Scholarships for Graduate Students

Last updated: March 07, 2022

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.

Application Prep | Scholarships for Graduate Students | All Scholarships
 

How to Pay for College

1

Scholarships

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.

Scholarship Application Preparation

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.

 

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