Top Scholarships for Undocumented Students to Apply For

Pursuing higher education as an undocumented student presents unique challenges, one of which is securing financial support. Thankfully, numerous scholarships are specifically designed for undocumented students based on personal background, interests, and academic performance. In this guide, we’ve identified 21 promising scholarships for undocumented students to apply for. We’ll also show you some insider tips and information to maximize your chances of winning, empowering you to pursue your academic goals.

About Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Regardless of immigration status, many scholarships are available to those with undocumented status. The best thing to know is that applying for scholarships is reasonably straightforward nowadays. Twenty years ago, students had to fill out scholarships that were long thick paper applications, and the students’ submissions were usually sent through your school or the mail. Now it is pretty easy to log online, search for the scholarship of your dreams, and apply to the scholarship of your choice.

What Are Scholarships for Undocumented Students?

Remember that undocumented students are not eligible to receive US federal student aid, but some state-based programs may provide you with financial assistance. Undocumented students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA students are also not eligible for federal financial aid funds. Still, they may be available for financial aid through state government programs or the college they attend. 

Some colleges will tell undocumented students to file the Free Application for Federal student aid. You can also check out college-specific financial aid programs and private scholarships. Don’t worry; there are tons of resources available to undocumented students. Finding a scholarship is relatively easy; you can find some that align with your background and qualifications.

What Qualifies Undocumented Students for Scholarships?

Things can be competitive when you are looking for scholarship awards specific to the major you are interested in. Quite a few organizations and people giving out scholarships require students to have reached some academic achievement and to have at least a B average and experience in the major they aspire to enter. Top high school seniors get a recommendation letter from a community leader, teacher, or counselor. This appeals to their application because the teacher is endorsing their skill sets. Getting a recommendation could give you the upper hand or the best chance of getting the scholarship of your dreams.

Types of Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Undocumented students have several scholarship opportunities available. Here are the most common kinds and what they typically involve.

College Scholarships

Several colleges and universities offer scholarships exclusively for their incoming or continuing students, including undocumented ones. Their websites and financial aid offices usually have more information on eligibility requirements, such as a minimum GPA.   

Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are open to all students, regardless of their immigration status (unless otherwise specified by the scholarship provider). Awarded based on academic, creative, or athletic achievements, they could be a good fit for undocumented status with a strong track record in any of these areas. 

Need-Based Scholarships

Many need-based scholarships don’t require US citizenship, making them a viable option for undocumented students. They are granted based on financial hardship, so students may need to provide supporting details about their financial circumstances. However, undocumented students can’t apply for federal funding. 

Student-Specific Scholarships

Some scholarships consider personal factors like ethnicity, religion, or family history, including for undocumented students. Not only do these opportunities embrace diversity and inclusivity, but they go a long way in helping underrepresented students pay for school. 

Career-Specific Scholarships

These scholarships focus on students interested in particular professions. While eligibility criteria can vary, there are scholarships that are committed to helping undocumented students fulfill their professional dreams in fields like medicine, education, or engineering.

How to Find Scholarships for Undocumented Students

If you’re an undocumented student with high aspirations, numerous scholarships await you. While many scholarship winners tend to be minority students, what sets the winners apart is the quality of their applications. 

Begin your search by targeting scholarships you are eligible for. Bold.org offers hundreds of opportunities for various education levels and demographics, including scholarships for immigrants and undocumented students. Check each scholarship’s eligibility criteria, as certain scholarships are designed for high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students. 

Additionally, ensure you’re familiar with tuition requirements. Section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform Responsibility Act of 1996 can impact in-state tuition rates for undocumented students, so review the tuition policies for your schools of interest to estimate how much funding you need.  

How to Apply for Undocumented Students Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bold.org‘s streamlined scholarship program makes finding and applying to dozens of scholarships easy. Here’s how undocumented students can get started. 

Step 1: Visit Bold.org

Start by visiting Bold.org. This scholarship platform offers various opportunities to students of all backgrounds, including undocumented students. 

Step 2: Create a Free Profile

To apply for scholarships, create a free Bold.org profile, which displays your background, experience, and skills to scholarship organizers. A robust and detailed profile makes it easier for the scholarship panel to understand your qualifications and goals, increasing your odds of winning. 

Step 3: Find Opportunities

Once you’ve crafted the best profile, take time to review all the scholarship opportunities. Pay close attention to the eligibility requirements and deadlines. Look specifically for scholarships for undocumented students or those aligned with your goals and qualifications. 

Step 4: Apply for Scholarships

Once you’ve identified the scholarships you’re interested in, start the application process per the directions. Each scholarship will have different requirements, so read the instructions carefully and put your best effort into the application. 

Step 5: Monitor Your Applications

After you’ve applied to your scholarships, you can keep track of their statuses on your Bold.org dashboard. 

Step 6: Automatically Apply the Funds to Your Tuition

If you’ve been selected for the scholarships, Bold.org will automatically apply your scholarships to your tuition, eliminating the need for additional paperwork and hassle. 

Tips for Finding Financial Aid Opportunities

Securing a scholarship as an undocumented student can make a major difference. Here are some strategic tips to help you stand out and increase your chances of winning. 

Tip 1: Start Early

The earlier you start the scholarship application process, the better. This gives you ample time to research, prepare, and polish your application, increasing your chances of standing out and winning. 

Tip 2: Tailor Your Application

Since each scholarship has unique requirements and focuses, you want to optimize each application to fit these specifics. Use your application to show how your background and achievements align with the scholarship’s mission and why you’re the best candidate. 

Tip 3: Showcase Your Unique Experience

As an undocumented student, you have unique experiences and perspectives worth sharing. Be authentic, showing the scholarship panels how you plan on contributing to your community or school. 

Tip 4: Write a Strong Essay

Some scholarships ask for a written essay, usually around 400–600 words. This is your chance to tell your story and make a lasting impression, so ensure you proofread, sound genuine, and have others review your work. 

Tip 5: Apply for Several Scholarships

Limiting yourself to one scholarship lowers your chances of winning, so explore all the available opportunities and apply to as many as possible. However, ensure you put enough time into each application and don’t rush through the process. 

Tip 6: Refine your Bold.org Profile

Your Bold.org profile is what scholarship panels and donors see when you apply, so keep it updated and accurate. Be original, outgoing, and detailed when creating and refining your profile. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Can undocumented students get full-ride scholarships?

Yes, undocumented students can get a full-ride scholarship. Some will have specific requirements, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, while others accept all undocumented students, so ensure you check the eligibility criteria. 

How can undocumented students apply for scholarships? 

Undocumented students can apply for scholarships by contacting their school’s financial aid department or through services like Bold.org, which makes it easy to find and apply for applicable scholarships at no cost. 

Does FAFSA give money to undocumented students?

Most undocumented students cannot complete the FAFSA and are ineligible for federally-funded student financial aid. Likewise, DACA students cannot apply for federal student aid. 

Can undocumented immigrants get a loan? 

Yes, non-US citizens living in the US with a valid visa, as well as Green Card holders, can often apply for a personal or business loan, which may be used for covering educational costs depending on the loan terms and lender. 

What states allow undocumented college students? 

According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, only three states (Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina) prevent undocumented students from enrolling in all or certain public institutions. The other 47 states have varying policies, with some only accepting DACA students. Be sure to research your state’s undocumented student policy to determine your options. 

What are some other resources for undocumented students? 

CollegeBoard, the organization behind the SAT, has a help page for undocumented students. It covers admission, tuition, and financial aid barriers commonly faced during the college admissions process, including student rights and how school counselors can help.

Are undocumented student scholarships available for graduate students?

Yes, scholarships are available to undocumented students at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Bold.org breaks up scholarships by education level and demographic, making it easy to find relevant graduate school scholarships for undocumented students. 

Can I reapply for a scholarship if I didn’t win the first time?

Policies vary by scholarship. Some will allow you to reapply if you didn’t win the first time, but it’s best to check the specific terms and conditions. However, Bold.org typically allows you to reapply, assuming the scholarship has a recurring application window, but always check the application for exact details. 

Are scholarships taxable income?

Whether scholarships are taxable depends on how it’s used and the recipient’s student status. Generally, it’s tax-free if you’re pursuing a degree, and the scholarship covers tuition, required fees, and student expenses (i.e., textbooks and supplies). However, funds used for room, board, or living stipends are taxable. For more information, IRS 970 covers tax benefits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. 

How many scholarships can you get?

There’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can receive. Scholarships can be specific to majors or open to all, but competition is often high. In 2020, 58% of families used scholarships for college, so try to apply for as many scholarships as possible to maximize your financial aid.