Paying for college can look different across Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, with many students balancing family responsibilities, first-gen milestones, and varying access to need-based aid. The good news: there are national, regional, and campus-based scholarships that specifically recognize AAPI leadership, culture, and service. To stand out, line up transcripts, a concise activities list, and short essays that connect your story to the scholarship’s mission. Most deadlines fall in winter or early spring, so set reminders and apply early; you can also stack local awards with larger national funds when allowed.
Discover additional scholarship opportunities on the Scholarship Institute platform today!
Asian American Scholarships
APIA Scholars Scholarship
Official page: APIA Scholars Scholarship
Summary: Need-aware awards for APIA undergraduates demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, and financial need.
Eligibility: Asian or Pacific Islander American undergrads enrolled full time; minimum GPA and need required.
Award: Typically $2,500–$5,000.
Key dates: Opens in November 2025.
The Gates Scholarship
Official page: The Gates Scholarship
Summary: Highly selective last-dollar scholarship covering remaining cost of attendance after other aid.
Eligibility: Pell-eligible U.S. high school seniors with strong academics (3.3 GPA) and demonstrated leadership.
Award: Up to full cost of attendance.
Key dates: Deadline September 15, 2025 with winner selection in April 2026.
JACL National Scholarship Program
Official page: JACL National Scholarships
Summary: One portal for multiple awards to JACL Student and Youth members across class years and fields.
Eligibility: JACL membership and full-time enrollment.
Award: Varies by scholarship.
Key dates: Applications open in winter with category deadlines in early March and early April.
Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund
Official page: Banatao Family Scholarships
Summary: STEM scholarships for Filipino American students at four-year colleges and universities.
Eligibility: Filipino American HS or undergraduate students in CS, engineering, environmental science, math, or physical sciences; CA residency; GPA ≥ 3.0.
Award: $5,000 per year up to $20,000 total.
Key dates: Opens Dec 1 and closes around Mar 21.
UH Asian American Studies Center Scholarships
Official page: UH AASC Scholarships
Summary: Academic Excellence and Research awards for students taking AAPI Studies coursework or research.
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students at UH with GPA ≥ 2.7 who minor in or take AAPI Studies courses.
Award: Academic Excellence $1,000; Research $2,000.
Key dates: Typically opens each January.
OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarships
Official page: OCA-UPS Gold Mountain
Summary: First-generation AANHPI scholarships for HS seniors and rising college seniors.
Eligibility: AAPI-identifying students who are first-gen; U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA/undocumented with SSN/ITIN.
Award: $2,000 for HS seniors; $2,500 for rising college seniors.
Key dates: Recent cycle deadline was Mar 18, 2025.
Against The Grain Scholarships
Official page: Against The Grain Scholarships
Summary: Multiple awards recognizing leadership, creativity, entrepreneurship, and emerging media.
Eligibility: At least 25% Asian or Pacific Islander heritage; full-time enrollment; strong GPA and leadership.
Award: $1,000–$5,000 depending on award type.
Key dates: Typical deadline May 31 with award announcements in late September.
Hsiao Memorial Social Sciences Scholarship
Official page: Hsiao Memorial Scholarship
Summary: Graduate-level support for social sciences with preference for economics and projects aiding communities in social or economic need.
Eligibility: Graduate students with GPA ≥ 3.0; research benefiting communities in need; preference for Asian heritage but not required.
Award: $1,000.
Key dates: Runs in spring.
Shui Kuen and Allen Chin Scholarship
Official page: Shui Kuen and Allen Chin Scholarship
Summary: Supports students connected to Asian-owned or Asian-cuisine restaurants who show community advocacy.
Eligibility: Student or parent employed in an eligible restaurant setting; community service record.
Award: Around $1,000.
Key dates: Recent cycled closed April 4, 2025.
Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund
Official page: Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund
Summary: Renewable awards for Taiwanese American students with financial need.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are direct descendants of a Taiwanese citizen; HS seniors or first-year college students; GPA ≥ 3.0; financial need.
Award: $7,500 per year for up to 4 years.
Key dates: Recent deadline Apr 21, 2025.
Asian American Leaders in Mental Health Scholarship
Official page: AAPI Leaders in Mental Health
Summary: One-time award for AAPI students preparing for clinical mental health practice with a social justice focus.
Eligibility: AAPI master’s students in counseling or counseling psychology, preference for first-gen; commitment to communities of color.
Award: $500–$1,000.
Key dates: Recent window Feb 3 to Apr 30.
Quick tips
- Join relevant orgs early since some scholarships require membership at application time.
- Keep a master résumé and a short “about me” paragraph you can adapt quickly.
- Track deadlines with reminders one month and one week ahead.
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.
