20 Scholarships for Immigrants to Apply for in 2024

A majority of working-age immigrants have bachelor’s or graduate degrees. In 2019 around 52% of immigrants from age 25-64 who have lived in the United States for a maximum of 5 years have bachelor’s or graduate degrees or even an undergraduate degree. This is an over 30% increase from the 1990s, which shows just how vital these degrees have become for new immigrants coming into the United States.

Over 80% of recent immigrants graduated high school, which is a 30% increase from the 1990s. Immigrants and undocumented students are becoming high school graduates and college students and completing an undergraduate degree or are receiving a bachelor’s degree more frequently, showing they are receiving higher education more often.

This goes hand in hand with the fact that immigrants “account for about 31% of California workers aged 25–64 with at least a bachelor’s degree, up from 20% in 1990.” They have taken a large share of California, and many other states, highly educated work positions.

Positions in the technology and health industry are becoming more common for immigrants, which is essential considering the wages these fields provide. Technologists in the United States recorded a high average salary of $104,566 yearly, which in 2019 would be regarded as in the 70% percentile or among the top 30% of US workers.

So, acquiring a degree is an excellent step for immigrants and undocumented students who are graduated college students receiving positions that pay higher wages. And as such, the discussion of scholarships comes up to provide these immigrants and undocumented students the financial stability needed to apply for and attend college or university as undergraduate and graduate students.

The Challenges of Immigrants Applying for College 

Immigrants often struggle to go to college in the United States, especially if they are undocumented immigrants. While undocumented immigrants have the right to go to college in the United States, they run into complications with private schools reserving the right not to accept them, possible language barriers, etc.

However, one of the most significant issues that prevent undocumented immigrants and other immigrants who may be first-generation Americans or have parents born in another country from attending college is the financial support they need to pursue a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.

For immigrant students to achieve their graduate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or undergraduate program, many immigrant students need to apply for financial aid or many scholarships for immigrants that can help ease the financial strain.

Immigrant Loan Debt vs. The National Average

Many immigrants don’t have high loan totals because they don’t have eligibility to receive Federal Loans. There are specific requirements for obtaining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). One of the requirements is that FAFSA requires non-citizens to enter their alien registration number (otherwise known as an “A-number”) and social security number as part of the application process. This is difficult for many non-registered immigrant students and those registered, which is why they require scholarships more than other United States students.

How to Find Scholarships for Immigrants

You can look for scholarships for immigrants by going through multiple college sites and seeing the type of scholarships they have that apply to minority members. Or other online outlets that focus on immigrants.

Types of Scholarships for Immigrants

Immigrants can apply for scholarships, often recurring, and other scholarship programs intended to pay for the immigrant’s tuition. These scholarship programs also have more considerable funding that is expanded amongst several different applicants instead of their being a single scholarship award for one winner. Scholarships are a great way to achieve financial aid that can be used toward private student loans and cover tuition costs for incoming freshmen.

Requirements for Scholarships for Immigrants

The general scholarships for immigrants involve having a significant financial need to pursue a college degree from an accredited university or public college. Sometimes these scholarships are for first-generation American students or explicitly designated for immigrants. Many scholarships offer advising and mentorship for these immigrants who are entering college.

Tips for Winning

When it comes to scholarships that apply to immigrants, a tip to winning these scholarships is being able to share experiences as an immigrant student. Whether it’s by discussing the applicant’s families immigrant lineage, like if you have at least one parent who was born in a different country or students are first-generation American students, writing about them in an essay that varies between 200 to 1000 words is a great way to win academic scholarships.

The 20 Best Scholarships for Immigrants on Bold.org

The college application process can be a lengthy and stressful time. Whether graduating high school seniors or high school graduates looking to pursue a college degree at a community college or an accredited four-year college, students can receive help to cover tuition and enroll full-time through a scholarship program.

These many scholarships are available for any students, including first-generation Americans, first-generation Americans, second-generation immigrants, and any deserving students, including an international student, who demonstrate financial needs, including on-campus housing, meal plans, college tuition, and other costs associated with attending state colleges.

Read on for 20 of the best scholarships available to encourage students to reach their academic achievement and earn their degree, whether it is a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, or even completing a trade or graduate program at a technical college.

Small Seed Big Flower Scholarship 

This scholarship is for undergraduate students who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, such as Hispanic students (BIPOC). Scholarship recipients are immigrants who qualify as first-generation students as well as a part of a minority group.

This is an excellent scholarship for immigrant students pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree and enrolling full-time at a college or university.

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: November 15th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,015
  • Winners Announcement Date: December 15th, 2022

Denise K. Emberton Scholarships 

This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate financial needs and want to be future educators who demonstrate leadership and are interested in teaching low-incidence or autistic children.

The applicant must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher as a high school senior or an undergraduate student.  

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: July 15th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,500
  • Winners Announcement Date: August 15th, 2022

Bold Community Activist Scholarships

This scholarship is for college students who have experience conducting volunteer work actively and are interested in community service. To apply, the applicant must write a concise essay detailing how they have positively affected their local community through community service. 

  • 150-300 Word Essay Deadline: July 13th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: August 13th, 2022

WiseGeek Community Service no-essay Scholarships 

A scholarship for those trying to help their communities. For immigrants who have experience conducting volunteer work and are interested in helping their local communities or getting more chances to become familiar with their community. Those attending a community college may have a better chance of receiving the scholarship.

  • Deadline: August 16th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: September 16th, 2022

Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarships 

This scholarship, for any accredited public university, is for any immigrant of any educational level in any field as long as they have had some form of personal experience with mental health, whether it be their mental health or the mental health of a friend.

“Students applying to the scholarship will be required to write an essay about how their experience with mental health has influenced their beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations.”

  • 500-1000 Word Essay Deadline: October 30th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: November 30th, 2022

Empowering Women Through Education Scholarships 

This scholarship is for any immigrant woman struggling with low income and minimal finances. It’s the best fit for high school seniors trying to apply to colleges because if you’re an undergraduate, you’ve more than likely found some financial relief.

Meanwhile, for high school graduates, this type of simple scholarship is a good one to apply for because it does not require much time or is a long process.

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: June 30th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: July 31st, 2022

Jose Montanez Memorial Scholarships 

This scholarship is specifically for students who will be high school seniors in 2023, will graduate in 2023, and will go to apply for an undergraduate or trade school.

“Preference will be given to candidates who spent time in the foster care system and/or are earning a degree in music or the arts.”

  • Deadline: November 1st, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Winners Announcement Date: December 1st, 2022

Larry’s Legacy Scholarship 

This scholarship is for high school or undergraduate students looking for a career path in a trade field who come from a low-income, underrepresented minority community. They must be attending or anticipating attending a community college or a trade school that aligns well with undergraduate immigrants. 

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: October 1st, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Winners Announcement Date: October 31st, 2022

Bold Mental Health Awareness Scholarships 

“The Bold Mental Health Awareness Scholarship will support one student who is struggling with mental health or is passionate about helping others who struggle with mental health.”

This does not require the applicant to take specific mental health and psychology courses. Still, for any immigrant students out there with an interest in mental health issues, this is an excellent scholarship to apply for.

  • 250-300 Word Essay Deadline: June 24th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: July 24th, 2022

First-Year College Students: Jennie Gilbert Daigre Education Scholarships 

This scholarship isn’t for admission but for any undergraduates who want help purchasing textbooks.

“Undergraduate students at 2-year or 4-year institutions are eligible to apply.” Specifically suitable for immigrants experiencing their first year in college.

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: September 1st, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: September 30th, 2022

“A Daring Path” No-Essay Scholarships 

This is a no-essay scholarship for students willing to take chances and won’t allow their fears to control them in pursuing their dreams. If the applicant is a bold person who wishes to get the most out of life, such as an immigrant trying to earn a degree in America, this is the scholarship for them.

“The scholarship is open to all students and non-students from any field of study.”

  • Deadline: October 30th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Winners Announcement Date: November 30th, 2022

Women’s History Scholarships 

This scholarship is inspired by the struggles that many historically great women have experienced. As such, it is a pretty easy scholarship to apply for with there not being an essay to write. A good scholarship for any immigrant woman who wishes to speak on the issues that immigrant women have faced over the years.

“Any high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who identifies as female may apply for this scholarship.”

  • Deadline: August 31st, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Winners Announcement Date: September 7th, 2022

Shawn’s Mental Health Resources Scholarships 

“This scholarship aims to support the mental health of those who are pursuing higher education by relieving some of the financial stress of college.”

For immigrants, this mental health scholarship makes the applicant think about how they approach their mental health. It allows them to learn how to care for themselves in a new country they have migrated to.

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: June 30th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Winners Announcement Date: July 25th, 2022

Bold Future of Education Scholarships 

This scholarship is for those passionate about improving the education level received today and those passionate about making sure future generations have access to better education.

This scholarship is open to students of any education level in any field of study. It is excellent for immigrants to apply to spread awareness that they need more access to higher education.

Applying involves writing about a “change to education you believe would positively impact future generations.”

  • Developer Portfolio Deadline: June 25th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: July 25th, 2022

Calvin C. Donelson Memorial Scholarships 

This scholarship is for undergraduate trade students who have the desire and persistence to follow career pathways in trade. The type of trade the applicant studies under does not prohibit them from applying for this scholarship.

“Any trade school student may apply for this scholarship, but students pursuing carpentry or barbering are preferred.”

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: August 30th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1000
  • Winners Announcement Date: September 30th, 2022

WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarships 

A scholarship for those trying to help their communities. For international students who have experience conducting volunteer work and are interested in helping their local communities through their field.

  • Deadline: August 16th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: September 16th, 2022

#FinancialFreedom no-essay Scholarships 

A scholarship that doesn’t require an essay to be submitted and offered is for ambitious students who don’t have the financial means to pursue their ambition even though they have the drive to do so. An excellent scholarship for immigrants to take a look at.

“The scholarship is open to all high school, undergraduate, and graduate school students and non-students from any field of study.”

  • Deadline: October 30th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: November 30th, 2022

“A Bold Mind” Psychology No-Essay Scholarships 

This scholarship is for immigrant psychology majors who are deeply interested in psychology and wish to pursue an education. The scholarship winner will be announced in 2023, making this an excellent scholarship for current high school students or those undergoing a gap year who want an early start on applying for scholarships.

  • Deadline: June 30th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $1,000
  • Winners Announcement Date: July 30th, 2023

Bold Science Matters Scholarships 

A scholarship for those interested in pursuing a career in science and who are fascinated by scientific discovery. There is an essay here, but it’s much shorter than the typical essay for a scholarship application and doesn’t require a specific education level. This is an excellent scholarship that can support students in their journey through a college education.

  • 400-600 Word Essay Deadline: September 14th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winners Announcement Date: October 14th, 2022

ProjectGiveBack Scholarship for Black Women

This scholarship is designated for Black women as minority students in particular. It’s about giving back to the Black community and minority students, so if the applicant is a Black immigrant woman with any community involvement, volunteering, or work experience, they have a good chance of earning the scholarship.

“…To apply, please submit a 2-minute video discussing how your goals/aspirations align with the spirit of ProjectGiveBack.”

  • 500-1000 Word Essay Deadline: July 26th, 2022
  • Award Amount: $2,000
  • Winners Announcement Date: August 26th, 2022

FAQs About immigrants Scholarships for students

Scholarships that apply to immigrants are confusing and often aren’t very clear. It isn’t easy to find or understand what scholarships are for immigrants. These are some answers to some commonly asked questions for immigrant scholarships.

Are immigrant scholarships legit?

Immigrant scholarships are often focused on the financial future of minority members, and those types of scholarships are legit. Immigrant scholarships are common amongst colleges that want higher minority entrants or more extensive representation.

How can I improve my chances of winning immigrants scholarships?

High school seniors and undergraduate and graduate students can improve their chances by taking time with their essays. Also, you can improve your chances of winning a scholarship program for immigrants by including a cover letter showing your experience as an immigrant.

How many immigrant scholarships can you get?

There is no limit to the number of scholarships. You can apply for as many available, including more than one at once. Graduate students can receive a multitude of scholarships at once.

Are immigrant scholarships taxable income?

Immigrant scholarships are taxable depending on if the immigration status is “nonresident,” which can be a taxable income. But if the immigration status is “resident,” the scholarship is not taxable.  

What’s the best way to apply for immigrant scholarships?

By checking the requirements for the scholarship and making sure that you have the best essays, do your research on who is funding the scholarship. If the person sponsoring the scholarship has specific preferences in who they give it to, that’s also something to account for.

Are scholarships available for any college or university student?

Yes! Scholarships for immigrants are available for any immigrant students who qualify, such as community college students, undocumented students, undergraduate, and graduate students, first-generation college students, and any international students.

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