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.
$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students in their junior year of college who are American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American, or Hispanic or Latino and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must have a declared major in civil, chemical, or environmental engineering or in one of the environmental sciences (geology, hydrogeology, biology, ecology, public health, or industrial hygiene toxicology).
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 19
Deadline
This scholarship is open to Rhode Island students who are studying communications at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students must be from a minority group.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 21
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate college students who are pursuing a career in journalism. Students must have a sensitivity to Asian American and Pacific Islander issues.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 21
Deadline
U.S. graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students who demonstrate commitment to the field of journalism and/or sensitivity to Asian American and Pacific Islander issues are eligible to apply for this award.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 21
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international high school seniors who are pursuing a career in journalism. Students must have a sensitivity to Asian American and Pacific Islander issues.
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$6,500
Award Amount
6
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. citizens and legal residents who were born in India or have a parent/grandparent who was born in India. The applicant must be a current high school senior with a grade point average of 3.6 or higher, and his/her annual family income must be less than $75,000.
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$500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. female, minority high school seniors who are currently attending a high school in the Bronx or Manhattan. Students must have a cumulative, weighted grade point average of 80 or higher (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale).
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$15,000
Award Amount
20
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is for racially and ethnically diverse students entering their first year of law school. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States, have a 2.5 grade point average, and demonstrate financial need. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$1,750
Award Amount
560
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available for minority undergraduate students with financial need who are residents of Minnesota and attending a college or university in Minnesota. Students who accept financial aid from the foundation are required to return to their communities and perform annual service-to-children projects with younger children of color.
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$7,400
Award Amount
222
Awards
May 1
Deadline
This award is available to Kansas undergraduate minority students who are planning to enroll at a Kansas college or university. Students must demonstrate financial need and must be identified as members of any of the following ethnic/racial groups: African American, American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; or Hispanic. Awarding priority is given to eligible renewals and freshmen students.
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$43,000
Award Amount
7
Awards
May 6
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students in the New York area who are members of an underserved or underrepresented population and enrolled in or planning to enroll in an associate's degree program with the intention of transferring to a bachelor's program immediately upon completion of associate's degree. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, enroll full time, and receive federal or state financial aid.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
May 10
Deadline
Indiana high school seniors or older who have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must be minority students enrolled or planning to enroll in a four-year college or university and be residents of Lake, LaPorte, or Porter counties.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are majoring in communication science and/or communication disorders. Applicants must be accepted to, or in good standing at an accredited graduate program in the U.S.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minority students who are members of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for the profession and potential for leadership.
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$1,500
Award Amount
2
Awards
May 31
Deadline
This award is offered to U.S. college juniors or seniors who are of African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native American, Alaskan Native, or Pacific Islander ancestry. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and it is preferred that they major or minor in public relations (or are in a communications degree program if a public relations program is not offered at their school).
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
May 31
Deadline
This scholarship is available for members of the Public Relations Student Society of America who are entering their junior or senior year of college. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 and contribute to ethnic diversity in the field.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
This award is available for minority students from Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program and majoring in journalism. Applicants must have completed at least one full year of academic classes to be eligible for this scholarship.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
Central California Pacific Women prepares and empowers Asian and Pacific Island women from the Central Valley to advocate for gender and social justice by supporting and providing leadership and mentoring opportunities in the Central Valley and beyond.
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$4,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Nov 15
Deadline
This award is for minority undergraduate students who have a grade point average of 3.4 or higher and are members of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE). The student must major in industrial engineering and may attend an institution in the U.S., its territories, Canada or Mexico.
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$2,500
Award Amount
3
Awards
Nov 25
Deadline
This award is available for minority law school students who live in or attend law school in the San Francisco Bay Area. A $20,000 scholarship and one $5,000 scholarship, with the potential for additional scholarships and awards based on funding. Click here to learn more and apply today!
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 4
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. or Canadian college juniors, seniors, and graduate students who belong to one of the following groups (as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau): Black or African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or a Pacific Islander. Students must be majoring in public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, political science, economics or business administration (with a specific focus on government or non-profit management).
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$55,000
Award Amount
11
Awards
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is for U.S. medical students who have worked toward cultural and linguistic representation in healthcare. Applicants must be entering their third or fourth year of medical school and must plan to pursue a career in southern California.
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$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
This scholarship is available for minorities students who are currently enrolled as high school seniors in Hillsborough County, Florida. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and must qualify for free or reduced school lunches.
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$180,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S high school seniors who are planning to attend Whitman College. Students must demonstrate the ability to contribute to increasing socioeconomic and multicultural diversity awareness at Whitman.
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$100,000
Award Amount
1
Award
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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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
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- 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
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- 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