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NOVA ’27Fellows Program

Bring your original game idea to life with financial support, industry mentorship, and promotion of you and your project. Open to graduating students and recent graduates of NOVA partner universities.

Check your eligibility

Philanthropic grant

$100,000 USD

Applications open

December 7, 2026

Applications close

January 10, 2027

What the fellowship provides

Games are a creative medium that can move people, challenge how we think, and endure as works of art. NOVA backs creators who see that potential.

  • Game grants

    Philanthropic financial support to develop an original project. Nothing is paid back, and you keep full ownership of your work and your vision.

  • Industry mentorship

    Guidance from experienced professionals across the games industry, bringing their perspective and insight to each Fellow’s creative journey.

  • Creator visibility

    Support in connecting with the industry, expanding your network, and building awareness for you and your work.

Are you eligible?

Check your eligibility

  • Your education

    You have received, or expect to receive:

    A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an eligible game program at a NOVA-affiliated university

    View all eligible game programs

    You have graduated between:

    September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2027

  • Your project

    You are ready to propose a new, original game idea and lead its development.

What to emphasize in your application

Think like a creative director introducing your vision to a team. Show your creative voice, a clear direction and evidence that you can bring your idea to life. Focus on what your game can express, rather than market trends or proof of commercial value.

What you’ll need to apply

Read the program details

  • Your game concept

    Present your original game idea, its creative direction, and how you intend to bring it to life.

  • Your faculty recommendation

    Include a recommendation from a faculty member.

  • Your creative portfolio

    Point us to the work that best represents what you’ve done so far, both independently and as part of a team.

  • Your execution plan

    Include an execution plan for your game’s development.

  • Your personal statement video

    Include a personal statement video that gives us a sense of your relationship with games and the creative path you hope to pursue.

How selection works

  1. Step 1: December 2026 to January 2027Apply

    NOVA Fellow Applications
    open December 7, 2026
    and close January 10, 2027.

  2. Step 2: January to February 2027Eligibility and Round One Review

    Eligibility and Round One Review narrow the field to 50 NOVA Finalists, who are notified by the end of February.

  3. Step 3: March 2027NOVA Finalists Review

    The Grant Committee reviews the NOVA Finalists and selects the NOVA Fellows. Decisions are announced by the end of March 2027.

  4. Step 4: When you’re availableThe program begins

    NOVA support begins when you are available to make a full commitment to the project; e.g., those still in games studies receive support after graduation.

One more thing

NOVA Fellows making exceptional progress can apply for a NOVA Luminary Grant

NOVA

LuminaryGrant

$500,000 USD

Additional funding

From prototype to publication

NOVA Fellows are eligible to apply for supplemental funding through the NOVA Luminary Grant.

Fellows awarded a Luminary Grant receive this additional support to move their games from prototype toward publication.

Your next step

Start with your eligibility

Check your program and graduating class, then sign up and we’ll remind you when applications open.

Check your eligibilityGet notified

Still have questions? Read the FAQs