2026 AIA West Virginia Scholarship Program

About this scholarship

The 2026 AIA West Virginia Scholarship Program uses one application to consider architecture students for the West Virginia Foundation for Architecture award and several named scholarships. The foundation says its primary awards typically range from $2,000 to $6,000; additional awards emphasize graduate study, sustainability, third-year achievement, or connections to Fairmont State University. Applicants must qualify as West Virginia residents under the state Higher Education Policy Commission rules. Eligible undergraduates have completed at least six semesters in a NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Architecture program. Students in pre-professional architecture degrees may also qualify when their school offers a NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture pathway, while graduate candidates must be enrolled in or accepted to a NAAB-accredited M.Arch program. The direct application requests an official transcript reflecting work through May 30, a faculty recommendation, a cover letter explaining goals and reasons for applying, a resume, and a link to an architecture portfolio. Graduate applicants may also need undergraduate records and newly admitted master’s students provide acceptance evidence. Reviewers consider architectural ability, academic performance, leadership, community engagement, passion for the profession, and career potential. The official 2026 submission window runs from August 1 through November 5.

Eligibility

• Qualify as a West Virginia resident under state higher-education residency rules
• Have completed at least six semesters in a qualifying architecture pathway or enter an eligible M.Arch program
• Study in a NAAB-accredited professional program or an approved pre-professional pathway leading to one
• Provide the required official academic transcript and any applicable acceptance documentation
• Obtain a faculty recommendation
• Submit a cover letter, resume, and portfolio link
• Complete the application by November 5, 2026