Fashion Scholarships – Important Date
| Scholarship | Application Start Date | Application End Date |
| NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship | December 2026 | January 2027 |
| NIFT UDAAN Scholarship | December 2026 | January 2027 |
| NID Merit Scholarships | Throughout year | Throughout year |
| Pearl Academy Who’s Next Scholarship | October 2026 | June 2027 |
| World University of Design (WUD) Merit Scholarships | September 2026 | April 2027 |
| Srishti Manipal Institute Scholarships | Admission cycle dependent | Admission cycle dependent |
| IIAD Merit-cum-Means Scholarships | March 2027 | April 2027 |
| Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) Scholarships | June 2026 | August 2026 |
| FDDI Government Scholarships | June 1, 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
List of Fashion and Design Scholarships 2026
Below mentioned is the list of fashion scholarships for the academic year 2026-27.
NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship
The NIFT SARTHAK financial assistance scheme is primarily targeted towards economically weaker students, with eligibility based on annual family income and academic performance. This fashion scholarship recognises that financial hardship should never prevent talented students from pursuing fashion education at NIFT’s premier campuses across India.
NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship Details
| Particulars | Details |
| Scholarship Name | NIFT SARTHAK Scholarship (Means-cum-Merit Financial Assistance) |
| Offered By | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Students enrolled in B.Des, M.Des, B.FTech, M.FTech programmes; Annual family income below ₹ 4 lakh; Regular students (not NRI); Students in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of study |
| Fee Waiver Structure | 100% for annual family income below ₹ 1.5 lakh; 75% for income between ₹1.5-2.5 lakh; 50% for income between ₹2.5-4 lakh |
| Maximum Benefit | Up to ₹2 lakh annually |
| How to Apply | Online through CMS portal after admission; Information available from Student Development Activities Coordinator (SDAC) |
| Renewal Requirements | Maintain academic standards; Continue to meet income eligibility criteria |
Also Read: NSP Scholarships 2026
NIFT UDAAN Scholarship
The UDAAN NIFT Scholarship Scheme for Overseas Studies is an exclusive opportunity for meritorious students from economically weaker sections who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and wish to pursue overseas exposure. Students selected will receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition costs, travel allowance and living expenses.
NIFT UDAAN Scholarship Details
| Particulars | Details |
| Scholarship Name | NIFT UDAAN Scholarship (Merit-cum-Means for Overseas Studies) |
| Offered By | National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Enrolled NIFT students; Meet SARTHAK eligibility criteria; Merit-based selection; Non-NRI students only; Both UG and PG students eligible |
| Number of Awardees | Limited (only select students from all NIFT campuses chosen each year) |
| Financial Coverage | Full tuition fee coverage for overseas programme; Travel allowance; Living expenses support |
| Programme Duration | For entire authorised duration of overseas programme |
| How to Apply | Merit-based; Automatic consideration for SARTHAK eligible students |
| Key Benefit | Global learning exposure and international design experience |
NID Scholarships (National Institute of Design)
The National Institute of Design offers a multi-tiered scholarship system designed to support meritorious students and those from economically weaker backgrounds. NID recognises that outstanding academic talent often comes from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and provides numerous fashion scholarships on merit and need basis.
NID Scholarships Eligibility and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| NID Merit Scholarships | Rank 60 or above in NID entrance exam; Significant academic improvement during course; Regular students | ₹ 30,000-50,000 per year; Merit-based awards; Renewable based on continued performance |
| NID Need-Based Scholarships | Family income below ₹2 lakh per annum; Top academic performers; Defence personnel’s children; Freedom fighters’ children; Ex-servicemen’s children | 50% tuition fee waiver; Financial assistance based on merit |
| NID Overseas Scholarships | Top performers; Exam rank holders; Strong academic record during course | Fully funded international exposure; Travel and living expenses covered |
Pearl Academy Scholarships
Pearl Academy announces multiple scholarship programmes for applicants to its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for Academic Year 2026. The institution recognises and rewards academic excellence, creative potential, and financial need through a comprehensive scholarship ecosystem.
Pearl Academy Scholarships Eligibility and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| Who’s Next Scholarship (Merit-Based) | Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants; Qualified in Pearl entrance exam; All India residents; Minimum 60% in Class 12 | Up to 100% first-year tuition fee waiver; Merit-based; Continuation subject to maintaining academic standards |
| Sherryl Kintu Scholarship (Need-Based) | Family income below ₹8 lakh per annum; Bachelor’s applicants; Completed Class 12 by July 2026 | Need-based financial assistance; Direct fee waiver support; Priority for economically disadvantaged |
| Board Merit Scholarship | Completed Class 12 by July 2026; Appeared and passed CBSE, ICSE, or State Board examination; Minimum 70% in Class 12 | Tuition fee waiver; Academic excellence recognition; First-year focused support |
| Early Admission Merit Scholarship | Bachelor’s programme applicants; Top creative talent; Passed Creative Arts Education Society Entrance Exam | Up to 100% first-year semester fees waiver; Valid for first academic year only |
Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) Scholarships
UID Ahmedabad offers a robust scholarship programme that can provide 10 percent to 75 percent tuition fee waiver to students based on entrance exam ranks, sports achievements, and academic performance. The institute believes that talented students from all backgrounds should have access to quality design education.
UID Scholarships Eligibility Criteria and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| UID Merit Scholarships | Qualified in UID-DAT entrance exam; Top entrance exam ranks; All specialisations eligible (Fashion Communication, Fashion Design & Technology, Product and Service Design, Digital Design) | 10% to 75% tuition fee waiver based on rank; Performance-based awards |
| UID Sports Scholarships | Sports achievement recognition; National or state-level representation; Entrance exam qualification | Tuition fee waiver; Sports excellence rewarded; Variable percentage based on achievement |
World University of Design (WUD) Scholarships
World University of Design offers generous scholarships covering part to full academic fees for the entire duration of programmes. The institute recognises academic excellence whilst ensuring talented students from all backgrounds can access quality design education.
WUD Scholarships Eligibility and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| WUD Merit Scholarships | Cleared WUDAT entrance exam and interview; Top performers in selection process; Strong portfolio evaluation; Entrance exam score consideration | Partial to full academic fee waiver; Coverage for entire programme duration |
| WUD Special Category Scholarships (SAPNAY Partnership) | Defence children; National sports representation; Serving Teachers’ children; Performing Arts achievement (National level); Daughter’s Privilege; Single Parent Child | 20% fee reduction through SAPNAY NGO partnership; Direct financial support; Recognising special circumstances |
| Haryana Domicile Scholarships | Haryana domicile status; Meet general eligibility criteria; Regular admission through WUDAT | Support under Haryana Private Universities Act 2006; Regional encouragement support |
Srishti Manipal Institute Scholarships
The Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology fashion scholarships are designed to support talented and deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, creative potential, or financial need. The institute offers merit-based and need-based scholarships ensuring access to quality design education.
Srishti Manipal Institute Scholarships Eligibility and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| Srishti Merit Scholarships | Top academic performers; Portfolio excellence; Strong entrance exam performance; UCEED qualifiers eligible for direct admission with scholarship consideration | Fee waivers; Performance-based recognition; Direct entry benefit |
| Srishti Need-Based Scholarships | Demonstrated financial need; Creative potential shown in portfolio; Family income assessment; Entrance exam qualification | Financial assistance; Reduced fee structure; Flexible payment options |
| Ongoing Performance Scholarships (Mid-Course) | Maintain outstanding CGPA; Creative excellence in project work; Exceptional contributions to institute design projects; Published creative work | Stipends for subsequent years; Fee waivers in continuation; Research funding |
IIAD (Indian Institute of Art and Design) Scholarships
IIAD Delhi provides merit-cum-means scholarships to deserving students as a core commitment to democratising access to world-class design education. All students who qualify the IIAD Entrance Test are eligible to apply for scholarships.
IIAD Scholarships Eligibility and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| IIAD Merit-cum-Means Scholarships | Qualified IIAD Entrance Test (IDAT for design, IMAT for business); Submit Statement of Purpose; Demonstrate financial need; Performance in design aptitude test | Up to 30% fee waiver; Merit and need-based combined assessment; Partial tuition fee coverage |
| IIAD Design Scholarships | Exceptional design aptitude; Strong IDAT performance; Outstanding portfolio evaluation; Interview performance | Partial tuition fee coverage; Design excellence recognition; Portfolio-based awards |
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) Scholarships
Symbiosis Institute of Design offers various fashion scholarship schemes to support meritorious students, reward academic excellence, and encourage diversity in the design student body. The institute’s comprehensive scholarship approach addresses both merit-based recognition and special support for underrepresented groups.
Symbiosis Institute of Design (SID) Scholarships Eligibility and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| North-East Regional Merit Scholarship | Students from Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and other North-East states; Merit-based entrance performance; SEED/SLAT entrance exam qualification | Fee waiver; Regional excellence support; Encouragement for talent from North-East India |
| Global Immersion Programme Scholarship (GIP) | Indian nationals only; Selected design scholars; Strong entrance exam performance; Creative portfolio strength | International exposure; Study abroad opportunity; Global design experience; Travel and living expenses |
| Late Jayatee Deshmukh Scholarship | Female students only; Top performers in entrance examination; Set/SLAT/SEED/SITEEE examination excellence; Strong creative portfolio | Merit recognition; Empowerment support; Direct financial assistance |
| Extracurricular Excellence Scholarship | Excellence in design competitions; Hackathon winners; Published creative work; Creative journal publications; National event representation | Additional recognition; Stipend opportunities; Funding for creative projects |
FDDI (Footwear Design and Development Institute) Scholarships
The Footwear Design and Development Institute collaborates with governmental organisations to provide financial aid to eligible students. Students access various government scholarship schemes through FDDI’s support and facilitation.
FDDI Scholarships Eligibility and Benefits
| Scholarship Type | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| Government Scholarships (AICTE, MHRD, Ministry of Social Justice) | Merit-based and category-based eligibility; Reserved category students (SC/ST); Economically weaker sections; AICTE scheme qualification | Fee reduction; Financial aid support; Varies by specific government scheme |
| State Government Scholarships | Mukhyamantri Medhavi Yojana (Maharashtra); MP Government Scholarship; UP Government Scholarship; State domicile status requirement | Merit recognition; Regional support; State-specific fee assistance |
| Charitable Foundation Support | Recognised charity partnerships; Financial need assessment; Creative portfolio review | Variable assistance; Need-based support; Foundation-specific benefits |
| Bank Education Loans | FDDI student status; Bank eligibility criteria; Academic progress; Parental income verification | Educational loans at preferential rates; Complete fee coverage; Living expenses funding |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who can apply for fashion scholarships in India?
Students pursuing fashion design, textile design, apparel design, footwear design, or related programmes can apply for fashion scholarships, subject to eligibility criteria such as academic performance, financial need, or entrance exam scores.
Q2. Which institutes offer fashion scholarships in India?
Leading institutes offering fashion scholarships include NIFT, NID, Pearl Academy, World University of Design, Srishti Manipal Institute, IIAD, UID Ahmedabad, Symbiosis Institute of Design, and FDDI.
Q3. Can I receive more than one fashion scholarship?
Some institutions allow students to combine government and institutional fashion scholarships, while others permit only one scholarship. Applicants should carefully review scholarship guidelines before accepting multiple financial aid awards.
Q4. Are fashion scholarships available for economically weaker students?
Yes, many fashion scholarships support economically weaker students through merit-cum-means criteria. Schemes such as NIFT SARTHAK and NID Need-Based Scholarships offer substantial tuition fee assistance.
Q5. How can I improve my chances of getting fashion scholarships?
Maintain strong academic performance, build an impressive portfolio, score well in entrance examinations, submit accurate documents, and apply before deadlines to improve your chances of securing fashion scholarships.