Your dreams of graduate school can feel within reach with the right scholarship. For many, the cost of advanced education seems overwhelming, but scholarships are here to turn those ambitions into reality. They ease the financial burden, letting you focus on what truly matters - your education and future goals.
This guide covers everything about scholarships for grad students. You'll learn what they offer, explore the different types available, and discover where to find them. With practical advice and useful resources from our professional scholarship essay writing service, you'll be one step closer to achieving your academic dreams!
What Does a Scholarship for Graduate Students Offer
Graduate student scholarships help lower the cost of education, and unlike loans, they don't need to be repaid. These scholarships can cover different expenses, depending on the award. Some pay for full tuition, while others offer partial funding. Many also provide additional benefits, such as a monthly living allowance, research funding, or money for conference travel.
The main purposes of these scholarships are:
- To make graduate education more affordable and accessible.
- To recognize academic achievements and leadership.
- To help students facing financial difficulties.
- To support research and innovation in specific fields.
- To reduce financial stress, allowing students to focus on their studies.
This support helps students reach their academic and professional goals.
Different Types of Graduate School Scholarships
Graduate scholarships come in many forms:
Related: Find out how to create a proper scholarship essay structure in our dedicated guide.
Where and How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School
It's easier to find scholarships when you know exactly where to look. Most universities provide dedicated pages on their websites for graduate funding. Look for merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and assistantships under their financial aid or graduate school sections. For example, Harvard University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences lists fellowships and assistantships tailored to students in specific fields.
National and niche scholarships are easily searchable on trusted platforms.
Check out the grad school essay format.
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The List of Various Graduate School Scholarships
This section covers everything from full ride scholarships for graduate school to those focused on specific categories. It's designed to help you find the option that best fits your needs!
SMART Scholarship Program
This is a scholarship for graduate students in USA that provides full funding and professional mentorship for STEM students. It is designed for those pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Recipients also get opportunities to work at Department of Defense facilities.
Amount Awarded: Full tuition, annual stipend, health and book allowances
Special Requirements: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a US-accredited institution; open to US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or UK citizens; age 18 or older by January 1, 2026; focus on STEM disciplines
Location: United States (DoD facility internships required)
Rhodes Scholarship
A prestigious award for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. It aims to foster global leadership and promote international understanding.
Amount Awarded: Covers all university and college fees. Provides a personal stipend and airfare.
Special Requirements: Merit-based. Open to postgraduate students with leadership potential and public-spirited goals.
Location: University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Fully funds outstanding international students for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge, focusing on academic excellence and social leadership.
Amount Awarded: Full cost of studying at the University of Cambridge, including tuition, maintenance allowance, and airfare
Special Requirements: Must gain admission to a postgraduate program at the University of Cambridge
Location: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
Supports US graduate students in STEM fields with a focus on research and innovation.
Amount Awarded: $34,000 annual stipend plus $12,000 cost of education allowance
Special Requirements: US citizens or permanent residents; strong focus on STEM fields; encourages underrepresented groups to apply
Location: United States
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Helps immigrants and children of immigrants in the US pursue advanced degrees with financial support and networking opportunities.
Amount Awarded: Up to $25,000 per year in stipend support and $20,000 per year in tuition support (up to two years)
Special Requirements: For immigrants or children of immigrants in the United States; open to any field of study at an advanced degree-granting program
Location: United States
Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
Funds top PhD students in applied sciences, mathematics, or engineering to encourage transformative research and innovation.
Amount Awarded: Up to $250,000 over five years
Special Requirements: Open to US citizens or permanent residents pursuing a PhD; must demonstrate potential to solve critical societal problems
Location: United States
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship
Provides substantial funding for outstanding students transitioning from Cooke undergraduate programs to full-time graduate studies.
Amount Awarded: Up to $150,000 over four years ($75,000 annual cap)
Special Requirements: GPA of 3.0 or higher; open to Scholars from the Cooke Foundation-funded undergraduate programs; must apply within three years of completing undergraduate studies; for full-time, in-person, or hybrid graduate programs at accredited institutions
Location: United States and select international institutions (must accept Cooke funding)
Graduate School Scholarships for Women
These 5 scholarships help women pay for graduate school and encourage them to pursue higher education. They focus on supporting women in fields like science, business, healthcare, and the arts. The goal is to make it easier for women to succeed in their studies and careers.
AAUW Carlisle Higher Education Scholarship
Supports women from Cumberland or Perry County, PA, in pursuing higher education, including associate, bachelor's, and graduate programs. The scholarship emphasizes financial need and academic potential.
Amount Awarded: At least $2,000 annually
Special Requirements: Female residents of Cumberland or Perry County for at least one year. Must have completed at least one full-time year of college or equivalent credits. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit a personal statement and transcripts. Attendance at an interview and scholarship banquet is mandatory.
Location: United States (specific to Cumberland and Perry Counties, PA)
Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarships
Awards scholarships to women soldiers, past and present, and their descendants to support educational goals. This includes funding for certificate programs, community colleges, and undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Amount Awarded: Varies based on program type (certificate, community college, undergraduate, or graduate).
Special Requirements: Open to women who have served honorably in the US Army or their lineal descendants. Applicants must meet GPA and enrollment requirements and provide proof of Army service.
Location: United States
Eileen Kraus Scholarship
Offers financial assistance to female high school graduates from Connecticut entering their first year of college. Awards recognize academic achievement and community engagement.
Amount Awarded: $5,000
Special Requirements: Applicants must be female legal residents of Connecticut and high school graduates intending to enroll in their first year of college. Attendance at the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is required.
Location: United States (specific to Connecticut)
Women's Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation Scholarship
Provides financial support to young women who are pursuing higher education and are interested in or associated with golf.
Amount Awarded: Varies; supports tuition, room and board, fees, and books.
Special Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic ability, and an association with golf. Eligible applicants reside within a 60-mile radius of New York City limits or Long Island. Submission of FAFSA, tax returns, and SAT/ACT scores is required.
Location: United States (specific to New York City region and Long Island)
Texas Women in Public Finance Scholarship
Awards scholarships to female students in Texas at various educational levels to encourage careers in finance, particularly public finance.
Amount Awarded: $1,000 to $3,000, depending on educational level
Special Requirements: Open to female high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students in Texas. Applicants must demonstrate scholastic achievement and leadership skills. Scholarship recipients are encouraged to explore careers in public finance.
Location: United States (specific to Texas)
Graduate School Scholarships for Minorities
These grad school scholarships are for students from minority groups, including different races and ethnic backgrounds. They aim to make graduate school more accessible to underrepresented students, helping them overcome financial challenges and bring diverse viewpoints to their field of study.
AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students
This scholarship supports minority students pursuing degrees in accounting or accounting-related fields, with the goal of increasing diversity within the profession.
Amount awarded: $2,500 - $10,000
Special requirements: Minority students pursuing a degree in accounting or accounting-related fields, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and planning to pursue CPA licensure.
Location: US.
AISES A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is aimed at students from Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander backgrounds pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Amount awarded: Varies
Special requirements: Must be a current AISES member, enrolled in a STEM field, and from a federally recognized Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander tribe.
Location: US.
Blacks at Microsoft Scholarship
The BAM scholarship provides financial support to African American high school seniors planning to pursue technology-related degrees and leadership roles in the tech industry.
Amount awarded: $2,500 - $5,000
Special requirements: African American high school seniors pursuing a technology-related degree, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrating leadership.
Location: US.
McDonald's HACER National Scholarship
This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to Hispanic/Latino high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement, helping them pursue higher education.
Amount awarded: Up to $100,000
Special requirements: Hispanic/Latino high school seniors with a GPA of 2.8 or higher, planning to attend an accredited US college, and demonstrating community involvement.
Location: US.
Gates Scholarship
The Gates Scholarship offers a full ride to exceptional minority students from low-income households, aiming to support them in achieving their academic and professional goals.
Amount awarded: Full cost of attendance (last-dollar scholarship)
Special requirements: Minority high school seniors from low-income families who maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher and are planning to enroll in a four-year degree program.
Location: US.
Nursing Graduate School Scholarships
These scholarships support students who want to continue their nursing education at a graduate level. They help students pursuing advanced nursing degrees, like those aiming for leadership or specialized roles, reduce the financial burden of their studies and advance in their careers.
Allied Health Scholarship
This scholarship supports students in allied health programs, which include fields such as physical therapy, radiology, and respiratory therapy. The scholarship aims to provide financial relief and support future healthcare professionals.
Amount awarded: $2,500
Special requirements: Must be enrolled full-time in an accredited institution, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and continue education in an allied health field.
Location: US.
TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship
The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship awards scholarships to graduate students in medical, nursing, or pharmacy programs. The scholarship aims to support students in their healthcare careers by assisting with education costs.
Amount awarded: $5,000 - $10,000
Special requirements: Must be a US resident, enrolled in a graduate program, and pursuing a degree in medicine, nursing, or pharmacy.
Location: US.
Oncology Nursing Society Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is for registered nurses pursuing a master's degree with a focus on oncology nursing. It aims to support nurses committed to advancing their careers in cancer care.
Amount awarded: $5,000
Special requirements: Must be a registered nurse, enrolled in or accepted to a master's degree program, with a commitment to oncology nursing.
Location: US.
Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) Scholarship
The NEF Scholarship supports graduate nursing students, particularly those pursuing an MSN. It honors the legacy of Isabel Hampton Robb, a leader in modern American nursing.
Amount awarded: $2,500 - $10,000
Special requirements: Must be a registered nurse pursuing an MSN and a member of a national nursing association or honor society.
Location: US.
Deborah E. Trautman Future Nurse Leader Scholarship
Funded by Liaison International and the AACN, this scholarship honors Dr. Deborah Trautman and recognizes graduate nursing students with aspirations for leadership in academic nursing. It provides financial support along with valuable leadership development opportunities.
Amount awarded: $3,500
Special requirements: Open to graduate nursing students enrolled in master's or doctoral programs at AACN member schools. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to academic nursing.
Location: US.
Graduate School Scholarships for International Students
Here, each graduate school scholarship covers costs like tuition and living expenses, allowing international students to study in different countries and share their perspectives with others in the academic community.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program offers scholarships for international students to study in the US and engage in cultural exchange. It aims to foster mutual understanding and global connections by providing funding for graduate-level study, research, and professional development.
Amount awarded: Varies
Special requirements: Open to graduate students, young professionals, and artists from over 160 countries. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to international cooperation.
Location: US.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
This program offers scholarships for students from developing countries to pursue graduate studies in development-related fields at select universities. It aims to foster future leaders in global development by providing financial support for education and training.
Amount awarded: Full tuition, travel, and living expenses
Special requirements: Applicants must be citizens of World Bank member countries eligible for the program, hold a strong academic record, and have relevant professional experience in development.
Location: Participating universities worldwide
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the UK government to outstanding students worldwide who demonstrate leadership potential. These scholarships fund one-year master's programs at UK universities and foster global leadership and diplomacy.
Amount awarded: Full tuition, living stipend, and airfare
Special requirements: Open to students from Chevening-eligible countries. Applicants must have at least two years of work experience and a clear vision for their future leadership role.
Location: United Kingdom
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs)
The Erasmus Mundus program offers scholarships for students to pursue master's degrees across multiple European universities. It promotes high-level education and collaboration between institutions in Europe and partner countries.
Amount awarded: Full tuition, travel, and living expenses=
Special requirements: Open to students from all over the world. Applicants must be selected for one of the Erasmus Mundus joint master programs, which are offered in various fields of study.
Location: European Union universities
DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships to students from developing countries who want to study in master's and doctoral programs in Germany. These scholarships aim to foster academic and professional development in fields related to sustainable development.
Amount awarded: Full tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance
Special requirements: Applicants must be from eligible developing countries, have relevant professional experience, and plan to return to their home countries after completing their studies.
Location: Germany
Here's How to Get Scholarships for Graduate School
Even the easy scholarships for graduate students take more than just filling out applications. You need to be strategic and proactive and know where to focus your efforts.
The key is to be persistent and thorough. Scholarships are competitive, but with the right approach, you can maximize your chances.
Final Words
Graduate school is a big step, but scholarships can make it a realistic one. They're more than just financial aid. These are the opportunities to focus on learning, growing, and reaching your full potential without the constant weight of financial stress. From merit-based awards to those tailored for specific fields or backgrounds, there are graduate school scholarships out there designed for someone like you.
This guide has shown you the paths to explore, the resources to tap into, and the types of support available. Now, it's about taking that first step: researching, applying, and believing in the possibilities ahead. And if you ever need a helping hand, our essay writing service is here to support you every step of the way!
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Daniel Parker
is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.
Wood, S. (2024). How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School. US News & World Report; US News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-find-scholarships-for-graduate-school
Scholarships.com. (2019). https://www.scholarships.com/
Find Scholarships for College for FREE - Fastweb. (2019). Fastweb. http://fastweb.com
