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.
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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.
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Fellowships
While scholarships usually fund tuition, fellowships typically cover graduate study, research projects and abroad experiences without needing to be paid back.
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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.
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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.
NACIS Student Dynamic Map Competition
Amount: $500
Deadline:
August 31, 2019
Applicants are asked to create a map for one of the two competition categories: animated maps and interactive maps. Any student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program from North America who has not previously won first prize in this contest may enter.
$1,000 September Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
September 20, 2019
All high school, college and graduate students are encouraged to enter. The winner will be chosen at random.
Don't Text and Drive Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
September 30, 2019
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, 2019
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.
Radcliffe Institute Research Fellowship
Amount: up to $77,500
Deadline:
October 3, 2019
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’s Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
October 15, 2019
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, 2019
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.
Young Entrepreneurs scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
October 31, 2019
Market Inspector is offering this scholarship to the young entreprenuer with the most innovative business idea. Student must be studying at un undergraduate or graduate level.
HubShout Internet Marketing Scholarship
Amount: $100
Deadline:
November 1, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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.
SimpliSafe STEM Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
November 30, 2019
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.
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2019
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.
Out to Protect Scholarship
Amount: up to $1,000
Deadline:
December 1, 2019
Students studying criminal law enforcement and who identify as LGBTQ are eligible for this award. Must demonstrate positive role-model ability and potential for success post-graduation to apply.
WaterGadget Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,250
Deadline:
December 10, 2019
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.
Car Covers Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
December 15, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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.
Health and Wellness Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Deadline:
December 31, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2019
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, 2020
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.
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
Amount: $25,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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: $2,000
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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.
NACME Scholars Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
January 1, 2020
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, 2020
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, 2020
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).
Technology Addiction Awareness
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
January 30, 2020
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, 2020
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.
Vincint and Catherine Sansalone Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
February 1, 2020
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, 2020
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.
Kalamazoo County Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
March 1, 2020
The scholarship focuses on the sources of aid available in Kalamazoo County, including scholarships offered by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation.
There are many scholarships available for both undergraduate and graduate students. See the description of individual scholarship for details.
Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholarships
Amount: $10,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
The scholarship is intended for students entering or attending law school and demonstrate a commitment to developing a career in intellectual property law. The applicant must be US citizen and demonstrate merit and financial need before applying for the scholarship.
AIME Henry DeWitt Smith Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
March 15, 2020
Eligible students must be graduate student members of Material Advantage, and full-time metallurgical/materials science engineering majors to apply.
American Baptist Financial Aid Program
Amount: $3,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
Student must be a member of an American baptist church for a minimum of one year to be eligible. Must be preparing to enter an accredited university or graduate program in the United States or Puerto Rico as a full-time student with a GPA of 2.75 for consideration.
Bradford-Sullivan Forest Landowners' Association Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Deadline:
April 30, 2020
The scholarship is for a student majoring in forest management, forest products, or a closely related field. Applicants must have graduated from a high school or lived in one of the following counties in Pennsylvania: Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wyoming, Pike, Wayne, Lackawanna, or Luzerne.
Wayne K Latham Project Management Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 1, 2020
Applicants must be Dallas or Forth Worth residents enrolled in or applying to a project management related degree program or a field benefiting from project management, the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Students in Texas, USA attending or planning to attend a college in the USA are also eligible to apply.
Harold Bettinger Scholarship
Amount: $4,000
Deadline:
May 1, 2020
This scholarship is intended for horticultural students majoring in business and/or marketing with the intent to apply their education to a horticulture-related career or business for consideration.
Dr. Harold Kerzner Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 2, 2020
The scholarship is open to all students who are pursuing degrees in Project Management or related fields of study. Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral students are eligible to apply. There are four academic scholarships valued at up to the US $7,500 each which are offered to students who fulfil the criterion.
Dwaraka R. Iyengar PMI Dallas Chapter Area Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 2, 2020
The scholarship is open for applicants who are enrolled in or applying to a project management related degree program or a field benefiting from project management.The eligible students must be attending or planning to attend an accredited degree program that lives and goes to school in the PMI Dallas Chapter area.
James Rankin Memorial Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 2, 2020
Applicants must be Dallas or Forth Worth residents enrolled in or applying to a project management related degree program or a field benefiting from project management, the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Students in Texas, USA attending or planning to attend a college in the USA are also eligible to apply.
Cap Lathrop Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
June 1, 2020
The Cap Lathrop Scholarship is offered to Alaska Natives with preference given to descendants of Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) who are majoring in broadcast, telecommunications, business, engineering, journalism, and other media-related fields.
Immigration Scholarship Essay Contest
Amount: $500
Deadline:
July 1, 2020
Any U.S. resident that has been accepted to an accredited university can apply. Applicants are asked to answer questions on immigration for a chance to win.
