Scholarships are one of the best ways for students to pay for college. Finding the best scholarships to apply for can be challenging. We’ve made it easier by selecting the top scholarships for writers to apply for this year.
These scholarships are often aimed at students majoring in English, journalism, creative writing, or any field related to reading and writing. Most writing scholarships involve a prompt or series of prompts to which applicants must respond, or they request a writing sample where they can show off their passion for the written word.
They aim to help aspiring writers pay for their undergraduate or graduate studies. If you have a passion for writing and the skills to show for it, there is an award for you. Whether you already have excellent writing skills or are studying to become a better writer, you can apply for a writing scholarship.
Be confident in yourself when applying for scholarships that involve essays or any other sort of writing. Though many students can write well, not many applicants put in the necessary effort. Because of this, applications that involve writing or are purely essay-based are excellent scholarship opportunities for students who are diligent enough to write a scholarship-worthy essay.
Your chance of winning a scholarship increases when you invest time and effort in your applications. Keep reading to check out these scholarship opportunities and learn some tips for applying.
Want to view more scholarships? Check out our list of scholarships intended to help students from all walks of life.
Types of Writing Scholarships Available
Types of Writing Scholarships Available
Scholarships are tailored to different criteria, making it easier for students to find the ones they are most likely to win. Here are six types of scholarships that may interest aspiring writers:
Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded for exceptional academic performance or talents like writing, athletics, or music. These scholarships focus on GPA, test scores, or accomplishments, regardless of financial need.
University Scholarships
Provided by colleges or universities, these scholarships often don’t require a separate application. Some are automatic based on admission, while others may be specific to creative writing programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships
Designed to support students from specific regions, especially developing countries, to pursue higher education. Often funded by governments or international organizations.
Government Scholarships
Offered by government agencies to support education. These may be for domestic or international students and often focus on specific fields or goals.
Private Scholarships
Funded by private donors or companies, these scholarships often have specific eligibility requirements, such as financial need, academic merit, or being part of a specific demographic.
Financial Scholarships/Bursaries
Also called need-based scholarships, these awards help students who require financial assistance. They consider factors like family income, residency, and employment status.
By knowing these types, you can focus on scholarships that align with your strengths and circumstances.
How to Find Writing Scholarships to Apply For
If you’ve already applied to the writing scholarships mentioned above or are searching for more opportunities, there are several ways to discover additional writing scholarships. Start by conducting a quick Google search for writing fellowships, grants, or scholarships, or explore reputable platforms like Bold.org.
Ensure that any scholarship you consider is recognized and accepted by the school or university you plan to attend or are currently enrolled in. Check the eligibility criteria and application deadlines carefully to avoid missing out on opportunities.
In addition to online searches, consider these strategies:
- Contact Your School’s Financial Aid Office: Many schools offer internal scholarships specifically for their students, including those for creative writing or English majors.
- Check with Writing Organizations: Professional writing organizations or literary groups often provide scholarships and fellowships for aspiring writers. For example, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and PEN America frequently offer awards.
- Visit Your Local Library: Libraries often have resources or staff who can direct you to community scholarships and grant opportunities for students in creative fields.
- Network with Teachers and Mentors: Professors, writing instructors, or career counselors may know about niche scholarships and can provide recommendations or references to strengthen your applications.
- Look for Regional Opportunities: Many community foundations and local organizations offer scholarships for students in specific geographic areas, which often include fewer applicants.
Tips for Winning Creative Writing Scholarships
While securing every scholarship is not guaranteed, following these best practices can enhance your chances of success.
Apply for Multiple Scholarships
Apply to as many scholarships as possible, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. Carefully review the requirements before applying to any fully-funded program. The more applications you submit, the higher your odds of success. Don’t hesitate to explore the abundance of scholarships available to you!
Practice Writing Scholarship Essays
Many scholarships require applicants to submit personal essays as part of the selection process. These essays allow scholarship committees to understand your personality, goals, and what makes you unique. Knowing how to craft compelling and impactful essays can make you stand out from other candidates.
Organize Your Application Documents
Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready when applying for scholarships. To avoid last-minute errors, create a checklist of required materials for each scholarship. This may include:
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Language certifications or other supplemental documents
Being organized and thorough will streamline the application process and help you avoid missing crucial elements.
Put in Your Best Effort
Hard work and dedication are key to winning scholarships. For creative writing scholarships, simply mentioning an award you won in grade school won’t be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Scholarships
1. How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Writing Scholarships?
As mentioned previously, the best way to improve your chances of winning writing scholarships is to be prepared and confident. Take time to research the scholarship to ensure it’s valid and that you match all of the qualifications the scholarship sets out. Turn your full attention towards the essay and any other tasks you must complete. Lastly, be confident and don’t allow potential rejection to get to you. There are many scholarships out there, and while applying may be exhausting, it can be well worth it in the long run.
2. How Many Writing Scholarships Can You Get?
There’s no limit to how many writing scholarships you can be awarded. Getting a “full ride” (which means your entire tuition is paid off in scholarships or by the university) is possible. After all, it’s money you earned. So, even if you have applied to a few already, don’t hesitate to apply for more scholarships!
3. Are There Scholarships Available for High School Students Interested in Writing?
Yes, many scholarships are tailored specifically for high school students with a passion for writing. These opportunities often encourage creative expression and can provide funding for college.
4. Can High School Seniors Apply for Creative Writing Scholarships?
Absolutely! High school seniors are eligible for numerous creative writing scholarships, which can help fund their college education and encourage their writing talents. If you’re a high school senior, look specifically for scholarships tailored to your grade level to help you maximize your chances of winning.
5. What Is the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Program?
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is a prestigious program recognizing talented high school students in various creative disciplines, including writing. Winners can earn scholarships and national recognition.
6. Are Graduate Students Eligible for Writing Scholarships?
Yes, graduate students can apply for writing scholarships, especially those pursuing advanced degrees in writing, journalism, business and financial journalism, or other related fields. These scholarships often support academic research or creative projects. If you’re a graduate student, start looking into program-specific scholarships to help you cover your costs.
7. What Writing Scholarships Are Available for Undergraduate Students?
Undergraduate students have access to scholarships in creative writing, journalism, and other literary disciplines. These awards often aim to nurture young writers and help cover tuition costs. Current college students should seek a creative writing scholarship or other scholarships to help them cover their degrees.
8. What Is the Islamic Scholarship Fund?
The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) provides scholarships to Muslim students pursuing degrees in writing, journalism, and other fields. The ISF awards multiple scholarships each year to support students in their educational pursuits, particularly in fields like business, financial journalism, and creative writing.
Our blog covers other scholarship topics, student finances, and tutoring resources. Check it out to help you find the information you need.
Paulla Estes
Paulla Estes, holding a B.A. in English Literature from George Mason University, showcases her expertise in writing and communication through her influential articles for Scholarship Institute. She focuses on creating review articles and recommendations that guide students in exploring educational funding.
