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.
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).
Goldberg-Miller Public Finance Scholarship
Amount: $15,000
Deadline:
January 18, 2020
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, 2020
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, 2020
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, 2020
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.
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.
