Associate RGDs are invited to apply for Scholarships to attend DesignThinkers for free
Our 2025 DesignThinkers Toronto Scholarships are generously provided by: Fusion, Pound & Grain, Cinnamon Toast, Him & Her Inc., Razor, Davis Agency, Pixels and Pencils and Paul Jen Communications Inc.
Scholarships recognize outstanding emerging designers and offer a unique platform to showcase your creativity to the broader design community. This is your opportunity to gain exposure, connect with leading creatives and be part of the DesignThinkers conference.
Up to eight Scholarship recipients will receive free registration to DesignThinkers Toronto 2025 and $500 in cash to help cover travel, accommodation and other expenses. This year, recipients and their work will also be showcased on the main stage screen during conference breaks. (entrants can win up to 2 cash prizes).
“The DesignThinkers Scholarship is such an incredible opportunity for new grads-future leaders of the design industry—to feel the magic of being in inspiring spaces with inspiring people. It’s a formative and connective experience they will take with them long into their careers.”
Diana Varma RGD
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you must be an Associate RGD Member in good standing at the time of the application deadline. Associate RGD Members have 8 or fewer years of professional experience and graduation from a recognized post-secondary program (scan of transcript or diploma required). Review all of the benefits of RGD Membership here.
If you received a DesignThinkers Vancouver 2025 scholarship, you are not eligible to enter for Toronto.
How to Apply
To be considered, submit:
- One design project from your portfolio (can be personal, school or professional work)*
- A rationale for the project describing the context, process and solution*
- Responses to the following questions:
- Why do you wish to attend DesignThinkers?
- What do you hope to gain from the experience?
* If the project submitted is professional work, the information provided will be emailed to you and can be used for one of three case studies in an RGD Certification application. Find out about Certification.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated on the quality of the work and thoughtfulness of their responses.
Deadline to apply
11:59 PM PT on Friday, August 15, 2025
Submit your application here
