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

Annual Asian Heritage High School Scholarship

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

Boston divorce attorney Gabriel Cheong with Infinity Law Group LLC is offering an annual scholarship for high school seniors of Asian heritage in Boston. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded every fall semester and is intended to encourage more Asian Americans to choose a degree that will help them give back to the Asian community. The Asian Heritage Scholarship is open to high school seniors in Boston who will be attending an accredited 4 year college/university in the fall of 2019 and meet all needed requirements. Candidates are asked to write a short essay describing their background and experiences in the Asian American community as well as how they plan to use their degree to help give back to their community.
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#LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship

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

The #LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship is available to high school senior or a college student of asian american descent pursuing a career in fashion and or graphic design. Click to learn more and apply today!
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Freeman Asian Scholars Program

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Award Amount
$880,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

The Wesleyan Freeman Asian Scholarship Program provides full scholarships for a four year course of study toward a bachelor’s degree for up to eleven exceptionally able students annually from several Asian countries
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Appraisal Institute Education & Relief Minorities and Women in Education Scholarship

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

Awarded on the basis of academic excellence, the AEIRF Minorities and Women Education Scholarship offsets the cost of degrees in real estate appraisal or related fields.
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APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship

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Award Amount
$4,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 23 Deadline

The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship is a $4,000 award that supports minority students going for a master’s or doctorate degree in an accredited program.
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Best Formulations

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Award Amount
$20,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 30 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education. All of the scholarships have an online application and recommender form that can only be found on our site. The online applications can be found at https://www.apcf.org/scholarships Application requires student to list out community service activities, disclose some family financial information, and answer 2-500 word essay prompts. The applicant must share the recommender form link with their preferred advisor for submission.
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Bank of the Sierra Scholarship

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Award Amount
$28,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
14 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities.Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education. All of the scholarships have an online application and recommender form that can only be found on our site. The online applications can be found at https://www.apcf.org/scholarships Application requires student to list out community service activities, disclose some family financial information, and answer 2-500 word essay prompts.
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Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship

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Award Amount
$20,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
20 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education.
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First General Bank Scholarship

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Award Amount
$8,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education. All of the scholarships have an online application and recommender form that can only be found on our site. The online applications can be found at https://www.apcf.org/scholarships Application requires student to list out community service activities, disclose some family financial information, and answer 2-500 word essay prompts. The applicant must share the recommender form link with their preferred advisor for submission.
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Harold J West Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education. All of the scholarships have an online application. The online applications can be found at https://www.apcf.org/scholarships Application requires student to list out community service activities, disclose some family financial information, and answer 5-350 word essay prompts.
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Kao Kalio Yang Scholarship

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Award Amount
$25,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 3 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education.
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Mega Bank Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education. All of the scholarships have an online application and recommender form that can only be found on our site. The online applications can be found at https://www.apcf.org/scholarships Application requires student to list out community service activities, disclose some family financial information, and answer 2-500 word essay prompts. The applicant must share the recommender form link with their preferred advisor for submission.
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Preferred Bank Scholarship

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Award Amount
$16,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
8 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education. All of the scholarships have an online application and recommender form that can only be found on our site. The online applications can be found at https://www.apcf.org/scholarships Application requires student to list out community service activities, disclose some family financial information, and answer 2-500 word essay prompts. The applicant must share the recommender form link with their preferred advisor for submission.
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State Bank of India (California) Scholarship

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Award Amount
$10,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
10 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by API community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving API communities. Since 2011, APCF has partnered with donors such as local companies and family foundations to offer scholarship programs to financially assist students in their pursuit of higher education. All of the scholarships have an online application and recommender form that can only be found on our site. The online applications can be found at https://www.apcf.org/scholarships Application requires student to list out community service activities, disclose some family financial information, and answer 2-500 word essay prompts. The applicant must share the recommender form link with their preferred advisor for submission.
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Thear Sy Suzuki R.I.S.E. Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

The Against The Grain Thear Sy Suzuki R.I.S.E. (Realize your purpose, ignite your passion, secure your seat, embrace your power) Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian American high school seniors, college, or graduate students who have exhibited an ability to rise above circumstances, demonstrated the ability to lift up others, and shown exemplary servant leadership in the Asian American community and beyond.
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Royal Business Bank Scholarship

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Award Amount
$4,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
4 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by AAPI community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving AAPI communities. Prior to its incorporation, less than 0.3% of all local foundation funds went to AAPI agencies, according to a 1988 study by AAPI Equality Alliance (formerly known as A3PCON - Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council). In 1986, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles funded only five organizations serving AAPIs. To raise funds for community organizations serving AAPI communities, APCF initiated employee giving campaigns at various workplaces, including private companies, federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies, city agencies, and nonprofit organizations. In the past decade, APCF has diversified its fundraising efforts by developing other avenues for giving. With the growth of donor-advised funds, giving circles, grant making, scholarship funds, and capacity building initiatives, APCF has been able to cultivate philanthropy among AAPIs while providing multiple vehicles for donors to support the community.
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Open Bank Scholarship

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Award Amount
$20,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
20 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 15 Deadline

APCF was founded in 1990 by AAPI community leaders in response to the need for alternative funding for Los Angeles-based nonprofit organizations serving AAPI communities. Prior to its incorporation, less than 0.3% of all local foundation funds went to AAPI agencies, according to a 1988 study by AAPI Equality Alliance (formerly known as A3PCON - Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council). In 1986, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles funded only five organizations serving AAPIs. To raise funds for community organizations serving AAPI communities, APCF initiated employee giving campaigns at various workplaces, including private companies, federal agencies, state agencies, county agencies, city agencies, and nonprofit organizations. In the past decade, APCF has diversified its fundraising efforts by developing other avenues for giving. With the growth of donor-advised funds, giving circles, grant making, scholarship funds, and capacity building initiatives, APCF has been able to cultivate philanthropy among AAPIs while providing multiple vehicles for donors to support the community.
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Vincent Chin Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 21 Deadline

The brutal attack that killed Vincent Chin occurred late at night with few people around, but its reverberations spread across the country and have lasted for decades. Asian Americans came together to demand justice and found a common voice and purpose. Yet questions remain and justice goes undelivered. This scholarship honors the legacy of Chin thanks to the generosity of Joe Grimm, a former newsroom recruiter and staff development editor for the Detroit Free Press.
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Lily Pabilona Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

The Lily Pabloma Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship recognizes Asian American high school, graduate and post-graduate students pursuing a career in entrepreneurship. This scholarship will provide an amount ranging between $1,000 to $5,000 award for U.S. students attending accredited American universities.
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Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
May 31 Deadline

The ATG Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship provides financial assistance and promotion of Asian American college seniors and graduate students who have exhibited exemplary leadership, vision, and passion that is blazing a trail for others to follow and changing lives in the Asian American community. To be eligible you need to meet both general and specific criteria. General Eligibility Requirements include: • Must be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity • Must be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the U.S. • Must be either a high school senior or a college student currently enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. vocational, junior college, or four-year college/university and must be a full- time, associate/bachelor/master’s degree seeking student by the upcoming academic calendar year Scholarship is open to students of all majors, as long as you have proven leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted). Family members of Board members are ineligible.
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Artistic Scholarship

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

The Artistic Scholarship is available for high school seniors or college students currently enrolled fulltime at an accredited U.S. vocational, junior college, or four-year college/university. Applicants must be full- time, degree seeking students and pursuing major in the visual/performing arts.
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AISES A. T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$3,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 31 Deadline

This scholarship is open to American Indian/Alaska Native students who are pursuing degrees in mathematics, medical sciences, physical science, technology, science, engineering, or natural resources. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must be a current AISES member (or join AISES before applying).
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Dorothy Ruth Ellis Endowed Scholarship

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Award Amount
$2,500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Mar 20 Deadline

Undergraduate students attending Prescott College in Arizona planning to pursue a course of study in writing, literature or journalism are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to a student whose legal place of residence is southeast Texas (Jefferson, Orange, Tyler, Newton, and Hardin counties) and/or a student who is a member of an ethnic minority group.
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P. O. Pistilli Scholarship

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Award Amount
$20,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
5 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
Apr 23 Deadline

This award is available to current high school seniors planning to major in electrical engineering or computer science from underrepresented groups (women, African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and disabled students). Eligible applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, be U.S. residents, and demonstrate financial need.
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SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Dec 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to undergraduate students of Native American (defined as all Native peoples from anywhere in the Americas), Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and/or Indigenous Pacific Islander ancestry. Students must pursue studies in archaeology.
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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.