Financial Aid and Scholarships

Film and Video Studies Academic Scholarships are tuition-based scholarships open to Film majors. These are one-year scholarships that go towards tuition for the following academic year. Funds cannot be used for equipment or production costs. 

Applicants must be seeking a BA in Film and be a rising sophomore or above.

Scholarship recipients must:

• Remain Film majors to receive the full amount
• Be enrolled in at least 12 credits of coursework per semester.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA overall and a 3.0 in Film courses.
• Agree to two hours of service during the school year for Film program events (Admissions, Festivals, or other events).

A previous scholarship recipient may reapply as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

March 1, 2026

Click here for application

Section 1. Personal Information

Section 2. Eligibility (GPA/Student Standing)

Section 3. Essay (500 words max)

Tell us why filmmaking is important to you. Describe a recent project (script, film in progress, or completed film) on which you are the writer, director, cinematographer, editor or producer. How does this project demonstrate your values and goals in being a filmmaker? 

Section 4. Creative Work (Submit ONE option.)

• Option A: Include a 3-5 minute film reel or clip of the film you described in your essay. Include a link to Vimeo or YouTube.
• Option B: Include 5-8 pages of the script of the film you described in your essay.

Section 5. Short Response (50-100 words max)

• Briefly describe how this scholarship will make a difference for you.

Section 6. Résumé (one page)

A committee of Film and Video Studies faculty and local film professionals will award scholarships based on:

• Thoughtful and original essay and well-presented creative work.
• Good writing and communication skills (Please check your spelling and grammar, and proofread your essay before you submit it.)
• Grade point average and demonstration of academic excellence at Mason or if a transfer student, at other institutions.
• Résumé with demonstrated work experience and/or service.
• The panel also considers merit in academic and extracurricular activities within College of Visual and Performing Arts courses when reviewing applications from current students.

Helpful Tips: 

• Treat this as if you were writing a grant, persuading the panel that you possess particular skills and strengths in your essay and your creative project (whether it's a script, demo reel, or short film).
• Don't be afraid to check out The Writing Center and University Career Services for tips on writing and editing your resume. 
• Ask a faculty member to review your work before submitting.

The Unpaid Internship Scholarship is open to all students who have secured an unpaid internship for summer or fall. Applicants must:

• Be an enrolled, degree-seeking student continuing at George Mason;
• Have a minimum 2.0 GPA;
• Answer four prompts as found on Career Services' website linked below;
• Submit a current resume;
• Complete the application form for "Unpaid Internship Scholarship" in Handshake.
• Students can receive up to $1000-$3000 in scholarship money depending on the term. Scholarships are given out each semester.

Fall Internships: June 1 - July 15
Spring Internships: November 1 - December 1
Summer Internships: March 1 - April 1

For more information, visit Career Services’ website.

The Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) provides funding for undergraduate students working on creative projects. For Film and Video Studies students, this might include a film you are making in class. Consider applying for an OSCAR grant.

OSCAR provides funding for creative projects. For films, you might apply for funds to purchase props, equipment, etc. Funding is typically around $1500.

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are not eligible. 

Faculty mentor is required. 

Fall: Late May
Spring: Early October 
Summer: Late February 

For more information, view the OSCAR website

Submit your application.

Provides (mini) funding for creative projects. Funding can be used for supplies, equipment, or other expenses.

Individual undergraduate students or registered student organizations may apply.

Funding is up to $500  

The application is short and rolling. Responses have a fast turnaround time. 

Rolling from July 1-April 15

For more information, view the Provost website.

Submit your application

The Wells Fargo Arts Endowed Fund supports scholarly work and creative opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University, including support for research expenses, conference attendance, and related travel expenses. Funding is available for conference attendance occurring within the current semester or no later than 30 days past the end of the current semester. Students may only apply once every two years (four semesters) for funding through this award.

Eligible students must be:

• A declared CVPA major, pursuing an undergraduate OR graduate degree in the college;
• In good academic standing at the point of application;
• Must have completed a minimum of 45 credits (for undergraduate students); or at least 15 credits (for graduate students) at the point of application;
• Have not been funded from this specific award in the last four semesters.

The application opens every September and February during the fourth week of the term. 

Funding decisions will be completed no later than the end of the tenth week of each semester, and students will be notified via email.

For more information, view CVPA's website.

Questions may be directed to Lauren Wagner.