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.
Check out our list of 9,117 Asian American Scholarships and Financial Aid worth $58M.
$600
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 7
Deadline
This award is for a non-traditional undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student. Applicants must attend an Oregon school and pursue a degree in a field of study related to wildlife science.
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$1,000
Award Amount
200
Awards
Dec 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, be involved in community service, and demonstrate financial need.
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$84,900
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available for minority graduate students who are working toward a Ph. D. in physiology.
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$1,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
Jan 18
Deadline
This award is available for graduating high school seniors from the state of Colorado who plan to enroll in an accredited college or university in Colorado. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher, and must be a member of a minority group or a first-generation college student.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. minority students who are entering the junior year of their engineering program.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. graduate students who are pursuing a doctorate in criminology. Applicants must be a member of an underrepresented minority population.
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$750
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for minority high school seniors who attend an inner-city school. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and a record of community activity and/or leadership.
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$1,000
Award Amount
24
Awards
Mar 11
Deadline
This award is for U.S college sophomores who are enrolled full time in a program of study in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) at one of the five Virginia Space Grant institutions. The student must be federally recognized as a minority (African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander).
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 14
Deadline
The American Anthropological Association Minority Dissertation Fellowship is available to minority students who are pursuing a doctorate in anthropology.
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$875
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who reside in Ventura County, California and plan to graduate from a high school in Ventura County. Students must be of Japanese ancestry or part-Japanese ancestry OR be a member of the Japanese American Citizens League. Preference may be given to Ventura County Japanese American Citizens League members or dependents.
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$3,000
Award Amount
30
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors who are of Asian descent (as defined by the California Department of Education) and reside in Santa Clara County, California, or are the children or grandchildren of a Chi Am Circle Club member. Students must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher.
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$1,250
Award Amount
8
Awards
Mar 24
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. undergraduate and graduate ethnic minority students who are pursuing an undergraduate accounting, finance, or related business degree or master's-level business degree at a Georgia college/university or are Georgia residents. Applicants must be student members of NABA and have a grade point average of 3.2 or higher.
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$10,000
Award Amount
55
Awards
Mar 27
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. minority graduate students who are planning to attend a full-time MBA program. The student must also be planning a career in financial services.
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$2,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 29
Deadline
This award is for Washington state high school seniors and undergraduate students who are pursuing a journalism career. Students must attend a Washington college or university.
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$75,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are enrolled in a Ph.D. program at one of the following universities: Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Medical College of Georgia, and the University of Georgia. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement, intent to pursue a career in academia, and must be residents of Georgia.
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$75,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. minority students who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program and planning to pursue a career as a professor. Applicants must be residents of South Carolina and must attend one of the following institutions: Clemson University, Medical University of South Carolina, or University of South Carolina at Columbia.
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$750
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for students who are enrolled in a California culinary arts school. Students must be of African-American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian-American, Pacific Islander or Latino/Hispanic ethnicity.
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$75,000
Award Amount
12
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. minority students who are currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program and planning to pursue a career as a professor. Applicants must be residents of Virginia and must enroll at one of the following eligible institutions: College of William and Mary, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students of Native American descent. Applicants must be residents of Dutchess County, New York.
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$1,500
Award Amount
37
Awards
Apr 4
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students who are pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. The student must be of Native American, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian descent.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 7
Deadline
Current college students and recent graduates of Asian American and/or Pacific Islander descent are eligible for this award. Students must have an internship secured for the upcoming summer semester and pursue a career in television or radio.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 7
Deadline
Asian American and Pacific Islander male students who are current enrolled in college or recent graduates are eligible for this award. Students must have an internship secured for the upcoming summer semester and pursue a career in television broadcasting.
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$1
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 7
Deadline
Current college students and recent graduates of Asian American and/or Pacific Islander descent are eligible for this award. Students must have an internship secured for the upcoming summer semester and pursue a career in print or online news.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 12
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors who attend a public or private high school within the northern California or Nevada counties that JETAANC serves. Students must possess a sincere interest in Japan, as demonstrated by one or more years of directed interest.
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$1,500
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 13
Deadline
New Hampshire residents who are minorities will be considered for this award; preference is given to Hispanic students. Students must enroll in undergraduate or certificate programs of study.
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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
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- 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
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- Award Amount: Up to $5,000
-
- Eligibility: Minority students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in accounting.
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- Application Deadline: Typically in March (Confirm on the website)
Arts Scholarships
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- Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship
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- Eligibility: Asian American students majoring in performing, visual arts, journalism, or mass communications.
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- 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