Scholarships for Cinematography Students

Cinematographers determine how each scene in a movie or video will look on camera. A degree in cinematography sets the foundation for a career as a cinematographer or producer. If you are a current or future cinematography student, there are scholarship opportunities available that can help fund your future. Some scholarships are specifically for cinematography, while other scholarships include cinematography under the field of film studies.

Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship

The Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship is open to full-time university or college students of cinematography at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To qualify, you must be nominated by your cinematography department or school official. Only one person from each university or college is eligible. All applicants must submit a film entry that communicates a story or theme. Selection is based solely on your cinematography skills displayed in the film. The first-place winner receives a $3,000 scholarship and a $5,000 grant to purchase supplies and equipment. The winner's film will be screened at the University Film & Video Association's annual conference. The applicant who receives an honorable mention will receive a $1,500 scholarship and $3,000 grant for supplies. You can access the application on the Kodak website.

Kodak Student Scholarship Award

The Kodak Student Scholarship Award is similar to the Kodak Student Cinematography Scholarship. However, this scholarship is open to all film students. A college or university can have two nominees for the scholarship. All applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled this year and planning to enroll next year. Along with your application and nomination from the film department or school official, you will need a letter of support from a faculty member familiar with your film work. You must submit a film to showcase your talent. Judges will make a decision based on your potential as a professional filmmaker, quality of your work, and overall academic excellence. The first-place winner receives a $4,000 scholarship and a $5,000 Kodak product grant. The winner's film will be screened at the University Film & Video Association's annual conference. The second-place winner receives a $3,000 scholarship and a $4,000 grant. Third place is awarded a $2,000 scholarship and a $3,000 grant. The deadline for entry is mid-May.

Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarship

The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarship is available to college juniors and seniors majoring in television, film production and related fields. Although there are no citizenship requirements, all applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university. The scholarship awards up to $3,500 per year to students who demonstrate academic success, financial need, and professional potential. Scholarship applications are available online at kingfoundation.org between September and mid-March. Along with the application, you must provide letters of support, your most recent transcript, and a personal statement describing your goals.

Francis D. Lyon Scholarship

The Phi Delta Theta Educational Foundation sponsors the Francis D. Lyon Scholarship, which is open to film students. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university located in the United States or Canada and have completed at least two full years of college. You are encouraged to submit a sample of your work along with your application. Scholarships worth up to $3,000 are awarded based on evidence of talent, academic success, financial need, leadership, character and community service. Applications must be submitted online at phideltatheta.org. The deadline is mid-March.