Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences and Esports scholarships are open to rising freshman-senior undergraduate students through April 30, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 1, 2026) – The ESA Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors and undergraduate students aspiring to build careers in the video game industry. Qualified applicants have until April 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT to submit their applications.
This year, the foundation is offering two scholarship opportunities: the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship. The scholarships are designed to support students pursuing higher education and careers in video games, interactive entertainment and related STEAM fields. The Foundation hopes to award thirty scholarships for 2026-2027, ranging between $5,000 and $10,000.
“Great games and strong esports communities are built by passionate people with fresh ideas, creative ambition and the drive to make an impact. Our scholarship program is designed to help students turn that passion into a pathway toward a future in the video game industry,” said Sue Madden, Executive Director of the ESA Foundation.
The ESA Foundation is committed to championing the next generation of creative and technical talent in games and broadening access to industry opportunities for students from a wide range of backgrounds. Since its inception, the foundation’s scholarship program has helped 475 students across the U.S. pursue degrees and pathways connected to video game development and collegiate esports. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients gain access to educational and professional opportunities, including networking with game developers, career development programming and connections to industry leaders.
“The ESA Foundation Scholarship not only helps ease the burden of educational expenses, but it also connects you to a community of like-minded, passionate individuals who care deeply about shaping the future of games,” said alumni Roland Munguia, Animation Programmer, Epic Games.
The announcement follows the ESA Foundation’s 2026 Nite to Unite fundraiser, which raised $1.15 million to support the foundation’s scholarships and grants. Proceeds from the event will help fund the undergraduate scholarship opportunities for both the Computer and Video Games Arts and Sciences Scholarship and the Esports Scholarship.
Students who are interested in applying can learn more and submit their applications here.
About the ESA Foundation
The ESA Foundation awards scholarships to the next generation of industry innovators and supports schools and nonprofits that leverage interactive entertainment technology to create meaningful STEAM opportunities for America’s youth. It seeks to harness the power of the video game industry to create positive social impact and supports geographically diverse projects and programs benefiting grantees from all backgrounds. To date, the ESA Foundation has raised more than $24 million for a wide variety of worthy causes, primarily through its signature fundraising gala, Nite to Unite. This language aligns with current 2026 ESAF materials.
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