Path to Licensure Scholarship for Designers
APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN: March 6, 2026 - March 29, 2026
The
Scholarship
The Immigrant Architects Coalition (IAC) understands the unique challenges immigrant designers face while pursuing architectural licensure in the United States. From navigating visa requirements to balancing full-time work with the cost of exams, the path to becoming a licensed architect can be especially complex for foreign-born professionals.
To support this journey, IAC is pleased to offer the Path to Licensure Scholarship for Designers, a financial assistance program for immigrant designers who are eligible to take the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and are actively working toward licensure in the United States. This scholarship aims to help reduce financial barriers while recognizing the professional growth, leadership, and contributions immigrant designers bring to the architecture profession.
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To be eligible for the Path to Licensure Scholarship for Designers, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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1. Nationality: Applicants must be born outside the United States and currently residing in the U.S.
2. Valid U.S. visa: Applicants must hold a valid U.S. visa at the time of application.
3. NCARB Record: Applicants must have an active NCARB Record and be pursuing licensure.
4. ARE Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate that they are eligible to test for the ARE through NCARB or their jurisdiction.
5. Leadership and Volunteering Engagement: Applicants must demonstrate ongoing engagement in professional development, leadership, mentorship, or advocacy within the architecture profession. All leadership and volunteering engagement must be documented within the one-page resume.
Eligibility Criteria
Application Requirements
To apply, eligible candidates must submit the following materials through the submission form on the IAC website:
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1. Completed Application Form: Fill out the scholarship application form with accurate and up-to-date information.
2. NCARB Record & ARE Eligibility: Proof of an active NCARB Record and ARE eligibility must be provided through screenshots of the NCARB Record, NCARB eligibility notice, or other documentation indicating approval to test.
3. Letter of Recommendation: Submit one letter of recommendation on company letterhead from an employer, supervisor, mentor, or faculty member. The letter must confirm the applicant’s:
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Nationality
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Valid U.S. visa status
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Commitment to licensure and professional growth
4. Resume (max. 1 page): The resume must demonstrate engagement in professional development, leadership, mentorship, or advocacy within the profession. All leadership and volunteering engagement must be included within this one-page resume.
A selection committee will review all applications and select the scholarship recipient based on the following criteria:
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1. Demonstrated commitment to pursuing U.S. architectural licensure.
2. Engagement in professional development or advocacy efforts.
3. Strength and clarity of application materials.
Selection Process
Notification:
Recipients will be notified by Summer 2026. Each of the three selected recipients will receive a $500 check to support ARE preparation and licensure-related expenses. Funds will be issued following recipient notification. The Immigrant Architects Coalition (IAC) reserves the right to award more than three (3), fewer than three (3), or no scholarships, at its sole discretion, based on the quality and number of applications received.
Deadline
The application deadline for the Path to Licensure Scholarship for Designers is March 29, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
We look forward to receiving your applications and supporting the educational aspirations of talented immigrant designers pursuing licensure in the United States. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at ImmigrantArchCoalition@outlook.com
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