Asian American Scholarships and Financial Aid

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Unigo Author Dave Moniz Written by Dave Moniz
Unigo Editor Unigo Staff ✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

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.

List of Asian American Scholarships and Financial Aid

Bucknell University Campus Enrichment Scholarship

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Award Amount
$100,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 15 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students enrolling at Bucknell University. First generation college students, students from outside the university's traditional geographic area, and those who bring cultural and intellectual diversity to the campus will be considered.
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Holly A. Cornell Scholarship

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 20 Deadline

The Holly A. Cornell scholarship is available for female and/or minority students in pursuit of advanced training in the field of water supply and treatment. Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited college or university.
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Dave Caldwell Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5,000 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 20 Deadline

This award is available for female and minority undergraduate students who are majoring in engineering. Applicants must also plan to pursue a career in the water supply industry.
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Missouri State University Inclusive Excellence Leadership Scholarship & Recognition Award

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Award Amount
$21,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 30 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. students who plan to enroll at Missouri State University as incoming freshmen. Students must: rank in the top 50 percent of their class or have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; and have demonstrated leadership in multicultural school or community activities or organizations. Students with disabilities and/or historically underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.
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Royce Osborn Minority Student Scholarship

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Award Amount
$4,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 31 Deadline

This award is for U.S. minority undergraduate students who are enrolled in an entry-level radiography, sonography, magnetic resonance, radiation therapy, or nuclear medicine program. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; the student's program director must verify the grade point average based on one or more semesters of study.
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Filipino Nurses' Organization of Hawai'i Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 31 Deadline

This award is available for Filipino high school seniors who are a resident of California. Applicants must major in math, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences (excluding healthcare). Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship

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Award Amount
$11,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 31 Deadline

This scholarship is open to graduate students of Native American (all Native peoples anywhere in the Americas), Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, and/or Indigenous Pacific Islander ancestry. Students must be pursuing studies in archaeology.
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InspirASIAN Scholarship

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Award Amount
$28,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
28 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 31 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are currently enrolled as high school seniors. Students must have made a contribution to the Asian/Pacific American community and reside in one of the nine states or regions with an active Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional and Community Advancement (APCA) chapter.
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Rose C. Diaz Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 31 Deadline

The Rose C. Diaz Memorial Scholarship is available for high school seniors in Hillsborough county who are of Hispanic descent. Applicants must qualify for free or reduced school lunches and must attend one of the following technical colleges in Hillsborough County: Aparicio-Levy, Brewster, Erwin, or Leary.
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GRC Master's in Microelectronics Scholarship Program

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Award Amount
$20,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for women and minority students who are pursuing a graduate degree in microelectronics research.
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Minot State Cultural Diversity Award

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Award Amount
$3,345 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is available for minority students who are attending Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.25 or higher.
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Hyatt Hotels Fund for Minority Lodging Management Students

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 15 Deadline

U.S. undergraduate students who will be juniors or seniors in the upcoming fall semester and are currently enrolled in a hospitality management program are eligible for this award. Students must be a minority (African-American, Hispanic, Native American/Alaskan, or Asian/Pacific Islander).
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Banatao Filipino American Education Fund Scholarship

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Award Amount
$25,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Feb 26 Deadline

This award is available for Filipino high school seniors who are a resident of California. Applicants must major in math, engineering, computer science, or the physical or biological sciences (excluding healthcare). Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

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Award Amount
$25,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are members of an underrepresented ethnic minority group and are enrolled in an accounting-related program are eligible for this award. Students must have an overall and major grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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Maureen L. & Howard N. Blitman, P.E. Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is for a U.S. minority high school senior who plans to pursue an engineering degree at a four-year college or university.
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Colby College Ralph J. Bunche Scholarship

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Award Amount
$9,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who are planning to attend Colby College. Students must demonstrate scholastic strength and leadership potential and must be African American, Latino/Latina, Asian American, or Native American.
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Hackett Family Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students residing in Kent County, Michigan. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 and demonstrate unmet financial need. Preference will be given to women of color.
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Warner Norcross & Judd Law School and Paralegal Scholarship

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for minority students in Michigan who are pursuing a higher education in law. Applicants may be undergraduates studying to become a paralegal or legal secretary, or graduate students at an accredited law school in the United States. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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Cargill Global Scholars Program for U.S. Students

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Award Amount
$7,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
10 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

U.S. first- and second-year college students who are attending select universities and demonstrate high academic achievement are eligible for this award.
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National Press Club Scholarship for Journalism Diversity

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for international and U.S. minority high school seniors who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in journalism.
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SEED Scholar Program

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Award Amount
$7,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
3 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available for current high school seniors of Asian-Indian heritage with at least one parent Indian ancestry. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll full time in an undergraduate program.
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OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Youth Leadership Award

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 8 Deadline

The OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Youth Leadership Award is available for Asian American and Pacific Islander high school seniors who reside in Missouri and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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Eugene and Thora Chin Scholarship Fund

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Award Amount
$6,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 12 Deadline

The Eugene and Thora Chin Scholarship Fund is available for students of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. Applicants must reside in Sacramento, California and must demonstrate a record of excellent academic achievement.
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Shui Kuen and Allen Chin Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 12 Deadline

This scholarship is available for current U.S. undergraduate students who work or have worked in an Asian restaurant (Asian-owned or Asian cuisine) OR have a parent who works or has worked in one.
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San Diego Chinese Women's Association Scholarships

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Award Amount
$1,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 26 Deadline

The San Diego Chinese Women’s Association awards annual scholarships to selected outstanding students of Chinese descent who are attending high school in San Diego County.
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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:

  • Chinese
  • Filipino
  • Indian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Pacific Islander
  • Taiwanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
  • 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

Happy student browsing books in a library aisle.

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

Smiling woman in patterned dress against a backdrop of pine greenery.

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
    • Award Amount: $5,000
    • 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
    • Award Amount: $5,000
    • 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

    • Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship
    • Award Amount: $1,000
    • 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?

Confident young professional at work with laptop and notes.

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

    1. Start Early: Give yourself ample time to gather necessary documents, write essays, and request letters of recommendation.
    2. Tailor Your Applications: Customize each application to reflect the specific scholarship’s criteria and mission.
    3. Highlight Your Heritage: Emphasize your cultural background and how it has shaped your goals and aspirations.
    4. Demonstrate Community Involvement: Showcase your participation in community service, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities.
    5. Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.

Additional Financial Aid Opportunities

Smiling woman with glasses working in a stylish cafe.

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.

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