With over 53 billion dollars in funding available for graduate students to support the careers of their dreams, it can be a challenge to find the perfect scholarship match. Opportunities are growing in the world of higher education and beyond, as the choice to enroll in graduate school is often the catalyst for better employment opportunities and a higher salary. But many students find themselves asking, “at what cost?”
With so many unique and substantial funding options available, earning a graduate degree is a privilege that everyone deserves if you have the drive and are ready to put in the time commitment.
To help fund your graduate degree, follow our guide and use the interactive tool to sort through over 150 scholarship opportunities for graduate students based on your field of study and award amount.
There are hundreds of scholarships for graduate students, which are awarded by local organizations, private companies, societies and more.
2
Grants
Grants don’t need to be paid back and are based on your financial circumstances. They are usually funded by the federal government, your state or college.
3
Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
4
Student Loans
You can borrow money from the government or a bank, but it needs to be paid back with interest. The federal government offers many loan options—fill out the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for financial aid. If you need help, use our interactive guide to learn how to answer every question.
5
Federal Work-Study Program
Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
Start early and do your research. The application process for graduate school can be lengthy. A great way to start is with broad research, networking and visits to help narrow down the search. Once you determine your top 5-10 schools, you can better organize the specific application deadlines throughout the process.
Not all scholarships are based off of your GPA, but most need to verify your education credentials to qualify. Try to get certified copies of your undergraduate transcript early, so you have plenty of time to meet the deadline.
Many graduate programs require applicants to send test scores with your application. The most common standardized test is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test, but depending on your field of study, other standardized tests such as the LSAT, MCAT, or GMAT may be required.
Letters of recommendation are a true judgement of your character—something that can’t be revealed through your test scores or transcript. Reach out to former teachers, counselors or managers, so that they can speak to your qualifications. Determine the specific guidelines for each letter of recommendation and provide these specifications, to make this as easy as possible for your letter writers.
This is typically a short statement of intention, in which you explain your academic background, your goals and how the graduate program will help you reach those goals. Admissions committees like to see developed research as it pertains to your area of interest, so try to be as clear and concise as possible.
This is your opportunity to get creative and show your personality as more than just an application candidate. Find ways to express your background, your challenges, goals, motivations and passions.
Scholarship Opportunities for Graduate Students
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by your intended major, award amount or if you’re looking for need-based aid. Click the box for a larger view.
Don't Text and Drive Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
September 30, 2020
Students of any age and field of study may apply. Applicants will complete an essay on texting and driving, and the top 10 finalists will be chosen based on creativity and content of the essay.
MBA Insight Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline:
September 30, 2020
Open to all currently enrolled MBA students and students planning to enroll within the next 12 months as well as a legal U.S. citizen. The winner will be determined at random.
Motorola Solutions Foundation Public Safety Explorer Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
September 30, 2020
The National Exploring Committee will award five scholarships to students studying in the public safety, health, law enforcement or aviation fields. Applicants should demonstrate leadership, character education and experiences. Must also provide three letters of recommendation.
Radcliffe Institute Research Fellowship
Amount: up to $77,500
Deadline:
October 1, 2020
Special interest goes to applicants focused on local, national and global citizenship, and interest in women and gender studies. The institute seeks to build a community of fellows that is diverse in every way.
GreenPal Scholarship for Tomorrow's Entrepreneur
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
October 15, 2020
This scholarship supports and advocate entrepreneurial spirit of today's generation. Final winner of scholarship will receive four awards of $500 for each semester completed. Applicant must be graduating High School's Senior with a declared major or minor in the college of Business, Economics, or Finance.
Lance Stafford Larson Student Award
Amount: $500
Deadline:
October 31, 2020
Award is given to the applicant who submits the best paper on a computer-related topic. There will be one award for undergraduates and a second for graduate students.
The Doc Cohen Franchising Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
October 31, 2020
This scholarship will support a student majoring in business, finance, marketing, food service, hospitality or entrepreneurship. Must be a US citizen attending an accredited university. Must submit a 10-page business plan on a franchise concept.
The NASA Postdoctoral Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides early-career and more senior scientists the opportunity to share in NASA's mission, to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.
HubShout Internet Marketing Scholarship
Amount: $100
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
The scholarship is to support the next generation of professionals or students with a demonstrated passion for Internet Marketing. There are two application Deadlines first is March 1st and next is November 1st of each year. The scholarship is open to students with at least one year of college.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
Amount: 50% of tuition
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
Available to full-time graduate students 30 years and younger. Applicants must be a resident alien, and naturalized as a U.S. citizen or the child of a U.S. citizen. Eligibility is based on applicant's demonstration of the relevance of graduate education to long-term career goals.
ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Dental Hygiene Students Pursuing Academic Careers
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
Applicants or this award must be enrolled in a baccalaureate or graduate degree program in dental hygiene at an ADEA Member Institution and be an ADEA individual member. See website for required application materials.
ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships for Predoctoral Dental Students Pursuing Academic Careers
Amount: $5,500
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
Applicants must be enrolled in a predoctoral program in dental hygiene at an ADEA Member Institution, be pursuing an academic career in dental education, and be an ADEA individual member. See website for required application materials.
ADEA/Sigma Phi Alpha Linda DeVore Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
Applicants must be enrolled full or part-time in a dental hygiene, education or public health program, demonstrate commitment to leadership in education or health care, and be an ADEA individual member. See website for required application materials.
Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
Amount: $30,000
Deadline:
November 1, 2020
The fellowship is a one-year grant for independent exploration outside the United States, awarded to graduating seniors which are nominated by campus advisors of one of 40 participating partner colleges. All majors and fields of inquiry are eligible. Please ask the respective campus advisor about internal deadlines. The national selection process begins in November. Awards are announced in mid-March.
Charlotte W. Newcombe Dissertation Fellowship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
November 15, 2020
All applicants must be candidates for Ph.D. or Th.D. degrees in an American doctoral program at a graduate school in the U.S. Must have all pre-dissertation requirements fulfilled by the application deadline, and be in the writing stages of the dissertation upon applying. Must also expect to complete dissertation between April 1-August 31 2021. Must be enrolled in humanities or social science departments, writing on topics where ethics and religious values are of central concern. Must be a new applicant to the program for consideration.
SimpliSafe STEM Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
November 30, 2020
SimpliSafe scholarship is for students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The program provides financial assistance to Bachelors, Masters, or PhD students enrolled in STEM degree programs. Applicant must be a US Citizen or legal permanent resident.
WaterGadget Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,250
Deadline:
November 30, 2020
WaterGadget team is offering a scholarship for all the ambitious student readers. The applicant should be a student residing or studying in US and pursuing a graduation or post-graduation degree in any field.
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2020
Any full-time graduate or undergraduate accredited student with a GPA of 2.5 or higher is welcome to apply. Applicants are asked to discuss their vision for electronic design, engineering and manufacturing in the global economy.
Comcast NBC Universal Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
December 6, 2020
Comcast NBC Universal is offering a scholarship program for sophomores and juniors attending an HBCU. Candidates must have the desired interest in entertainment and media and must be U.S. Citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident to qualify for the scholarship.
Car Covers Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program. Students will be given a creative writing prompt to determine the winner of the scholarship.
Burger King Scholars Program
Amount: $1,000-$50,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
Applicants must have strong academic performance with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Must be passionate about serving the community, and be an employee/spouse/partner of an employee for graduate consideration.
UCLA Graduate Education Scholarships
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
Several awards are available of up to $5,000 each, from which fees are paid, for graduate students in any field of study who are blind or who have a severe vision impairment. Proof of financial need via copy of DREAM Act Application (for California AB540 students).
Murse World Scholarhip
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2020
This scholarship is awarded for the winning written or image submission answering the question: How do you plan on making the world a better place through your future career? This scholarship is intended for U.S. students studying anything related to the medical or health field.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Amount: up to $42,000
Deadline:
December 17, 2020
This scholarship is available for students pursuing their masters and doctoral studies in oceanography, marine biology, and all other science, engineering, and related social sciences. Must be a US citizen with a GPA of 3.3 or higher for consideration, while maintaining full-time student status.
Jen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
The goal with this scholarship is to create an even-playing field where students are not given an advantage for standardized test scores, GPA, financial need or academic circumstances. Applicants must be a U.S. resident enrolled in an accredited university.
Health and Wellness Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
Any full-time graduate or undergraduate accredited student with a GPA of 3.4 or higher is welcome to apply. Medical students may provide proof of pass/fail classes.
Simplr Artificial Intelligence and Technology Scholarship
Amount: $7,500
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
Simplr is offering a $7,500 scholarship to the student that writes the best essay on Artificial Intelligence. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science, math, information technology (IT) or a law degree. Students studying under the DACA program are eligible.
$500 Graduate Student Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
Current graduate students, adults, and college students planning to enroll in graduate school and/or any college offering a post-secondary degree are eligible. Must be currently enrolled in an accredited university to be considered.
Unigo Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
Applicants must be currently enrolled in accredited university and be a US citizen. Applicants are asked to create 140-character tweet for a chance to win.
Because College is Expensive
Amount: $500
Deadline:
December 31, 2020
Open to all students or students planning on enrolling within 12 months. Winners will be chosen at random.
Hawai'i Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Hawaii Community Foundation is providing a wealth of financial support to qualified students throughout Hawaii. With over 250 scholarships, Hawaii students can surely find a scholarship that applies to them.
NACME Scholars Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
To be eligible for the NACME Scholars Program, students must be currently enrolled in an engineering program at a partner university and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher. Transfers must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 to be eligible.
NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship Project
Amount: $18,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and be classified as a member of an underrepresented group. Students must be within the first three years of graduate study and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for consideration.
Native American Seminary
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
Native American students seeking a degree at a University Senate approved seminary are eligible to apply. Candidates must have a minimum of a 3 year membership in the UMC (United Methodist Church).
APA Judith McManus Price Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2021
This scholarship is awarded annually to students intending to pursue careers as practicing planners and who are able to demonstrate a genuine financial need and enrolled in or accepted at Columbia Uniersity, Harvard University, Massachussets Institute of Technology, New School University, or University of Pennsylvania.
Center for Alcohol Policy National Essay Contest
Amount: up to $5,000
Deadline:
January 17, 2021
The contest is open to all over the age of 18 as of December 2019. Students, academics, policymakers and inspired individuals are encouraged to submit their essays on temperance as it would apply in today's alcohol marketplace.
Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $24,000
Deadline:
January 17, 2021
The scholarship is a means of recognizing academic performance by student-athletes who have competed in intercollegiate athletics as a member of a varsity team at an NCAA member institution. Every year one male and one female student-athlete are awarded a the scholarship. The applicant must have undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 3.500 or better. Be a graduating senior or be enrolled in graduate study at an NCAA member institution.
Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship
Amount: $15,000
Deadline:
January 18, 2021
The GFOA scholarship aims to recognize outstanding performances by graduate program students preparing for a career in state and local government finance. Applicant must be enrolled in a full-time course at the graduate level in college and be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada.
Frank l. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
January 18, 2021
The scholarship aims to recognize outstanding performance in accounting studies and to encourage careers in state and local government. The applicant must be full-time; graduate or upper level undergraduate and willing to pursue fields with a specific focus on government and its administration.
Minorities In Government Finance Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
January 18, 2021
The scholarship aims to recognize and encourage outstanding graduate or upper level undergraduate minority students enrolled in a course of study preparing for a career in state or local government finance. The applicant must be willing to pursue fields with a specific focus on government or nonprofit management.
Government Finance Professional Development Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
January 18, 2021
The scholarship aims to support the studies of part-time students with a career interest in state and local government finance. The applicant must be employed at least two years by one or more state or local governments and willing to pursue fields with a specific focus on government and its administration.
Certified Angus Beef Colvon Scholarship Fund
Amount: $6,000
Deadline:
January 18, 2021
Applicants must be working towards their MBA for eligibility. Students will be asked to discuss distribution methods for the Angus Beef corporation.
Baer Reintegration Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 18, 2021
Students diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder are eligible candidates. Candidates must be U.S. citizens planning to attend higher education.
Technology Addiction Awareness
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
January 30, 2021
Scholarship is open to students of any age and field of study. Applicants will complete an essay on technology addiction, and the top 10 finalists will be chosen based on creativity and content of the essay.
American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship Program
Amount: $18,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
This scholarship awards graduate students pursuing a degree in sociology demonstrating strong mental health research and/or interest. Students will be selected based on intent on research and development in mental health, academic achievement and financial need.
Asparagus Club Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
Recipients of the scholarship must maintain full-time student status with a 2.5 GPA or higher for consideration. Graduate students pursuing a career in business and related fields are preferred.
ASA Minority Fellowship Program
Amount: $18,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
Applicants can be new or continuing graduate students, but preference will be given to students entering doctoral programs or students enrolled in strong mental health programs. Fellows will be selected on their commitment to research in mental health.
Mildred Sylvester Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
The scholarship is available to an outstanding 1st, 2nd or 3rd year veterinary student who is a current or past resident, high school or college graduate with a connection to the state of New Jersey.
Pride Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 31, 2021
Pride Foundation provides essential financial resources and community support to LGBTQ+ and allied student leaders in the Northwest—particularly those who face barriers due to race, economic circumstances, identity, ability, location, or lack of family support. Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education, including community college, four-year public or private college or university, certificate programs, vocationa/technical/trae porograms, law school, medical/dental/veterinary school, or graduate education.
Vincint and Catherine Sansalone Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
Students must be enrolled in a math or science program at an accredited U.S. university. Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher for consideration. Preference for students of Italian descent.
Stacey Scholarship Fund
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
This award is intended for students with focus on conservative art such as painting and drawing. Open to all U.S. citizens pursuing graduate degree in the arts.
MetLife Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
Applicant must be pursuing a four-year bachelor's degree program in computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM field. Student must be attending a full-time school in the US, Canada, or Mexico and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Scholarships
Amount: $1,600
Deadline:
February 1, 2021
Grand Rapids Community Foundation is offering multiple scholarships that benefit students of many ages, academic abilities and areas of interests. The general scholarship online application enables a person to qualify for 50 scholarship funds.
a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
February 7, 2021
he a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp scholarship is awarded annually to fourth-year students in a NAAB accredited degree program or Foruth-year student of a fourh-year pre-professional degree program in architecture accepted for direct entry to a two-year NAAB-accredited M.Arch program or First-year student in an NAAB-accredited M.Arch degree program.
The Business Forum Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 7, 2021
The mission of scholarship is to foster the personal and professional growth of women in their higher education. Applicant must be a female US citizen or permanent resident residing in Dane County and must demonstrate financial need while applying for the scholarship.
Lewis B. Barber Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $5,100
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
This merit-based scholarship aims to provide financial aid to students who graduate from public or private high school in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry or Lee counties in Florida. Applicant must pursue certification to teach deaf/blind or attend seminary/pre-seminary school to study church, Christian music or Christian education.
John & Ruth Childe Scholarship
Amount: $1,900
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
The scholarship awards students from Lee County in Florida with a physical disability to pursue higher education in a college, university or technical school. Applicant must be able to describe give proof of disability.
Paul B. & Aline Flynn Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
Students pursuing a degree from a 4-year accreddited college in communication or jounralism are encouraged to apply
Doris W. Frey Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2,700
Deadline:
February 10, 2021
The scholarship awards students studying Christian ministry/youth ministry, teaching, Christian counseling, nursing or medicine. Students must graduate from a public or private high school in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Glades or Lee County. All High School Seniors, Undergraduates, and Graduates are eligible to apply.
The Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 20, 2021
The Paul and Ellen Ruckes scholarship is applicable for both undergraduates or graduates who are studying in the field of engineering or in the computer, physical, or life sciences. Students can use one application form to apply for more than one scholarships listed on the site. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or naturalized citizens.
Eunice Fiorito
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 20, 2021
The scholarship is applicable for both undergraduates or graduates who are studying full-time in the field of advocacy or disability services. Students can use one application form to apply for more than one scholarships listed on the site. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or naturalized citizens.
The Lagrant Foundation Graduate Scholarships
Amount: $3,750
Deadline:
February 28, 2021
The Lagrant Foundation scholarships aim to increase the number of minorities working in the fields of advertising, marketing, and public relations. Applicants must be a minority student pursuing a masters degree in one of those subjects.
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline:
March 29, 2021
The MBA Fellowship is designed to increase interest in financial services among black, hispanic and native american business school students.
NEHA/AAS Environmental Health Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 31, 2021
This scholarship is available to students enrolled in a graduate program with a declared curriculum in Environmental Health Sciences. Must have at least one semester of classes remaining for eligibility.
Texas Space Grant Consortium Columbia Crew Memorial Undergraduate Scholarships
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
April 24, 2021
Eligible applicants include full-time students at a TSGC member institution or a sophomore at a two-year institution, a junior or senior at a four-year institution or a first- or second-year student at a medical school. Preference given to students who show academic excellence, leadership, and an emphasis on the STEM fields.
AGBU Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2021
Scholarships are awarded to graduate students of Armenian decent who clearly demonstrate academic excellence and financia need. GPA of 3.5 and up required.
Support Creativity Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
Applicants must attend graduate school in the New York Tri-state area, and must demonstrate passionate creativity. Students will be asked to submit creative work that illustrates their passion for their specific creative field. Financial need will also be considered.
ALPFA Scholarship Program
Amount: $2,000-$3,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) works to empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, in every sector of the global economy by providing various scholarship rewards. Applicants need to be premium member of the ALPFA to be eligible for the scholarship.
Paleologos Graduate Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 1, 2021
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is offering the scholarship to graduate students who need financial aid to futher their education. Candidates must be of the Orthodox faith, within one of the jurisdictions of America either commencing their studies in a non-theological field of study leading to a graduate degree. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is offering the scholarship to graduate students who need financial aid to futher their education.
Candidates must be of the Orthodox faith, within one of the jurisdictions of America either commencing their studies in a non-theological field of study leading to a graduate degree.
