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.
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.
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.
Because College is Expensive
Amount: $500
Deadline:
June 30, 2019
Open to all students or students planning on enrolling within 12 months. Winners will be chosen at random.
Alba George Watt Memorial Essay Contest
Amount: $250
Deadline:
July 1, 2019
This annual essay competition seeks students who can produce an original, research driven presentation under 12,000 words. Submissions may be in English or Spanish.
ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
July 1, 2019
Applicants must be currently enrolled at a university or college recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Awards are granted to female students studying, or planning to study, the fields of engineering, mathematics, technology or science (excluding the social sciences).
Jen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
July 31, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Zelus Recovery College Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
August 1, 2019
The goal of Zelus Recovery Scholarship is to help adolescents and young adults with substance abuse problems. The idea is to help young people find their way back to health and happiness so they can become contributing members of society. The scholarship is open to or undergraduate and postgraduates students.
Florida Stormwater Association Educational Foundation’s Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline:
August 2, 2019
The scholarship awards financial aid to qualified students attending Florida colleges and universities who are interested in pursuing stormwater research, management or finance. Graduate student applicants in colleges or schools of engineering, natural science, public administration (or closely related fields) are eligible to apply.
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.
Don't Text and Drive
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Wayne K Latham Project Management Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
May 1, 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 from Dallas/Fort Worth or attending or planning to attend an accredited degree program in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Students in Texas, USA attending or planning to attend an accredited degree program at any college or university in the USA are also eligible to apply.
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.
Pedro Zamoro Public Policy Fellowship
Amount: Varies
Deadline:
Candidates should have strong research, writing and organizational skills and willingness to work in a professional office. Fellows must commit to working a minimum of 30-hours per week for 16 weeks. Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. required for acceptance.
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).
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.
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.
The Recovery Village® Health Care Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
June 30, 2019
A $1,000 award will be given to a student pursuing a health-related degree program. Areas of study that will be considered include, but are not limited to, counseling, social work, emergency medicine, pre-med, nursing, psychology (with a focus on addiction counseling or a substance-abuse related field). Applicants must submit an essay no more than 500 words describing why they are passionate about health care, with a focus on substance abuse and mental health. Essays can draw from personal or professional experience.
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. For more information and for the essay prompt, visit their website.
Isaacs & Isaacs Scholarship Awards
Amount: $1,000
Deadline:
August 1, 2019
Isaacs and Isaacs is offering a scholarship to students in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana (one from each state). In order to apply, students must be seniors in high school planning on enrolling in college or must be a current college student. Application includes (but is not limited to) a short bio of yourself, a photo of yourself, as well as an essay (promt can be found on their website).
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.
