College is demanding enough. Managing ADHD (and other neurodivergent conditions) adds complexity and costs. The good news: there are dedicated scholarships for students with ADHD, plus broader neurodiversity awards as well as athlete-specific programs.
Below is a curated list of scholarships and programs for students with ADHD, including national awards and school/athletic opportunities.
You can start uncovering scholarship opportunities for students with ADHD, along with other awards, by utilizing the Scholarship Institute database!
ADHD Scholarships to Apply For in 2025
1. The Neurodiversity Scholarship (Neurodiversity Alliance)
- Award: $2,500 (full-time) or $1,000 (part-time/community college)
- Eligibility: U.S. students ages 18–26 who identify as neurodivergent (including ADHD, dyslexia, autism). Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a U.S. not-for-profit college/university.
- Details: The largest national program investing directly in neurodivergent students. Renewable for up to four years.
- Deadline: January 15, 2026
- Decision: March 2026
2. Anne Ford Scholarship (NCLD)
- Award: $10,000 total ($2,500 per year for four years)
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with a documented learning disability or ADHD with LD, planning to attend a full-time bachelor’s program.
- Details: One of the most prestigious ADHD-related scholarships, providing long-term financial support.
- Deadline: April 20, 2026
3. Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship (NCLD)
- Award: $5,000 total ($2,500 per year for two years)
- Eligibility: High school seniors with ADHD or LD enrolling in two-year, vocational, or specialized programs.
- Details: Designed for students pursuing nontraditional higher education paths.
- Deadline: April 20, 2026
4. BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship
- Award: $10,000
- Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate student at a four-year university studying business/commerce, computer science, engineering, math, physics, statistics, or related discipline with a visible or non-visable disability.
- Details: Candidates with all disabilities maintaining a 40% course load are invited to apply.
- Deadline: April 8, 2026
5. Microsoft Disability Scholarship
- Award: $20,000 ($5,000 per year)
- Eligibility: High school senior living with a disability planning to enroll in an undergraduate at an accredited 2 or 4-year college, vocational/technical school.
- Details: Applicants must pursue a major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or related fields and have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Deadline: March 2026
FAQs About ADHD Scholarships
Are there scholarships specifically for ADHD?
Yes! Several organizations, including NCLD, CHADD, ADDA, and the Neurodiversity Alliance, offer scholarships designed for students with ADHD.
Who qualifies for ADHD scholarships?
Most programs require a documented ADHD diagnosis and enrollment in higher education. Some also include students with learning disabilities or other neurodivergent conditions.
Do I need to disclose my diagnosis?
For ADHD-specific scholarships, yes, most require documentation. For general awards, disclosure is optional unless it’s part of eligibility.
When should I apply?
Deadlines vary, but most ADHD scholarships open in late fall or early spring. Applying early increases your chances.
Final Thoughts
ADHD should never stand in the way of higher education. From renewable awards like the Neurodiversity Scholarship to specialized support scholarships, these opportunities provide both financial and academic resources.
If you or someone you know has ADHD, start your applications early and apply to multiple scholarships to maximize your chances. Every award brings you one step closer to your educational goals.
Lucy Maddox
Lucy’s international upbringing in Hong Kong and love for literature have shaped her multifaceted background. She attended university in Middlebury, Vermont, before settling in Arlington, Virginia. In her free time, Lucy enjoys True Crime podcasts, thrillers, literary fiction, running, hiking, exploring Washington, D.C.'s newest restaurants, and blogging about her latest travels.
