The University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship allows accomplished gamers to earn up to $15,000 per calendar year toward their education.

Officially called the Max Achievement Scholarship, the merit-based program recognizes students who have completed rare and demanding achievements in games such as Minecraft, RuneScape, Final Fantasy XIV, Elden Ring, Dark Souls, World of Warcraft, Civilization VI, Stardew Valley and many others.

The scholarship is not limited to professional esports players. Students may qualify through completionist achievements, difficult trophies, high Gamerscore totals, strategy-game mastery, rare MMO accomplishments or exceptional performance in survival and precision-based games.

Current application status: The scholarship application form is live. The University of Silicon Valley does not currently display a separate fixed deadline on the Max Achievement Scholarship page, so applicants should apply early and confirm the applicable term deadline with the university.

University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship overview

Scholarship information	Current details
Official name	Max Achievement Scholarship
Scholarship provider	University of Silicon Valley
Maximum undergraduate award	Up to $15,000 per calendar year
Legendary Tier	Up to $5,000 per term
Mastery Tier	Up to $2,500 per term
Academic calendar used for award	Up to three terms per year
Graduate award	50% of the undergraduate tier amount
Eligible applicants	Incoming first-year, transfer and graduate students
Required GPA for renewal	3.0
Enrollment requirement	Full-time enrollment
Required essay	500–750 words
SAT or ACT	Optional
Eligible platforms	Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and approved game profiles
Application status	Live
Separate published deadline	Not currently displayed
Esports scholarship stacking	Not permitted

The final award is based on the applicant’s achievement tier, reflection essay and academic readiness. Qualifying for a listed achievement does not automatically guarantee the maximum scholarship amount.

What is the University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship?

The University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship is a merit award that treats advanced gaming accomplishments as evidence of persistence, strategic thinking and problem-solving.

USV describes the scholarship as recognition for students who have mastered complex systems in digital gaming environments. The university connects these accomplishments with abilities such as:

• Systems thinking
• Goal decomposition
• Resource optimization
• Persistence after failure
• Independent learning
• Strategic problem-solving
• Long-term motivation

The scholarship differs from a typical esports award. Applicants do not necessarily need to defeat other players, join a varsity roster or maintain a competitive ranking. They can qualify by completing difficult single-player, cooperative or platform-wide achievements.

Is the University of Silicon Valley gaming scholarship real?

Yes. The Max Achievement Scholarship is published directly on the University of Silicon Valley’s official website, which includes the award structure, eligible achievements, verification rules, selection criteria and application form.

The University of Silicon Valley is an accredited private institution in San Jose, California. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Applicants should use the application linked through USV rather than sending gaming-account credentials or personal information to an unofficial scholarship page.

How much is the University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship?

The maximum undergraduate award is:

Up to $15,000 per calendar year

The scholarship is divided into two achievement levels.

Achievement tier	Maximum award per term	Maximum for three terms
Legendary Tier	$5,000	$15,000
Mastery Tier	$2,500	$7,500

The Legendary Tier generally recognizes exceptionally rare achievements requiring extensive mastery, often involving at least 500 hours of sustained effort and completion rates below 1%.

The Mastery Tier recognizes significant completionist accomplishments that demonstrate advanced skill and persistence, typically with global completion rates between 1% and 5%.

Graduate students receive 50% of the applicable undergraduate tier amount. A graduate applicant qualifying for the maximum Legendary award could therefore receive up to $7,500 across three terms. Graduate recipients cannot combine this award with another USV graduate-program scholarship.

Does the scholarship cover full tuition?

The scholarship may substantially reduce tuition, but it is not automatically a full-tuition award.

USV currently lists undergraduate tuition at $895 per on-campus credit and $674 per online credit. The published estimated total tuition and required program costs for a bachelor’s degree are higher than the maximum annual gaming scholarship.

Students may need a combination of:

• Max Achievement Scholarship funding
• Other compatible merit scholarships
• Grants
• FAFSA-based aid
• Work-study
• Family contributions
• Student loans

Institutional aid cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.

Who can apply?

The Max Achievement Scholarship is open to:

• Incoming first-year students
• Transfer students
• Graduate students

Applicants must first be admitted to the University of Silicon Valley. The gaming accomplishment must have been personally earned and must be independently verifiable.

The university’s published eligibility section does not restrict the scholarship to Game Design or Game Engineering students. Applicants admitted to other eligible USV programs may therefore seek consideration, subject to university confirmation and current scholarship policies.

USV programs include Game Design, Game Art, Game Engineering, Digital Art and Animation, Digital Audio Technology, Software Development and Business Administration.

Do applicants need to major in video games?

The scholarship page does not state that applicants must major in Game Design, Game Art or Game Engineering.

The award recognizes gaming mastery demonstrated before enrollment. It is not described as a scholarship exclusively for one academic department.

However, students interested in careers connected to games may find relevant USV programs such as:

• BA in Game Design
• BA in Game Art
• BS in Game Engineering
• BA in Digital Art and Animation
• BS in Software Development
• Digital audio and game-audio programs

USV uses project-based environments intended to reflect professional studio and production workflows.

Eligible games and achievements

The university divides qualifying accomplishments into several categories.

MMORPG and live-service achievements

Examples in the Legendary Tier include:

• Old School RuneScape: Max Cape with all 23 skills at level 99
• Final Fantasy XIV: All listed combat, crafting and gathering jobs at level 100
• World of Warcraft: Loremaster, all 13 professions maxed and at least 25 exalted reputations
• Elder Scrolls Online: Grand Master Crafter, Emperor title and three Trial Trifecta completions
• Guild Wars 2: Three Legendary Weapons and world completion on three characters
• Warframe: Mastery Rank 30 and completion of all story quests

Mastery Tier examples include RuneScape Quest Cape, World of Warcraft Keystone Master, Destiny 2 Raid Seals and Genshin Impact Archon Quest and Friendship accomplishments.

PlayStation, Xbox and Steam achievements

Completionist gamers may qualify through platform-wide achievements.

Legendary Tier examples:

• PlayStation: At least 10 Platinum Trophies, including three ultra-rare trophies
• Xbox: At least 100,000 Gamerscore with 10 games at 90% completion
• Steam: Five Perfect Games with rare global completion rates

Mastery Tier examples:

• Five PlayStation Platinum Trophies
• At least 50,000 Xbox Gamerscore with five games at 80% completion
• Three Steam Perfect Games
• Complete map and shrine progression in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Minecraft scholarship requirement

Minecraft players can qualify for the Legendary Tier by completing:

All 115 or more Minecraft advancements

Applicants must provide screenshots showing their statistics and advancement completion. The evidence must come from a legitimate, non-modded game environment.

Completing only the main storyline or defeating the Ender Dragon is not enough to satisfy the listed Legendary requirement. The applicant must document the full advancement accomplishment requested by USV.

Souls-like and difficult action games

Qualifying examples include:

Legendary Tier

• All achievements across the Dark Souls trilogy
• All Sekiro achievements, including Gauntlet of Strength
• All Celeste Golden Strawberries
• Hollow Knight 112% completion and Pantheon of Hallownest
• Lies of P all achievements or documented no-death run

Mastery Tier

• Elden Ring Platinum Trophy or all achievements
• Bloodborne Platinum with all Chalice Dungeons
• Cuphead S-Rank on every boss at Expert difficulty
• Nioh 2 Platinum Trophy

Strategy, simulation and analytical games

Examples include:

• Civilization VI victories on Deity difficulty through all five victory types
• StarCraft II campaign mastery completion
• XCOM 2 Ironman Legend completion
• Factorio all achievements, including There Is No Spoon
• Chess.com Rapid or Blitz rating of 2400
• Crusader Kings III achievement runs
• Total War Legendary campaign victories
• Satisfactory 100% milestone completion
• Frostpunk survival at Extreme difficulty

Chess achievements can also be verified through accepted public profiles such as Chess.com, FIDE or an equivalent Lichess profile when comparable information is visible.

Survival, sandbox and creation games

Legendary achievements include advanced completion in:

• Minecraft
• Terraria
• Don’t Starve Together
• ARK: Survival Evolved
• No Man’s Sky

Mastery-level accomplishments include:

• Valheim boss completion plus a major architectural build
• Subnautica 100% completion
• The Forest on the hardest difficulty
• Stardew Valley Perfection

Precision and skill-based games

Legendary examples include:

• Super Meat Boy Dark World completion
• Trackmania Author Medals across the full campaign
• Geometry Dash Demon completions, including an Extreme Demon
• Beat Saber Expert+ songs with S rankings

Mastery examples include 100% completion in Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Ghostrunner Hardcore completion and Nex Machina Veteran difficulty completion.

What if your game is not listed?

Applicants may submit a Custom Achievement Petition for an extraordinary accomplishment not included in USV’s published list.

The petition should contain:

1. The name and description of the game
2. The specific achievement completed
3. Verification evidence
4. A written explanation connecting the accomplishment to persistence, systems thinking, learning or problem-solving

A faculty committee reviews custom submissions to determine whether they demonstrate comparable rigor and educational relevance.

A custom achievement should be genuinely rare and demanding. Simply finishing a standard campaign or reaching an ordinary multiplayer rank is unlikely to demonstrate equivalence to the listed Legendary or Mastery requirements.

Scholarship application requirements

Applicants need three main groups of materials.

Gaming-achievement verification

Submit:

• Official public-profile links
• Screenshots showing the accomplishment
• Account username or profile URL
• Completion date, when available
• Visible account or character information
• Any other evidence requested by USV

The university may request video evidence or a live screen-verification session when an official API or public profile is unavailable.

University admission materials

Applicants must provide:

• Completed University of Silicon Valley admission application
• High school or college transcripts
• Other admissions documents required for the chosen program

SAT and ACT scores are optional because the university follows a test-flexible approach for this scholarship.

Mastery Reflection Essay

Applicants must submit a 500-to-750-word essay reflecting on what their gaming achievement taught them about:

• Learning
• Persistence
• Problem-solving
• Strategic planning
• Responding to failure
• Developing expertise

The essay should not simply describe the game or list the achievement’s steps. It should explain how the applicant changed through the process.

How applications are scored

USV uses the following weighted criteria:

Selection category	Weight
Achievement rarity and difficulty	60%
Reflection essay quality	20%
Academic potential	20%

The gaming accomplishment is the largest factor, but it is not the only factor. A qualifying achievement combined with a weak essay or limited academic readiness may result in less than the maximum award.

How to apply for the USV video game scholarship

Step 1: Apply for admission to USV

Complete the University of Silicon Valley admissions application for your chosen academic program.

You must be admitted before the scholarship can be awarded.

Step 2: Identify your highest qualifying achievement

Compare your gaming history with the university’s Legendary and Mastery lists.

You may submit multiple accomplishments, but the highest qualifying tier determines your scholarship category.

Step 3: Make your gaming profile publicly verifiable

Where possible, prepare links to:

• Steam profile
• PlayStation Network profile
• Xbox profile
• RuneMetrics or RuneScape Hiscores
• Final Fantasy XIV Lodestone profile
• Battle.net profile
• Raider.IO
• Chess.com or FIDE profile
• Other official verification systems

Do not provide your password.

Step 4: Capture clear evidence

Screenshots should display:

• Account or character name
• Achievement name
• Completion indicator
• Platform
• Relevant statistics
• Completion date, when available

The evidence should clearly belong to the applicant.

Step 5: Write the Mastery Reflection Essay

Keep the essay between 500 and 750 words.

A strong response can explain:

• Why you pursued the accomplishment
• How you divided the goal into smaller tasks
• What failures or setbacks occurred
• How you adjusted your strategy
• What the experience taught you
• How the same skills will support college success

Step 6: Submit the scholarship application

Use the scholarship form on USV’s official Max Achievement Scholarship page.

The form requests the achievement name, verification link and reflection essay.

Step 7: Respond to verification requests

The university may ask for:

• Additional screenshots
• Video verification
• Live screen sharing
• Public-profile adjustments
• Clarification of a custom accomplishment

Respond promptly and preserve the original gaming account used to earn the achievement.

Are modded games eligible?

No. Achievements earned through modded, private or emulated servers are not eligible.

Verification must come from an official, non-modded platform such as Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox, Lodestone, RuneMetrics or another accepted service.

Applicants should not modify screenshots or attempt to present another person’s account as their own.

Is the scholarship renewable?

Yes, subject to continuing eligibility.

Recipients must:

• Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA
• Remain enrolled full time
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
• Continue satisfying applicable university policies

The scholarship can be renewed for up to three trimesters during a calendar year.

Can it be combined with other scholarships?

The Max Achievement Scholarship may be combined with compatible merit awards, but total institutional assistance cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.

It cannot be combined with the University of Silicon Valley Esports Scholarship.

Applicants should compare the possible value of each program before selecting one.

Max Achievement Scholarship vs USV Esports Scholarship

USV operates two different gaming-related scholarship opportunities.

Feature	Max Achievement Scholarship	USV Esports Scholarship
Main basis	Rare gaming achievements	Esports participation and contribution
Maximum yearly award	Up to $15,000	Up to $15,000 for varsity
Competition required	No	Depends on role
Single-player achievements accepted	Yes	Not the main criterion
Essay required	Yes	Scholarship process varies
Verification	Trophies, profiles and achievements	Skill, role, professionalism and academic standing
Can both be combined?	No	No

USV advertises the following esports award levels:

• Up to $15,000 yearly for varsity roster positions
• Up to $10,500 yearly for junior varsity
• Up to $7,500 yearly for intramural participants or content creators
• $1,500 yearly for community contributors

Students can participate as players, content creators, streamers, coaches, analysts, organizers or tournament-production contributors.

The university’s general financial-aid page also shows an older or separate institutional Esports Scholarship listing of up to $2,000. Because USV’s dedicated esports page now advertises substantially larger awards, applicants should request a written financial-aid offer clarifying which esports scholarship structure applies to their admission term.

University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship deadline

The live Max Achievement Scholarship page does not currently publish a standalone fixed application deadline.

USV’s general financial-aid page states that institutional scholarship applications and required documents are normally due by the end of the add/drop period for each term. However, applicants should confirm whether that schedule applies specifically to the Max Achievement Scholarship.

Apply as early as possible because:

• Admission must be completed
• Gaming evidence may require verification
• The university may request additional documentation
• Institutional funding may be limited
• Financial-aid planning should be completed before enrollment

Frequently asked questions

What is the University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship?

It is officially called the Max Achievement Scholarship. It rewards admitted students for rare, verified accomplishments in video games and related digital environments.

How much can students receive?

Undergraduate students can receive up to $15,000 per calendar year.

Can Minecraft players receive the scholarship?

Yes. Completing all 115 or more Minecraft advancements is listed as a Legendary Tier achievement.

Does defeating the Ender Dragon qualify?

Not by itself. The published Minecraft requirement is completion of all listed advancements.

Does an Elden Ring Platinum Trophy qualify?

Yes. Elden Ring Platinum or all achievements appears in the Mastery Tier.

Do PlayStation trophies qualify?

Yes. Five Platinum Trophies can satisfy a listed Mastery criterion, while at least 10 Platinums including three ultra-rare trophies may qualify for Legendary consideration.

Does Xbox Gamerscore qualify?

Yes. USV lists award criteria based on Gamerscore totals and completion percentages.

Do Steam achievements qualify?

Yes. Three Perfect Games are listed for the Mastery Tier, while five rare Perfect Games may qualify for Legendary consideration.

Can transfer students apply?

Yes. Incoming transfer students are eligible.

Can graduate students apply?

Yes. Graduate students receive 50% of the undergraduate tier amounts.

Can current USV students apply?

The eligibility page specifically refers to incoming first-year, transfer and graduate students. A currently enrolled student should confirm eligibility with the university before applying.

Must applicants study Game Design?

The scholarship page does not state that applicants must select a gaming major.

Is a portfolio required?

A creative portfolio is not listed among the scholarship’s core requirements. Applicants need admission materials, achievement evidence and the reflection essay.

Are SAT or ACT scores required?

No. SAT and ACT scores are optional for the scholarship application.

What GPA is required?

Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA for renewal.

Can achievements from multiple games be submitted?

Yes. Multiple achievements may be submitted, but the highest qualifying tier determines the category.

What happens if a game is not listed?

The student can submit a Custom Achievement Petition with verification and an explanation of its difficulty and educational value.

Can achievements from a private server qualify?

No. Private, modded and emulated-server achievements are ineligible.

Can the Max Achievement and Esports scholarships be combined?

No. The scholarship cannot be stacked with the USV Esports Scholarship.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

No. It can provide substantial tuition assistance but does not automatically cover the entire cost of attending USV.

Is the scholarship currently open?

The scholarship page currently contains a live application form. No separate closing date is displayed.

Final reminder

The University of Silicon Valley Video Game Scholarship gives accomplished gamers an unusual opportunity to convert rare digital achievements into college financial assistance.

Through the Max Achievement Scholarship, undergraduate students can receive up to $15,000 per calendar year for verified accomplishments in Minecraft, RuneScape, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, Elden Ring, World of Warcraft and many other games.

Applicants must be admitted to USV, provide legitimate account verification, submit academic transcripts and write a 500-to-750-word Mastery Reflection Essay. The maximum award is competitive and depends on achievement difficulty, essay quality and academic potential.

Because no separate scholarship deadline is currently shown, prospective students should submit their admission and scholarship materials early and confirm the applicable term deadline directly with USV.