Shillington launches new design scholarships for 2021-2022: here's how to apply

These scholarships offer both fresh grads and professionals looking to switch careers the chance to study at campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, New York, London and Manchester, or on Shillington's newly launched online courses, without paying the full fees. And there are now TWO ways of getting a scholarship.

Firstly, new for 2021, the Diversity In Design scholarship is a collaborative program with industry partners targeted at designers from underrepresented groups, which offers students the full fees.

These scholarships are available for full-time or part-time study in New York City, in partnership with strategic brand design agency Bulletproof; London, in partnership with creative recruitment agency Represent; and Sydney, in partnership with the strategic creative agency Frost*collective.

(What do they mean by 'unrepresented groups'? Applicants can self-identify in their application, and this may include – but is not limited to – race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes.)

Secondly, for a fifth year running, Shillington Dive into Design scholarships offer 50% off course fees for full-time and part-time courses.

These are open to all aspiring designers, and anyone can apply, whether you want to study part-time or full-time, online or in person, in any of the campus cities.

'The best decision I've ever made'

Last year Kaitlyn Tapia applied for and won a Dive into Design scholarship to study at Shillington Sydney, and couldn't be happier about it.

"I'd say it's been the best decision I've ever made, and I don't want it to end," she says. "There is no way you would ever regret doing this course. No matter your motivation, there is so much that you gain and take away from this experience.

"I love the way that Shillington teaches technical skills and design software," she adds. "You learn so much so quickly, but it's so engaging and never overwhelming. The course is packed with such a variety of interesting briefs and projects where you learn even more while getting a feel for what it's like to work for a real-life client.

"I also love the support we get from our teachers and one another; sharing ideas and techniques and inspiration with the girls in class has helped me grow so much."

How to apply for a Shillington Scholarship

To apply for a scholarship to Shillington, you need to supply the following by the closing date of Monday 19 July 2021.

Firstly, you'll need to make a written submission, including the answers to six questions. These are: What do you currently do? Why do you want to study design? Why Shillington? What would be your dream job after graduating from Shillington? What impact would this scholarship have on your life and career? What's your hidden talent?

Secondly, you'll need to make a creative submission that shows Shillington what a design scholarship would mean to you. This can be in the form of either a video (which must be under two minutes long) or a PDF of fewer than five pages.

Thirdly, you'll need a letter of recommendation from a non-family member. Finally, applicants to the New York campus also need to provide proof of a high school diploma or GED.

Just do it!

Still not sure whether to enter? Then just think about what it would feel like to win.

For Molly Webster, winning a Dive into Design Scholarship to study at Manchester was: "Like goosebumps! It really was the biggest boost I needed that reminded me I'm not lost: I can do this. I'm not totally stuck; there is hope, there are people out there that believe in me. It really was the best news to receive."

To anyone thinking about studying at Shillington, she offers the following advice. "Even if you have a slight gut feeling about it, that means you should do it. We all make a lot of mistakes in life, but this isn't one of them, and it's such an achievement once all that planning, saving and hard work is done."

And when it comes to working on your scholarship application, she says: "Be honest, and true to yourself. You have a story to tell, but tell it through your creativity and passion. Plan it properly, and work hard on it because it'll show."

You can find more advice from past scholarship winners and details of their winning submissions in this blog post.