UCLA Film & Television Emerging Filmmakers Scholarships
Applications Open: February 15, 2026
Applications Close: March 15, 2026
Award Announcements will be emailed by: April 8, 2026
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Applications will open February 15, 2026
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Scholarships Overview
UCLA Film & Television Emerging Filmmakers Scholarships are a need and merit-based scholarship opportunity for underserved / underrepresented high school students enrolled in grades 9 – 12, who would benefit from an Emerging Filmmakers experience. A limited number of partial and full scholarships are available for those participating in the following Emerging Filmmakers tracks: Digital Filmmaking, Cinematography, TV Writing (Pre-College), and Media Parks.
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic ability and financial need. Awards vary but will not exceed the total program fee for a single track. Awards do not cover travel expenses and may exclude non-program-related accommodations, supply lists, and other course materials.
If selected, scholarship recipients must submit a thank-you note, photos, and short video highlighting their program experience.
Please review the eligibility and application requirements below before applying.
Eligibility
To apply for the UCLA Film & Television Emerging Filmmakers Scholarship, you must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:
- You will be attending a U.S. high school in grades 9 – 12 in Spring 2026;
- You have a permanent address within the United States and your parent/guardian can provide U.S. tax documentation for proof of income;
- You have not received any UCLA Summer Sessions Support or Scholarship in the past;
- You have a family annual adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less;
- You are at least 14 years old by the start of the program;
- You have submitted a Summer 2026 application to one of the following Emerging Filmmakers tracks: Digital Filmmaking, Cinematography, TV Writing (Pre-College), or Media Parks.
How to Apply
1. Apply for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers track of your choosing starting February 15.
2. Prepare the Scholarship Application required paperwork and Personal Statement (Required paperwork and prompts for Personal Statement will be provided prior to February 15).
3. Complete the Scholarship Application, which will be available from February 15 to March 15, 2026.
Application Requirements
All requirements below should be acquired and prepared prior to starting the UCLA Film & Television Emerging Filmmakers Scholarship Online Form.
- Unofficial transcript showing all grades from 9th to present and a cumulative GPA;
- Student Resume;
- Personal Statement;
- W-2 Tax Form (if eligible for one);
- 1040 Tax Form (first 1-2 pages);
An EXAMPLE copy of the application will be provided prior to February 15 that has further details to prepare your documents ahead of submitting the application.
If you have further questions, please email summer@tft.ucla.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the enrollment requirements for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers?
Participants must be 14 years of age or older by the first day of Emerging Filmmakers. Programs may impose further eligibility and admission requirements. Visit the individual program page for details.
There is a non-refundable $35 application fee to apply to an Emerging Filmmakers track. This fee will not be refunded if the student is not awarded a scholarship.
How soon should I apply for a scholarship?
After applying to an eligible Emerging Filmmakers track, you may apply for a scholarship. We encourage early submissions, as the scholarship application deadline is March 15, 2026.
Can I apply for a scholarship before I receive my admission decision?
Yes! You can apply for a scholarship before receiving your admission decision for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers, as application reviews may take several weeks. The scholarship deadline is March 15, and no extensions will be granted.
Are international students eligible for a scholarship?
Students must be attending a high school within the United States, have a permanent residence within the United States, and be able to show proof of income using U.S. tax forms to be eligible. If you are an international student attending a U.S. high school and meet these requirements, you can apply.
You are not eligible for a scholarship if you attend high school outside the United States, do not have a permanent residence in the United States, or if your parent/guardian cannot provide U.S. tax documentation as proof of income.
I didn’t complete my application. Will I still be considered?
Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete the Scholarship application in its entirety, including the submission of all necessary documents, by the March 15, 2026 deadline.
I accidentally uploaded wrong information. Will I be notified?
No. Applicants are responsible for completing the scholarship application in full by the March 15, 2026 deadline, including all required files. Submitting incorrect or incomplete documents may result in ineligibility. If you notice an error on your application, promptly email summer@tft.ucla.edu for assistance.
Are there any costs not covered by the scholarship?
Yes. Students must pay the non-refundable $35 application fee to apply for UCLA Emerging Filmmakers. Both full and partial scholarships are available. If awarded a partial scholarship, students are responsible for any remaining program fees. Scholarships do not cover travel expenses and may not include non-program accommodations, supply lists, or other course materials. During the program, students are also responsible for daily lunch (typically $10–$25 per day), laundry, and personal incidentals.