extracurricular involvement.
    • Challenges or barriers you have faced in your educational journey.
    • Your commitment to contributing to the architectural profession in New Jersey.
    5. Can I submit physical documents?

    No. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted electronically via the AIA New Jersey Scholarship Foundation portal.

    6. How many scholarships are offered each academic year?

    The AIA New Jersey Educational and Scholarship Foundation is proud to provide multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 for eligible students for the 2026–2027 academic year.

    7. How are scholarship funds distributed if I am selected as a recipient?

    Scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s college or university. If selected, students
    will be required to provide the appropriate school mailing address and their student ID number
    so the scholarship payment can be properly processed and credited to their account.

    8. Is there an application fee?

    No, there is no application fee.

    9. Can I submit letters of recommendation from family members?

    No. Letters must be from academic instructors, faculty, or professional/community references who are not relatives.

    10. How will my application be evaluated?

    Applications are scored based on the following criteria:

    • Academic Achievement – 30 points
    • Financial Need – 30 points
    • Design Talent & Portfolio Quality – 30 points

    Interest & Commitment to Architecture in New Jersey – 10 points

    11. When is the application deadline?
    • June 30, 3036
    • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
    12. Who can I contact if I have questions?
    AIA-NJ