The Ultimate List of Scholarships & How to Apply

8 January
11 min read
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If you're looking for undergraduate scholarships, it might be tough to know where (or how) to start. 

Fortunately, many organizations are ready to help you achieve your goals by offering a variety of scholarship options.

So, if you plan wisely, you can save thousands of dollars on your education costs!

That’s why we've compiled a list of the best scholarships for 2024 to help you get started.

Let’s dive right in.

22 Best Scholarships and How To Apply

Easy Scholarships 

Are you rushing for time or have a less-than-stellar GPA? Then Easy Scholarships were made for you! 

Easy Scholarships are quick and easy to apply for, allowing you to skip the usual lengthy application process.

Easy Scholarships are usually granted on a regular basis, which means you have many opportunities to apply. 

Here are some of the best Easy Scholarships for 2024:

#1. Niche “No Essay” Scholarship

Securing a scholarship to cover four years of college tuition without writing a single essay? It probably seems too good to be true.

Well, not with Niche. To date, Niche has financed the tuition, living expenses, books, and more of thousands of students!

The $2,000 "No Essay" Scholarship is an easy scholarship that doesn’t require submitting an essay. Apply immediately to increase your chances of winning!

Amount of Scholarship: $2,000

# of awards: 12 

Eligibility

  1. Candidates pursue or plan to pursue undergraduate studies;
  2. Candidates aged 18 or older;
  3. US citizenship;

Apply here

#2. “Be Bold” No Essay Scholarship

One of the most inclusive grants out there, the "Be Bold" No Essay Scholarship is intended for students who might not have a stellar GPA but are super confident in their talents.

Make sure your student profile highlights your goals, accomplishments, and passions. The scholarship is awarded to a single student each year.

The "Be Bold" No Essay Scholarship advises students to apply early, so be quick to seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance to win $25,000 for your college studies!

Amount of scholarship: Up to $25,000

# of awards: 1

Eligibility

  1. Candidates from any country wishing to pursue their studies are welcome to apply.

Apply here

#3. No Essay Smart Owl Scholarship

The Smart Owl Scholarship is one of the greatest essay-free grants available for US residents. 

When you’re applying for the Smart Owl Scholarship, you can also take advantage of an automatic function allowing you to apply to hundred more scholarships with no additional effort!

Amount of scholarship: $7,000

# of awards: 12 

Eligibility

  1. Candidates enrolled in high school or college;
  2. Candidates aged 16 or older;
  3. US citizenship;

Apply here

#4. Cappex Easy Money Scholarship

Cappex.com is a free program that connects students to schools and institutions worldwide while also awarding a range of scholarships.

Easy College Money $1000 Scholarship is one of their hallmark scholarships, available to high school and college students. 

Amount of scholarship: $1000

# of awards: 6

Eligibility

  1. Candidates enrolled in high school or college;
  2. US citizenship;

Apply here

#5. “No Essay” Nitro Scholarship

Looking for an easy scholarship to cover some of your college expenses? Nitro has you covered! 

It takes only 3 minutes to apply for this $2,000 scholarship. All you have to do is fill in a four-question form to submit your application. No essay required!

Amount of scholarship: $2,000

# of awards: 12 

Eligibility: 

  1. Current high school seniors or students in accredited universities or colleges located in the United States.
  2. Parents of children that are currently enrolled in accredited universities or colleges located in the United States.
  3. Parents of high school seniors in the United States.
  4. Students or parents of students that have graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States and are currently paying off a student loan.

Apply here.

Are you also planning to work to finance your studies? Check out our list of the top jobs for students and start applying. 

New Scholarships

New scholarship opportunities spring out frequently.

So if you still haven’t found one, take a look at these brand-new scholarship opportunities available: 

#6. Unigo $10K Scholarship

Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich?

Well, if you know exactly your answer to this question, you’re halfway there to getting a Unigo $10,000 scholarship!

To receive this scholarship, you simply have to write a 250 word answer to the above-mentioned question. The winner for the scholarship will be chosen based on the writing ability, creativity, originality, and overall excellence.

Amount of scholarship: $10,000

# of awards: 1

Eligibility: 

  1. U.S. students and legal residents.
  2. Must reside in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
  3. Must be at least 14 years old.

Apply here.

#7. 10 Words or Less Scholarship

10 Words or Less Scholarship is perhaps the most unique scholarship opportunity out there, asking students to submit a 10-word response or less explaining why they deserve to win!

The program was launched in 2006 to help students win scholarships without the usual trouble of filling out time-consuming forms.

Over $1 million grants have been awarded to date.

Amount of scholarship: $500

# of awards: 1

Eligibility: 

  1. Candidates aged between 14 and 25.
  2. Candidates enrolled or to be enrolled in the US or Canadian school/university.
  3. US and Puerto Rico citizenship.
  4. Candidates must like the Student Scholarships page on Facebook.

Apply here.

#8. National Dairy Shrine/Maurice E. Core Scholarship

Sponsored by the Maurice E. Core Jersey fund, the National Dairy Shrine Scholarship was established to promote, excite, and inspire dairy studies.

Dairy Shrine has been growing its youth programs to rouse the interest of outstanding youth interested in pursuing an education in the dairy field.

So, if you're passionate about the field or want to start learning about it, don't pass up this opportunity!

Amount of scholarship: $1000

# of awards: 1

Eligibility

  1. Freshmen students at a four-year college;
  2. Candidates with a minimum 2.5 GPA;
  3. Candidates majoring in dairy or other agricultural-related fields;
  4. US citizenship.

Apply here

Scholarships for Minority Groups

Colleges campuses should be diverse and inclusive communities where students from different nationalities and backgrounds are welcome. This is why an increasing number of scholarships aim to help students from minority groups.

Scholarships for minority students vary in their eligibility requirements and are not limited to race or ethnicity. Check out our list of the best minority scholarships and see if you qualify.

#9. The Gates Millenium Scholarship for Minorities

The Gates Millennium Scholarship aims to promote minority access to education in all professions. The initiative strives to create a diverse group of future minority leaders for America.

Gates Millennium Scholarship recipients have earned over $850 million in scholarships so far! Every year, 300 outstanding students are awarded scholarships.

Do you meet the requirements? Then definitely take a chance at one of the most generous minority scholarships out there!

Amount of scholarship: $12,500 (on average)

# of awards: 300

Eligibility

  1. Senior high school students;
  2. Candidates of Hispanic American, African American, Asian & Pacific American, or American Indian/Alaska Native origin;
  3. Candidates with minimum 3.3 GPA;
  4. Candidates planning to study in US universities;
  5. US citizenship.

Apply here

#10. AIGA Worldstudio Scholarship

The AIGA Worldstudio Scholarship supports diversity in creative professions by financially helping artists and designers pursue their studies.

Scholarship winners are chosen for their talent and financial need, as well as for their demonstrated social commitment.

To date, 800+ art and design college students have received over $1.3 million in financial aid.

Amount of scholarship: Up to $5000

# of awards: 20

Eligibility

  1. Candidates planning to pursue undergraduate/graduate studies in graphic design, photography, or illustration;
  2. Candidates with minimum 2.0 GPA;
  3. US citizenship or Green Card holders;

Apply here

#11. Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship encourages diversity in the actuarial profession by financing the annual scholarship program for African American, Native North American, Latin American, and Pacific Islander students.

If at least one of your birth parents belongs to any of the above-mentioned minority groups and you’re interested in pursuing a career in the actuarial profession, then this is the scholarship for you!

Amount of scholarship: Up to $4,000

# of awards: Varies

Eligibility: 

  1. Undergraduate students enrolled at any US-accredited educational institution;
  2. Candidates with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (emphasis on math and actuarial courses);
  3. First-year students with a minimum 28 ACT math score/ 620 SAT math score;
  4. Candidates interested in pursuing a career in actuarial services;
  5. US, Native North American, Latino, and Pacific Islander citizenship.

Apply here.

#12. American Indian College Fund Scholarship

The American Indian College Fund offers scholarships to American Indian and Native Alaskan students pursuing or wishing to pursue higher education at accredited, non-profit, and tribal colleges and universities.

To apply for this scholarship, you’ll need to provide a professional picture, proof of tribal affiliation, and a transcript from your most recent college or high school.

Amount of Scholarship: Varies

# of awards: Varies

Eligibility: 

  1. Native American U.S. citizens.
  2. Members or descendents of federally recognized tribes.
  3. No less than 2.0 GPA.
  4. Full-time students.

Apply here.

Being a student can be costly, even with a scholarship - that’s why many businesses out there offer student discounts. Interested? Check out our list of the 99+ stores that give student discounts

Scholarships for International Students

Looking to study abroad? 

Then we have good news for you. Although rather scarce, there are worldwide scholarships available that allow you to study just about anywhere. Most importantly, they’re usually absolutely free. 

Here is a list of top undergraduate international scholarship programs that can help you study in some of the world's best study destinations for free.

#13. Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (AUS)

Paying school fees might prove too expensive for an overseas undergraduate student in Australia. 

The great news is that the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship is currently available to international students planning to enroll in undergraduate programs at the University of Melbourne.

So, if you want to study for free in the happiest place on the planet, apply soon!

Amount of scholarship: from $10,000 to fully-funded

# of awards: Around 1,000

Eligibility

  1. Residents of any country except Australia and New Zealand;
  2. Candidates have received an offer for an undergraduate course at the university;
  3. Candidates demonstrate outstanding results from their previous studies.

Apply here

#14. NMG-NJUST Joint Scholarship for International Students (CHINA)

The NMG-NJUST Joint Scholarship for International Students aims to increase transnational exchange and recruit more exceptional foreign students to the Nanjing University of Science and Technology in China. 

Every year, the NJUST receives more than 1.5 billion Renminbi (RMB) in research funding. So, if you want to benefit from a fully-funded scholarship opportunity in China, be quick to apply!

Amount of scholarship: Partially (50%) or fully-funded

# of awards: 160

Eligibility:  

  1. Non-Chinese students;
  2. Candidates with a decent academic background;
  3. Candidates who respect Chinese tradition and customs;

Apply by emailing due documents in PDF format at apply@njust.edu.cn

#15. Transform Together Scholarships for International Students (UK)

Transform Together scholarships are designed for international and EU (non-UK) students applying for a full-time undergraduate program at Sheffield Hallam University.

The grant is only offered to students who can demonstrate outstanding academic success. Applicants must also explain how they will stand out as an advocate for Sheffield Hallam University both during and after their studies.

Amount of scholarship: Partially-funded (50%)

# of awards: Several

Eligibility

  1. Candidates are non-British;
  2. Candidates meet the English language & other academic requirements;
  3. Candidates have applied to a full-time undergraduate course at Sheffield Hallam University.

Apply here

Scholarships in Europe for non-EU Students

Due to its rich culture and plenty of renowned colleges, Europe is a popular study destination for millions of students. 

Luckily, European institutions believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. This is why the European governments support universities to offer as many scholarship programs for non-EU students as possible. 

Here are some of the finest scholarships in Europe that you can apply for.

#16. Holland Scholarship for Non-EEA Students (The Netherlands)

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, The Holland Scholarship aims to help non-EU students in furthering their studies at one of the participating Dutch universities

If you wish to take advantage of the renowned courses offered by Dutch institutions, make sure to apply for this government-funded scholarship opportunity right away.

Amount of scholarship: €10,000

# of awards: Varies

Eligibility

  1. Non-EEA students;
  2. Candidates applying for a full-time bachelor's/master's program at one of the participating Dutch universities;
  3. Candidates who meet the requirements of the university they're applying for.

Apply here

#17. Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students 

The Danish Ministry of Education offers scholarships for motivated and highly qualified students from non-European Union/European Economic area countries to study in Danish universities. 

Each college or university administers these scholarships individually. As such, some institutions offer scholarships that fully cover your tuition fees, while others offer partial tuition fee waivers or grants to cover living expenses.

Amount of scholarship: Varies between universities/colleges

# of awards: Varies

Eligibility: 

  1. Non-EU/EEA students.
  2. Permanent residents in a non-EU/EEA country.
  3. Non-exchange students in Denmark.

How to apply: To receive the application form for the scholarship, you should directly contact the Danish higher education institution you’re interested in studying at.

#18. University of Bologna Scholarship (Italy)

The University of Bologna welcomes talented international students with fully-funded scholarships.

The scholarships are awarded to students based on their SAT or TOLC tests scores. You can either receive an €11,059 study grant or a full exemption from tuition fees for one academic year.

Amount of Scholarship: Varies 

# of awards: 15 scholarships worth €11,059 each, several tuition fee waivers for a total of €80,000

Eligibility: 

  1. Students with a high school diploma issued in another country than Italy, including diplomas from Italian schools based outside of Italy.
  2. Students that take SAT or TOLC tests in English before the application deadline.
  3. Students that are below 30 years old before the call for application (6 June, 2024).

Apply here.

Scholarships for Distance Learning and Online Courses

Students who cannot afford college are often drawn to distance learning since it's one of the most cost-effective means of attending college, particularly while working full-time or caring for kids.

We've done some preliminary research for you to recommend some of the best online study scholarships available for 2024.

#19. University of the People Online Degree Scholarships

University of the People (UoPeople) provides online Associate and Bachelor’s degree programs in Business Administration and Computer Science. The programs cost absolutely nothing, so all you need is a stable Internet connection!

Different donors sponsor various UoPeople scholarships, so the application deadlines vary based on the specific scholarship. However, scholarships are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, so check regularly for fresh chances!

Amount of the scholarship: Fully-funded

# of awards: Varies

Eligibility: 

  1. Candidates have graduated from high school;
  2. Candidates have access to a computer and the Internet;
  3. Candidates possess sufficient English language skills to study at UoPeople.

For detailed information on how to apply, visit the official website

#20. AAUW Re-Entry Woman Scholarship

Women's Re-Entry Scholarship is awarded to adult females who wish to pursue their online undergraduate education at accredited universities.

Amount of scholarship: $1800

# of awards: 3

Eligibility

  1. Females who have graduated high school;
  2. Females who do not hold a Bachelor's degree;
  3. Females who have taken courses toward their subject of study;
  4. Females who show strong leadership skills;
  5. Females who are at least 23 years old.

Apply here

#21.  Berklee Online Music Scholarships

The Berklee Online Music Scholarship supports gifted students who wish to enroll in 12-week online, non-degree music courses. 

Students can study Advanced Music Production, Creative Writing for Musicians, or Music Business Leadership.

The Berklee Online Music Scholarship is sponsored by renowned artists such as Gloria Estefan and Paul Simon.

Amount of scholarship: $1,497

# of awards: Varies

Eligibility

  1. Candidates hold a minimum 3.7 GPA;
  2. Candidates are recommended by instructors;
  3. Candidates apply before the term’s fifth week.

Apply here

#22. Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program

Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program aims to support students wishing to attend accredited online courses in the USA. Financial needs and academic excellence are both considered.

The best thing about this scholarship is that it does not limit the candidate's choice of an online university. You get to select your perfect university!

Amount of scholarship: $1000

# of awards: Varies

Eligibility

  1. Candidates are US citizens;
  2. Candidates enrolled in an accredited online degree program;
  3. Candidates hold a minimum 3.0 GPA.

For detailed info on how to apply, go here.

Planning on doing some remote work while distance-learning? It can be easier said than done, but our complete guide to remote work can offer you some valuable tips and tricks.

Scholarships Resources

Keeping an eye out for scholarships might be a daunting task, especially with so many options available.

To help you out with the research, we’ve compiled a list of the finest scholarship resources out there:

  • US Department of Education: You can use the US Department of Education to look up the contact details for your state's department of education, higher education agency, special education agency, and adult education agency, as well as what grants and scholarships are available.
  • CollegeBoard.Org: While the College Board is best known for its college-preparation exams, it also offers excellent scholarship resources. It contains information on scholarships, financial aid, and internships from over 2,200 programs.
  • Niche.com: Niche is an excellent resource for finding academic institutions and scholarships. It's well-organized into categories to help you easily discover what you're looking for, including interest, career, major, and other criteria.
  • Peterson’s: Peterson's invests tens of billions of dollars in scholarships and provides information to help you in your scholarship hunt. You can begin your adventure after completing a quick survey.
  • Unigo.com:  In addition to a database of over 3.6 million scholarships and awards, Unigo offers 14 of its own grants to help students pay for undergraduate studies.

Key Takeaways

We hope the information and tools we've provided can take at least some of the work off your plate when looking for the perfect scholarship.

Let us briefly recap the key points to remember from this article:

  • The vast majority of scholarship opportunities are awarded based on academic excellence and financial need.
  • Grants can be available to local students only, to international students, or both. So check the requirements carefully.
  • There is an ever-increasing number of scholarships available for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • You can use various resources to aid you in your scholarship search, including university websites, online scholarship databases, official government sites, etc.