College scholarships for Asian Americans are an excellent source of financial aid, helping to bridge the gap between the rising costs of higher education and your academic and career goals. Whether you're aiming to attend a community college, a four-year university, or pursue graduate studies, these scholarships can make your journey more affordable. Since you typically don't have to repay the funds, they significantly reduce the financial burden associated with college expenses.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in Fall 2020, there were approximately 16.7 million undergraduate students enrolled in degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the United States. Of these, about 1.1 million students identified as Asian. Recognizing the need for greater representation and diversification, many colleges and organizations offer scholarships specifically for Asian American students. Some of these are open to all minority students, while others provide financial assistance exclusively to individuals of Asian descent.
$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who graduated from a high school in Hawaii. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Preference given to individuals of Filipino ancestry.
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$10,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are of Filipino ancestry and are majoring in a health-related field. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$45,000
Award Amount
30
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for college juniors, seniors and graduate students who were born in and attend college in Hawaii. Students must be primarily of Japanese ancestry, and have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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$15,000
Award Amount
15
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students who are of Hawaiian ancestry and are long-time residents born and currently living on the island of Hawai'i. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$10,998
Award Amount
6
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing studies in gerontology and are of Chinese ancestry. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is for Puget Sound area gay men of color who are U.S. citizens and have significant financial need and demonstrate activism in the gay/lesbian community and communities of color.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students of Native American or First Nations heritage who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Applicants must demonstrate leadership and a commitment to community service and LGBT advocacy.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for minority students currently enrolled in a graduate program for nutrition, public health nutrition, physical education, or an American Dietetic Association-approved pre-professional practice program at an accredited California college or university. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and have completed 12 to 15 units of graduate course work at the time of application.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 1
Deadline
This scholarship is for U.S. undergraduate students currently enrolled in a respiratory care program. The applicant must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher to be eligible. Preference for this award will be given to minorities.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
U.S. and Canadian citizens who will have earned no more than 12 hours towards a Master of Library Science degree by June of the award year are eligible for this award. Students must be members of a principal minority group; attend an ALA-accredited school; and plan to enter the library automation field.
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$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is available for Asian/Pacific Islander lesbians, bisexual females, and transpeople (both MTF and FTM spectrum). Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 14
Deadline
This award is available to Florida resident undergraduate students who are enrolled as upper division undergraduates in a state-approved teacher education program at an eligible Florida institution. Students must be of African, American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaskan Native descent, and plan to teach in a Florida public school upon graduation.
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$26,890
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, SAT score of 980 or an ACT score of 21. Applicants must attend Milligan College and must contribute to the diversity of the student body.
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$1,000
Award Amount
9
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school seniors who will be attending college in the fall. Applicants must be a member of an underrepresented group, have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and be pursuing a major in a STEM field; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Learn more and apply today!
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$26,000
Award Amount
26
Awards
Feb 4
Deadline
The Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Graduate Scholarship were developed by the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee.
The goal of the enhancement programs is to increase the pool of and opportunities for qualified minority and female candidates in intercollegiate athletics through graduate scholarships.
The NCAA awards $10,000 to 13 ethnic minorities and 13 female college graduates who will be entering their initial year of graduate studies. The applicant must be seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics, such as athletics administrator, coach, athletic trainer or a career that provides a direct service to intercollegiate athletics.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are members of an ethnic minority group. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and acceptance or enrollment in an American Art Therapy Association (AATA) approved art therapy program.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 4
Deadline
This award is available for minority students who are currently attending FSU or USF. Applicants must be enrolled as a graduate student in a program of library science.
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$60,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
Sep 24
Deadline
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship is available to minority students who are pursuing a graduate degree in foreign affairs. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher and demonstrate financial need.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who are minorities or economically disadvantage are eligible for this award. Students must rank in the top 25% of their graduating class and have an ACT/SAT of 25/1150 or higher.
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$24,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors who are minorities or economically disadvantage are eligible for this award. Students must rank in the top 25% of their graduating class and have an ACT/SAT of 25/1150 or higher.
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$18,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for current high school seniors and undergraduate students who are applying to admission at Clemson University in South Carolina. To be considered for a Diversity Scholarship, applicants must add to the ethnic, cultural, geographic, or intellectual diversity of the campus.
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$10,000
Award Amount
25
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
To be considered for this scholarship, the student must have a demonstrated commitment to the promotion of diversity and inclusion. They must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
Be from a historically underrepresented group;
Be from a low socio-economic background; or
Be a first-generation college student (i.e., neither of your parent(s)/guardian(s) has a bachelor's degree.
The student's academic performance and their record of school and community service will also be considered.
Students will be selected by a committee established by the Office of Multicultural Services.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 17
Deadline
The mission of the Asian Pacific Fund is to strengthen the Asian and Pacific Islander community in the Bay Area by increasing philanthropy and supporting the organizations that serve their most vulnerable community members. Ten scholarships are given to help undergraduate and graduate students achieve their education goals.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in hospitality management at select AH&LEF-affiliated schools and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Preference is given to students of Asian-Indian descent and other minority groups, as well as JHM Hotel employees.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Oct 1
Deadline
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., a personal-injury law firm based out of Michigan, is pleased to announce the annual Buckfire & Buckfire Medical School Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship has been funded as part of Buckfire & Buckfire’s commitment to and mission of helping to promote diversity of backgrounds and experience within the legal profession.
Application is open to racial and ethnic minorities of all backgrounds who are currently enrolled in an accredited medical school within the United States. Award selection will be based on a combination of essay responses and academic achievement as demonstrated in the applicant's transcripts.
The Buckfire & Buckfire Medical School Diversity Scholarship is provided annually to medical school students who represent ethnically and racially diverse populations.
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Eligibility Criteria for Asian American Scholarships
Eligibility for Asian American scholarships often hinges on several factors, including ethnicity, academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. While many scholarship providers require applicants to be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, some may have different stipulations. You may qualify if you identify with any of these Asian ethnic minority groups:
- Other Southeast Asian and South Asian identities
Additional Requirements:
- Financial Need: Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is often necessary to demonstrate unmet financial need and qualify in general for many grants and scholarships. .
- Academic Performance: A minimum GPA, typically around 3.0 or higher, may be required, particularly for merit-based scholarships.
- Application Materials: You may need to submit letters of recommendation, essays, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a list of extracurricular activities showcasing leadership and community service.
Highlighted Scholarships for Asian American Students
William Orr Dingwall Foundation Korean Ancestry Grant
- Award Amount: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility: Students of Korean descent pursuing a four-year degree.
- Details: Open to undergraduates demonstrating academic excellence and financial need.
- Application Deadline: Varies
- Website: dingwallfoundation.org
Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility: High school seniors and first-year college students of Taiwanese descent with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Details: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and demonstrate financial need.
- Application Deadline: Varies (Check the fund’s website for current deadlines)
- Website: tascholarshipfund.org
10 Scholarships for Asian Students You Should Apply For
Start your scholarship journey with these top 10 opportunities for Asian students. Be sure to check each scholarship’s deadline and submit your application on time.
- CAMS Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students of Chinese descent enrolled at an accredited U.S. college.
- Application Deadline: Typically in March (Confirm on the website)
- Website: camsociety.org
- Banatao Filipino American Education Fund Scholarships
- Award Amount: $5,000 annually, renewable for four years
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen of Filipino heritage pursuing STEM fields.
- Application Deadline: Typically in February (Confirm on the website)
- Website: asianpacificfund.org
- InspirASIAN Scholarship
- Award Amount: $2,000 national scholarship; $1,000 state scholarships
- Eligibility: High school seniors of Asian heritage with a minimum GPA of 3.4.
- Application Deadline: Typically in January (Confirm on the website)
- Website: inspirasian.us
- Asian American Architects and Engineers Foundation Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility: Students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, or construction.
- Application Deadline: Typically in May (Confirm on the website)
- Website: aaae.ngo
- Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Eligibility: Asian heritage, California residents enrolled full-time in college, pursuing a career in public finance.
- Application Deadline: Typically in April (Confirm on the website)
- Website: asianpacificfund.org
- Eugene and Thora Chin Scholarship Fund
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students of Chinese descent demonstrating financial need and academic excellence.
- Application Deadline: Varies (Confirm on the website)
- Website: seattlefoundation.org
- NAPABA Law Foundation Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Law students committed to serving the Asian Pacific American community.
- Application Deadline: Typically in September (Confirm on the website)
- Website: napabalawfoundation.org
- Pinay Aspire Scholarship
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Eligibility: Filipina high school seniors or college students with a commitment to community service.
- Application Deadline: Typically in May (Confirm on the website)
- Website: pinayaspire.org
- Dr. George Goro and Nettie Muramoto Memorial Scholarship
- Award Amount: Varies
- Eligibility: Students of Japanese descent pursuing higher education.
- Application Deadline: Varies (Confirm with local Japanese American organizations)
- Website: Contact local JACL chapters for information.
- JACL National Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: Varies
- Application Deadline: Typically in April (Confirm on the website)
Organizations Helping Asian Americans Pay for College
Several organizations are dedicated to supporting Asian American students through scholarships and other resources. Here are some key organizations to consider:
1. APIA Scholars (Formerly APIASF)
- Focus: Supports underserved Asian Pacific Islander American students and first-generation college students.
- Award Amounts: Scholarships range from $2,500 to $20,000.
- Application Deadlines: Typically January for the APIA Scholarship and September for the AANAPISI Scholarship.
2. Asian Pacific Fund
- Programs: Manages over 10 scholarship programs for students with various Asian ethnic backgrounds.
- Notable Scholarship: Hsiao Memorial Social Sciences Scholarship for graduate students.
- Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship; generally February to May.
3. Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF)
- Award Amounts: $500 to $5,000
- Eligibility: Full-time students of Korean heritage enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions.
- Regional Chapters: Offers scholarships through five regional chapters.
- Application Deadline: Typically in June (Confirm on the website)
Asian American Scholarships Available by Major
Scholarships for Asian Americans span a wide array of academic disciplines, catering to students with diverse interests and career goals.
STEM Scholarships
- Asian American Architects and Engineers Foundation Scholarship
-
- Eligibility: Students pursuing architecture, engineering, or construction management.
-
- Details: Recognizes academic excellence and community involvement.
- Banatao Filipino American Education Fund Scholarship
-
- Award Amount: $5,000 annually, renewable
-
- Eligibility: Filipino heritage students pursuing STEM degrees.
-
- Details: Focuses on supporting students in engineering, physical, or environmental sciences.
Business and Finance Scholarships
- Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship
-
- Eligibility: Students pursuing careers in public finance, economics, or related fields.
- AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
-
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
-
- Eligibility: Minority students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting.
-
- Application Deadline: Typically in March (Confirm on the website)
Arts Scholarships
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- Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship
-
- Eligibility: Asian American students majoring in performing, visual arts, journalism, or mass communications.
-
- Application Deadline: Typically in May (Confirm on the website)
Are There Scholarships for First-Generation Asian Students?
Yes, there are scholarships specifically designed for Asian students who are the first in their family to attend college. These scholarships often aim to support students who may have immigrant parents and face unique challenges in navigating higher education.
Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship
- Award Amount: $5,000 annually, renewable
- Eligibility: First-generation Asian American students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrating financial need and community service.
- Residency Requirement: Must reside in certain California counties.
- Application Deadline: Typically in February (Confirm on the website)
APIA Scholars – AANAPISI Scholarship Program
- Award Amount: $2,500 to $5,000
- Eligibility: First-generation college students attending an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).
- Application Deadline: Typically in September (Confirm on the website)
Tips for Applying to Asian American Scholarships
-
- Start Early: Give yourself ample time to gather necessary documents, write essays, and request letters of recommendation.
- Tailor Your Applications: Customize each application to reflect the specific scholarship’s criteria and mission.
- Highlight Your Heritage: Emphasize your cultural background and how it has shaped your goals and aspirations.
- Demonstrate Community Involvement: Showcase your participation in community service, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.
Additional Financial Aid Opportunities
Don’t limit your search to scholarships exclusively for Asian American students. Explore other avenues to maximize your financial aid package.
- Federal Grants: Completing the FAFSA can qualify you for federal grants like the Pell Grant.
- State Grants and Scholarships: Many states offer financial aid programs for residents.
- Institutional Aid: Colleges and universities often provide scholarships and grants based on merit and need.
- Private Scholarships: Utilize scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board’s Scholarship Search.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff