Posted on May 17 2025
Real Examples, Insider Tips & What We Look For
Think you need to be a perfect artist to receive a scholarship? Think again.
Every year, the Academy of Makeup awards a limited number of $6,221 Scholarships to students enrolling in our Diploma of Screen & Media (Specialist Makeup Services). These awards reduce the total course fee to $10,000 and they’re not based on grades or experience.
They're awarded to students who show two things:
💬 Passion (through their written response)
🎨 Creativity (through their face chart and mood board submission)
This blog post gives you an insider look at what makes a standout application including real student examples that caught our eye.
What Makes a Winning Application?
✅ 1. A Personal and Passionate Written Response
We want to know what makeup means to you. We’re looking for honest, thoughtful answers, not perfect grammar or big words.
Tip: Write in your own voice. Tell us what inspires you, what styles you love, or what your dream job in makeup might look like.
✅ 2. A Creative, Well-Thought-Out Design Submission
Your mood board and face chart don’t need to be “industry ready.” But they do need to feel intentional. The strongest submissions show:
Originality, or a fresh take on a known theme.
Clear visual storytelling.
Effort in both the idea and the execution.
Let’s take a look at some real past examples that stood out...
5 Real Student Submissions that caught our eye!
1. Rose – Elegant Parisian Makeup
Why it stood out:
She crafted a cohesive concept, not just a pretty face chart.
From her Parisian-inspired mood board to the polished, wearable final look, Rose showed she could tell a story through elegance, restraint, and real-world application.
2. Amanda – "Cheese Mouse" Look
Why it stood out:
She transformed a wild concept into a full character, with technical precision.
From handmade prosthetics to color testing and final execution, Amanda’s work proved she could turn a quirky idea into something original, theatrical, and expertly built.
3. Erica – Modern Bridal Mood Board
Why it stood out:
She built the whole look around one hero product and made it sing.
Her concept was simple but smart: elevate the red lip. Every design choice supported that statement, showing restraint and confidence.
4. Livia – Fashion-Inspired Face Chart with Structural Elements
Why it stood out:
She turned the chart into fashion art and not just a makeup plan.
This entry included hand-rendered fashion design elements, like shoulder silhouettes and collar detailing, blended with creative makeup. A true fusion of design and artistry.
5. James - Barbie Girl Concept
Why it stood out:
An unexpected mixed horror and hyper-femininity, but made it make sense.
This applicant created a conceptual mashup of slasher-film aesthetics and classic Barbie glam. It was bold, pop-culturally relevant, and unapologetically original.
Are You Ready to Apply?
You don’t need to be a full-time artist or a professional illustrator. We’re looking for effort, originality, and passion.
🎓 Scholarship Value: $6,221 (as at May 2025)
💰 Your Diploma Course Fee with Scholarship: $10,000
✍️ Submit: A written response + face chart + mood board
Click Here to Start Your Scholarship Application
Questions?
Not sure if your idea is good enough? Want feedback before you submit?
Just reach out — we’re happy to help you shape your submission.
Bonus Tip:
Even if you’re not awarded a scholarship, you may still be eligible for a VET Student Loan or a flexible payment plan, so your enrolment can move forward either way.