Are you looking for help to pay for college? There are many scholarships for immigrants and refugees in the USA. Find a list of scholarships by state, nationality, and learning topic. You can apply for these scholarships to help pay for your education.
What are scholarships?
Scholarships are money awards to help you pay for your education. Many students apply for scholarships to help them pay for college in the USA. Scholarships are given for different reasons. The list below are scholarships for immigrants, children of immigrants, refugees, and undocumented students. Some scholarships pay for your full tuition and others are for a certain amount of money. You do not need to pay back a scholarship.
Dream.US Scholarship – National Scholarship
A renewable scholarship with a stipend for DREAMers (DACA and TPS). This scholarship will pay for your tuition and fees. You may also receive a stipend to pay for your books and transportation. You must be planning to enroll full-time in an associate or bachelor’s degree program for the first time. High school graduates (or HSE diploma) must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Community college graduates must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You must be eligible for in-state tuition at a partner college.
Phone: (855) 376-7076
Email: [email protected]
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
A renewable scholarship for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students. This scholarship covers your tuition, fees, books, and housing for undergraduate and graduate programs. You must have a “significant financial need” in the United States. You will need to state how much money your family makes and they will decide if you can apply.
Phone: (800) 331-2244
Email: online form
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
A scholarship for immigrants, refugees, and first-generation Americans. This scholarship will give up to $90,000 for two years of tuition and fees. You must be planning to enroll full-time in a graduate degree program.
Phone: (212) 405-8234
Email: [email protected]
Running of the Bulls Scholarship for Immigrants
A scholarship for immigrants or children of immigrants. The scholarship will award $1,000 to a student enrolled in a 4-year college. Your GPA must be 3.0 or higher as well.
Email: [email protected]
Nonprofit that offers advising, financial support, and career mentoring to first-generation college students. Scholar Match helps students from the start of their college application process to their graduation from college.
Phone: (504) 507-1521
Email: [email protected]
Students of Salaam (SOS) Immigrant Student Scholarship
Scholarship and mentorship for immigrant students enrolled in an undergraduate program. Students will receive $3,000 to cover tuition, textbooks, and living expenses.
Scholarship for first or second-generation immigrant high school seniors or college freshmen. Students will receive $1,000.
Apply: online form
ASA Minority Fellowship Program
Scholarship for students from underrepresented groups including Black/African American; Latinx, American Indian or Alaskan Native; or Asian or Pacific Islander students. Students must be seeking a doctoral degree in sociology. ASA will provide $18,000 for each year of study.
Email: [email protected]
This is a list of scholarships for refugees and immigrants in different states.
California
The Asian Pacific Fund provides 9 scholarships in California including for students of Filipino, Asian, and Pacific Island heritage, and for migrant farmworkers.
Phone: (415) 395-9985
Email: [email protected]
Jeff Sein Kwan Yang Scholarship
Scholarship for high school immigrants or children of immigrants in the San Gabriel Valley area. Students will receive $1,000 for tuition and fees.
Email: [email protected]
Scholarship for Chicana and Latina students undergraduate and graduate students studying in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo. Students will receive $1,500 and leadership training.
Email: [email protected]
Vipin Agrawal Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship for students from low-income and immigrant backgrounds. Students must plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in science, computer science, technology, engineering, and medicine at a California state university. Students will receive $2,000 for each year of their study.
Apply: online form
District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia
Esperanza Education Fund
Scholarship for students born outside the USA or who have both parents born outside the USA and are planning to enroll full-time at an accredited public college or university. Applicants must be either a graduating senior at a high school or a recent GED grad residing in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia.
The scholarships range from $5000 to $20,000, depending on financial need. Esperanza also provides students with mentors to help them navigate college, internships and starting a career.
Email: [email protected]
Illinois
HIAS Chicago
HIAS provides academic scholarships to students who immigrated or whose family immigrated to the Chicago area with the assistance of HIAS Chicago, or who accessed HIAS’ immigration and citizenship services once in the United States. Scholarships include the Benton-Bernstein Scholarship for those entering the helping professions; the Tilly Warshaw Scholarship for high school graduates, and several others.
Phone: (312) 357-4666
Email: [email protected]
IIE – Julia Stasch Scholarship for Refugee and Asylee StudentsThe Institute of International Education (IIE) offers the Julia Stasch Scholarship for refugee and asylee students to support students who are studying at one of the City Colleges of Chicago or a Community College in Chicagoland. Please note that students who came to the USA as refugees or have been granted asylum and are now permanent residents or citizens are also eligible.
Awardees will receive a $10,000 scholarship to cover tuition, books, living, and transportation costs. Students will also take part in a 1-week leadership program.
Email: [email protected]
A renewable scholarship for first-generation college students in Illinois and Oregon. The scholarship awards up to $4,000 a year towards tuition and fees, housing, books, and supplies for students. Students must show a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Undocumented students and students with DACA status are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Phone: (503) 726-5970
Email: [email protected]
Massachusetts
Full scholarship for refugee students applying for a bachelor’s degree for the first time. Students must be pursuing liberal arts and sciences at Wheaton College in Massachusetts.
Email: [email protected]
Michigan
Fred S. Findling Memorial Immigrant Scholarship
The Fred S. Findling Scholarship is a one-time award of $1,500. It is open to any immigrant that is currently enrolled at a college or university in Michigan.
Phone: (833) 776-2283
Email: [email protected]
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
A list of over 80 need-based scholarships for students in Kent, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Ottawa, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Newaygo counties in Michigan. You can apply for all scholarships with one general application.
Phone: (616) 454-1751
Email: [email protected]
New York
Ascend Educational Fund
Ascend Educational Fund awards scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school to attend public or private colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.
Email: [email protected]
Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students
A scholarship for displaced students including refugees, asylees, asylum seekers, students with TPS, IDP, SIV, and humanitarian parole pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs at Columbia University. Students will receive full tuition, housing, living, mentoring, and support.
Email: [email protected]
Mary Rosenblum Somit Scholarship
The Mary Rosenblum Somit Scholarship fund provides $4,000 ($2,000 per semester) to an undergraduate student at the University of Buffalo, New York, who is majoring in biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or pharmacology and toxicology. Preference is given to students who are immigrants, children of immigrants, or first-generation college students.
Phone: (716) 829-3955
Email: [email protected]
Mexican Studies Scholarship Fund
Scholarship for CUNY students committed to serving the immigrant or Mexican community in New York. Students will receive up to $7,500 and mentoring for one year.
Phone: (347) 577-4070; (347) 577-4080
Email: [email protected]
Little Bird Scholarship for LGBTQI Immigrants
Scholarship for LGBTQ or intersex undocumented immigrants, refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers. Students must be enrolled in a nonprofit school in New York City. Students will receive a total of $18,000 for two years of school.
North Carolina
Achievement Scholarship for Refugees and Immigrants of Wake County
Scholarship for first-generation US citizens, refugees, and immigrants graduating from a Wake County high school. Students will be awarded up to $16,000 each year for up to 4 years to pursue education at a public or private college or university in North Carolina.
Phone: (919) 474-8370 ext. 4028
Email: [email protected]
Ohio
The Refugee Connect Student Scholarship
Scholarship for refugees pursuing higher education at college or university in the Greater Cincinnati tri-state area.
Phone: (513) 449-0368
Email: [email protected]
Texas
Ann Biggs/Thelma Salazar Endowed Scholarship for First-Generation Immigrant Children
Scholarship for students attending the University of Texas at San Antonio who have at least one parent who immigrated to the United States. Preference will be given to children of immigrants from Mexico or Central America and students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Phone: (210) 458-8000
Email: [email protected]
Scholarship for Mexican and Latinx immigrants and children of Mexican and Latinx immigrants. Students must be attending college for the first time. Students must reside in one of 23 Texas counties.
Phone: (512) 610-4012
Utah
Full scholarships and mentoring for full-time students who have a refugee background (refugee, asylum, or SIV) pursuing an education at a public college or university in the states of Utah and Idaho. Preference will be given to freshman students starting at a community college.
Phone: (801) 366-7126
Email: [email protected]
Virginia
Alfred Hugo Radke and Gerda Else Radke Scholarship
Scholarship for an international student or first-generation American student pursuing an education at Averett University.
Phone: (434) 791-5600
Email: [email protected]
Wyoming
Scholarship for a first-generation American high school senior student attending one of the 7 community colleges or the University of Wyoming. The student will be awarded $500 to cover education costs.
Phone: (307) 777-6198
Email: [email protected]
ABA Foundation Diversity Scholarship
Scholarship for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, nationality, minorities, age, race, or ethnicity pursuing education in the travel and tourism industry at an accredited university. Students will be awarded $5,000.
Phone: (202) 842-1645
Email: [email protected]
Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship
A two-week fellowship for entrepreneurs and social leaders. A fellowship in a job where you are not paid. Instead, you get to learn new skills and meet people who can help you. You must have an interest in change and cross-cultural conversation between Jewish and Muslim communities.
Email: online form
Catholic Relief Services International Development Fellows Program
A 12-month international development fellowship program for people pursuing a career in international relief and development. The fellowship will build skills in project management, project design, systems and operations, and partnership. You must have a graduate degree in a field relevant to international development. You also must have spent at least 6 months overseas in a developing country. You must be fluent in English and a second language.
Phone: (888) 277-7575
Email: [email protected]
English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) Program
An 8-month program at Georgetown University training native speakers of 26 languages to improve their English communication skills from advanced to professional level. A full scholarship will be provided to awardees to cover tuition and living expenses. You must commit to working with the federal government for one year after completing the program.
Phone: (202) 687-4455
Email: [email protected]
The Western Union Foundation Global Scholarships
The Western Union Foundation offers scholarships to international students, migrants, and refugees 1 to 2 times a year.
Phone: (202) 686-8652
Email: [email protected]
Scholarships for specific groups and nationalities
Some foundations, organizations, and professional associations save money to award scholarships to people of certain ethnicities.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
A renewable scholarship for African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students. The scholarship covers your tuition, fees, books, and housing for undergraduate and graduate programs. You must have a “significant financial need” in the United States. You will need to state how much money your family makes and they will decide if you can apply.
Contact: (800) 331-2244
Apply: Online form
John and Joy Haines Scholarship for African Students
Merit and needs-based scholarship for students from developing countries, including from the African continent. Students must not be US citizens or permanent residents. Students must attend the University of Oregon. The award ranges from $1,000 to $12,000.
Dr. Dapo and Mrs. Lillie Popoola African Student Scholarship
Merit and needs-based scholarship for students from developing countries, including from the African continent. Students must not be US citizens or permanent residents. Students must attend the University of Oregon. The award ranges from $1,000 to $12,000.
Asian Pacific Fund Scholarship
The Asian Pacific Fund provides 9 scholarships in California including for students of Filipino, Asian, and Pacific Island heritage, and for migrant farmworkers.
Phone: (415) 395-9985
Email: [email protected]
Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
Scholarships for undergraduate students of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity with strong financial need and/or who are the first in their families to go to college. Students must have a GPA of 2.7 or higher or a GED to apply.
Phone: (202) 986-6892
Email: [email protected]
Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students involved in Asian and Pacific Islander (API) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) activism. Scholarships range from $1,000-5,000.
Phone: (415) 857-4272
Email: [email protected]
Regeneration Center Scholarship
Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students of Southeast Asian heritage studying science, medicine, or biology. Students will be awarded $1,000.
Email: [email protected]
Arab American Institute Helen Abbott Community Service Awards
Scholarship for high school and college students of Arab descent committed to community service. The Foundation awards three students $1,000.
Email: online form
Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship
Scholarship for students of Arab descent. You must be a junior, senior, or attending undergraduate or graduate school majoring in journalism, television, radio, or film. You must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply.
Phone: (202) 244-2990
Email: [email protected]
Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects (AAAEA) – Capital Area
Scholarship for full-time undergraduate or graduate students studying engineering, architecture, computer science, or IT. You must be a current student member of AAAEA – Capital Area or a child of a current member.
Email: [email protected]
Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund
Five scholarships of $5,000 each are given annually to incoming freshmen students who are of at least 50% Filipino heritage. You must be majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental or physical science. You must be attending an accredited four-year college or university in California.
Phone: (415) 395-9985
Email: [email protected]
Chevron Filipino Employee Network Scholarships
Scholarship for incoming freshmen students of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity. You must be majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental or physical science. You must be attending an accredited four-year college or university in California.
Email: [email protected]
The Iranian Scholarship Foundation
8 scholarships for undergrad students of Iranian descent based on financial need, community involvement, or academic achievement. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Email: [email protected]
Momeni Foundation
Multiple scholarships are available to graduating high school students and full-time college students of Iranian descent. The foundation will award students $1,000.
Phone: (727) 433-2133
Email: [email protected]
Great Minds in STEM Scholarships
Renewable scholarships for students of Hispanic descent or students involved in the Hispanic community. Students can be US citizens, residents, F1 Visa, or DACA recipients. Students must plan to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or health and medicine.
Email: [email protected]
Scholarship for Hispanic students seeking bachelor or advanced degrees at an accredited public university or graduate school. You must be a US citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA recipient. High school students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. College and graduate students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000 based on need.
Email: Online form
La Unidad Latina Foundation
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate Latino students. Awards range from $500-$2,000.
Email: [email protected]
LULAC National Educational Service Centers of United Latin American Citizens (LNESC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)’s National Scholarship Fund offers six scholarships for Latino students in partnership with businesses.
Email: [email protected]
The MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide
A list of scholarships that do not require proof of immigration status or social security number. This guide includes the MALDEF Law School Scholarship Program. MALDEF awards a number of scholarships to law students committed to Latino civil rights.
Phone: (213) 629-2512
Email: [email protected]
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Scholarships
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in STEM in the US or Puerto Rico. You must be an active SHPE member to apply. You must also have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Phone: (323) 725-3970
Email: [email protected]
Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund’s (SALEF) Fulfilling Our Dreams Scholarship Fund
Scholarship for Central American and Latino students who want to enroll in college. You must live in the Los Angeles area. Scholarships are open to all students regardless of immigration status.
Phone: (213) 480-1052
University of the People of Myanmar Fund
Renewable scholarship for new students from Myanmar seeking an associate’s degree from the University of the People.
Email: [email protected]
American Federation of Ramallah Palestine
Scholarships for Palestinian and Palestinian American students from low-income homes.
Phone: (734) 425-1600
Email: [email protected]
Emergency Refugee Assistance Scholarship Fund
Scholarship for refugees and asylum seekers from Syria pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree with the University of the People.
Email: [email protected]
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
Scholarships for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their immediate family members. CAMP will support college students in completing their first year of study.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
A $90,000 scholarship awarded over 2 years for immigrants, refugees, and first-generation Americans. You must be planning to enroll full-time in a graduate degree program in the U.S.
Phone: (212) 405-8234
Email: [email protected]
Achievement Scholarship for Refugees and Immigrants of Wake County
Scholarship for first-generation citizens, refugees, or immigrant high school graduates in Wake County, North Carolina. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher to apply. Students are awarded $16,000 each year for up to 4 years.
Phone: (919) 474-8370 ext. 4028
Email: [email protected]
Douvas Memorial Scholarship: First Generation American Scholarship
Scholarship for first-generation high school students attending one of the state’s 7 community colleges or the University of Wyoming. The student will be awarded $500 to cover education costs.
Phone: (307) 777-6198
Email: [email protected]
Eagan Foundation
Multiple scholarships for first-generation Americans or immigrants graduating from an Eagan, Minnesota high school. Scholarships are based on academic merit or financial need.
Phone: (651) 243-1198
Email: [email protected]
Scholarship for students who are first-generation immigrants or children of first-generation immigrants. Students must be planning to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university in the United States.
Email: [email protected]
Scholarship for immigrant and refugee students who immigrated to the US within the past four years. Students must be graduating from high school in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County in Washington state. Students will receive 1,500 per year for two years and $3,000 for two additional years.
Phone: (425) 883-3500
Achievement Scholarship for Refugees and Immigrants of Wake County
Scholarship for first-generation US citizens, refugees, and immigrants graduating from a Wake County high school. Students will be awarded up to $16,000 each year for up to 4 years to pursue education at a public or private college or university in North Carolina.
Phone: (919) 474-8370 ext. 4028
Email: [email protected]
CPS Dream Fund Scholarship
A talent and need-based scholarship for undocumented students DREAMers attending a Chicago public high school. Students must plan to attend a two or four-year college or university. Students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher to apply. Students will be awarded $1,000.
Email: [email protected]
Immigrants Rising
Immigrants Rising keeps an updated list of national scholarships and fellowships that do not require proof of citizenship or legal permanent residency.
Golden Door Scholars
Scholarship for high school and undergraduate students. You must be planning to pursue an undergraduate degree at a 4-year college. You must be approved for DACA or TPS. You must be eligible to participate in paid internships.
Email: [email protected]
Mexican-American Dream Scholarship
COFEM will award $500 to Community College students and $1,000 to undergraduate students attending four-year colleges or universities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Inland Empire, San Bernardino, and Ventura countries in California. Applicants must be considered undocumented or must benefit from AB-540 or DACA.
Phone: (213) 417-8390
Email: [email protected]
WiseGeek Recent Immigrants Scholarship
A $500 scholarship for recent immigrant students. Students must be US citizens or permanent legal residents. Students must have immigrated to the US on or after January 1, 2010.
Email: [email protected]
Champlain College New American Student Scholarship
Merit and need-based renewable scholarship for refugee and asylum-seeking students planning to attend Champlain College.
Phone: (802) 860-2777
Email: [email protected]
Emergency refugee assistance scholarship fund
Scholarship for refugees and asylum seekers from around the world pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree with the University of the People.
Email: [email protected]
Small Giants Scholarship Fund for Refugees
Scholarships for refugees and asylum seekers planning to pursue an associate degree with the University of the People.
Phone: [email protected]
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund
A year-long fellowship for threatened and displaced scholars, including refugees and asylum seekers. This fellowship will provide $25,000 for academic positions at colleges or universities for 9 to 12 months.
Phone: (212) 205-6486
Email: [email protected]
AAUW Fellowship and Grants
American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers multiple fellowships and grants that support women pursuing academic work and community projects.
E-mail: a[email protected]
Phone: (202) 785-7700
The Hegg Hoffet Fund
Short-term grants for graduate women who have been displaced to fund language and training courses.
Phone: (+41) 22 731 2380
Red Thread Fellowship Award
Fellowship for immigrant women planning to attend a college or university in the US. Students will receive a $1,000 award and mentorship support for their first year of study.
Email: [email protected]
Careeronestop scholarship finder
Careeronestop has a list of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and awards. You can filter scholarships by level of study and location.
Grants
You can also apply for grants to pay for your education. The Office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school. Apply at Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA).
