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.
$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 26
Deadline
This scholarship is available for first generation Asian Americans in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Solano county of California. Applicants must be high school seniors at the time of application and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 27
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application. Students are NOT required to be of Pan-Asian American heritage for this award. Students must: have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher; be involved in community service; and demonstrate financial need.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 27
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application and are of Asian Pacific Island/Pan-Asian American heritage. Students must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher, be involved in community service, and demonstrate financial need.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 27
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application and are of Asian Pacific Island/Pan-Asian American heritage. Students must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher, be involved in community service, and demonstrate financial need.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 27
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. high school seniors who are 16 years of age or older at time of application and are of Asian Pacific Island/Pan-Asian American heritage. Students must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher, be involved in community service, and demonstrate financial need.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are residents of Tennessee. Applicants must be working on a doctoral dissertation at one of the following institutions: Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, Vanderbilt University, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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$50,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian undergraduate and graduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must major in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, or materials science.
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$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
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.
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$20,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
The AMA Underrepresented in Medicine Award provides financial assistance to African American, Latino / Hispanic, or Native Americans / Native Hawaiians / Alaska Natives scholars who are dedicated to serving vulnerable or underserved populations.
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$6,100
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are considered a minority and planning to attend an eligible college or university in Florida. Priority will be given to direct descendants of African-American Rosewood families affected by the events of January 1923.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
Avomeen recognizes the incredible contributions women make in STEM fields every day and is offering a scholarship to help fund their education.
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$2,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Apr 8
Deadline
This award is available to minority students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program related to library science. Applicants must be residents of California and/or intend to work in California upon graduation. Selectees may be subjected to an interview. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 9
Deadline
The Benson Louis Scholarship is for Asian high school seniors enrolled in a two or four year accredited college who played two years of high school volleyball.
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$4,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 16
Deadline
The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander college students intent on a career in the actuarial profession.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
U.S. high school senior and undergraduate minority students who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and plan to enroll full time are eligible for this award. Students must be planning to pursue a career in the chemical sciences and majoring in an appropriate chemical science field.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to international and U.S. students who are in the final two years of undergraduate program or a graduate program in landscape architecture. Students must be of African American, Hispanic, Native American, or other cultural/ethnic minority heritage.
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$30,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 11
Deadline
The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to address financial needs of minority students pursuing an education. U.S minority high school seniors with SAT scores of 1000 or higher or ACT scores of 21 or higher are eligible. Financial need and other factors will be taken in consideration.
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$5,000
Award Amount
64
Awards
Oct 15
Deadline
This award is for Connecticut upper-level undergraduate students who are enrolled in an undergraduate teacher preparation program at an eligible college or university in Connecticut. The student must be a minority student (African, American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Native American heritage) and intend to teach in a Connecticut public school after graduation.
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$5,000
Award Amount
558
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Illinois resident undergraduate and graduate students who are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin and planning to become preschool, elementary or secondary school teachers. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
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$2,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are studying in a certificate or associate's program for dental hygiene and are professional or student members of ADHA. Students must be an underrepresented minority in the dental hygiene profession (e.g., African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and males).
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$60,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, and are involved in the GLBT community. Students must demonstrate financial need, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and graduate from a high school in one of the following counties in California: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, San Francisco, and San Mateo.
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$5,250
Award Amount
3
Awards
Dec 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. college juniors who are pursuing a degree in occupational safety and health or a closely related field. The applicant must be of a minority ethnic or racial group and must be a United States citizen. The applicant must enroll full time and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,825
Award Amount
28
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in education with an emphasis on teaching and have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. Preference is given to non-traditional students with at least two years of teaching experience and to students of Hawaiian ethnicity.
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$91,988
Award Amount
9
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are residents of Hawaii and are of native Hawaiian descent. Students must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher.
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$164,058
Award Amount
222
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for female college freshmen and sophomores who are residents of Hawaii and are of Hawaiian ancestry. Past recipients who will be juniors or seniors are also eligible to apply. Students must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher.
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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