Top 5 Scholarships for Creative Minds: Art, Writing, and Filmmaking Abroad (2025)

Dreaming of honing your artistic craft in a new country? As an undergraduate creator, studying abroad can offer unparalleled inspiration and opportunities for growth. While securing funding might seem daunting, many scholarships specifically support international students pursuing their passions in art, writing, and filmmaking.

Here’s a curated list of top scholarships for 2025, providing essential details like award money and deadlines to help kickstart your creative journey!

1. Southampton Arts and Humanities Dean’s Global Talent Scholarship

• Location: University of Southampton, UK
• For: International students with an offer to study an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in arts and humanities.
• Award: £10,000 off tuition fees each year for undergraduate study (excluding years spent abroad or in employment). For postgraduate, only for the first year.
• Eligibility: Open to all international students who need to pay overseas tuition fees and exceed their course entry requirements
• Focus: Fine arts, visual arts, design, and other creative disciplines within the arts and humanities faculty.
• Deadline: Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year were open from October 26, 2024, until April 21, 2025 (5 PM UK time). Keep an eye out for similar deadlines for 2026.

2. DAAD Study Scholarships for Fine Arts

• Location: Germany (various universities)
• For: Foreign graduates (and in some cases, exceptional undergraduates) in the fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Film.
• Award: Full or partial funding, typically including a monthly stipend, contributions to travel costs, health insurance, and sometimes tuition fees.The duration is usually 10 to 24 months for Master’s/Postgraduate degrees, or one academic year for complementary studies not leading to a final qualification.
• Eligibility: International students (non-German citizens). Your university degree should generally not be older than six years at the time of application. You must usually be admitted to a German university.
• Focus: Fine arts, design, visual communication, and film. A strong artistic portfolio is crucial.
• Deadline: Application deadlines are updated annually, but typically fall around November 10 for funding starting the following October. For example, the deadline for funding starting October 2026 is November 10, 2025.

3. International Writing Program (IWP) – University of Iowa

• Location: University of Iowa, USA
• For: Highly talented emerging and established writers from around the globe. While primarily a residency for professional writers, they also have specific programs for younger writers, such as “Between the Lines.
• Award: For the main residency, it’s typically a full residency with a stipend and accommodation. For programs like “Between the Lines” for high school students, the U.S. Department of State covers program costs, travel, per diem, and other expenses.
• Eligibility: International writers and students. Specific eligibility varies by program (e.g., age limits for “Between the Lines”). English fluency and a strong writing sample are key.
• Focus: Creative writing, literature, poetry, and cultural exchange.
• Deadline: For programs like “Between the Lines” for 2025, the application deadline was February 10, 2025. Deadlines for other IWP initiatives vary and are usually by nomination through U.S. Embassies or cultural organizations.

4. Global Excellence Scholarship – University of Minnesota

• Location: University of Minnesota, USA
• For: Outstanding international undergraduate students seeking to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota.
• Award: Partial to full tuition coverage for up to four years, varying based on merit.
• Eligibility: International students (non-US nationals) who are new entrants or transfer students, demonstrating strong academic standing.
• Focus: Open to all subjects offered by the university, including film studies, theatre, and media production. Your application for a film-related major would be key.
• Deadline: The University of Minnesota’s undergraduate application deadlines usually govern this scholarship. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Early Action deadline was November 1, 2025, and the Regular Admission deadline was January 1, 2026.

3. Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

• Location: International program (remote work, mentorship from an Academy member).
• For: Emerging screenwriters worldwide who have not earned more than US$25,000 in their lifetime as a screenwriter.
• Award: $35,000 USD fellowship (up to five annually) plus mentorship.
• Eligibility: Open to international writers 18+ with an original, English-language screenplay (80-125 pages). Lifetime screenwriting earnings must be under $25,000.
• Focus: Developing original feature-length screenplays and nurturing new screenwriting talent.
• Deadline: For 2025, public submissions via The Black List were May 15 – June 15, 2025, and are now closed. Partner recommendations had varying deadlines through July/August 2025. Keep an eye on their site for 2026 dates.

Remember to always visit the official scholarship websites for the most up-to-date information on eligibility, application requirements, and exact deadlines, as these can change. Good luck, and may your creative endeavors take you across the globe!