If you’re a black woman looking to advance your education, there are scholarships specifically designed to support you. Scholarships for black women aim to help overcome the unique challenges you might face and make higher education more accessible. They provide financial assistance and resources to help you thrive in your studies and reach your career goals. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or heading to graduate school, these scholarships are here to support and uplift you on your educational journey.
This list features scholarships specifically for black women that are currently accepting applications. You’ll find a wide range of opportunities here (including several no-essay options!). From scholarships that cover tuition and fees to those offering support for books and living expenses. Our goal is to help you find the resources you need to succeed in your pursuit of higher education.
Find more scholarship awards to apply for using the Scholarship Institute platform!
Scholarships for Black Women in 2025
ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship
Official page: ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship
Summary: Annual aid for first-year law students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Eligibility: Entering first year of law school in 2026, member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority, minimum 2.5 undergrad GPA, enrolling at an ABA-accredited law school. International students and those with prior law coursework are ineligible.
Award: $15,000 over three years to 20–25 scholars.
Key dates: Application opens Feb 15, 2026.
Black Girl White Coat Representation Matters Scholarship
Official page: Representation Matters Scholarship
Summary: Supports black women pursuing healthcare careers with small awards across multiple recipients.
Eligibility: Black women pursuing healthcare fields; a member of SNMA or NMA associations.
Award: $10,000 total divided among 15 winners.
Key dates: Annual; recent cycle accepted applications through February.
John Lewis Scholars Program — Spelman College
Official page: John Lewis Scholars | Spelman College
Summary: Endowed awards for Social Justice Fellows at Spelman.
Eligibility: Spelman undergraduate women selected as Social Justice Fellows.
Award: $10,000 one-time tuition contribution to five fellows each year.
Key dates: Internal selection tied to the Social Justice Fellows application cycle.
Humanities & Social Sciences Scholars Program — Howard University
Official page: H3SP | Howard University
Summary: Pipeline program for future PhD scholars in humanities and social sciences with substantial financial and academic support.
Eligibility: Incoming first-year students admitted to Howard who meet GPA and program criteria and commit to pursuing a PhD pathway.
Award: 75–100% tuition plus room and board, books stipend, summer bridge, internships, study abroad, and mentoring.
Key dates: Recent cycle opened Nov 1, 2024 and closed Jan 30, 2025; check for the next application window.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
Official page: Ron Brown Scholar Program
Summary: Highly selective merit- and need-based undergraduate awards for Black/African American high school seniors.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; strong academics, leadership, service, and financial need.
Award: $10,000/year for four years ($40,000 total).
Key dates: Annual cycle typically opens in September with deadlines in late fall.
Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST)
Official page: DFBSST Scholarships
Summary: Support for African American undergraduates in technical majors at HBCUs.
Eligibility: African American U.S. citizens or permanent residents majoring in technical fields at participating HBCUs.
Award: Up to $3,000/year, renewable up to four years.
Key dates: Applications available Apr 15; due Jun 15; recipients notified in early September.
NANBPWC Scholarships
Official page: NANBPWC Scholarships
Summary: For NANBPWC members planning to major in Education who demonstrate leadership.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, NANBPWC member, graduating high school senior or college undergraduate, majoring in Education, minimum “B” average.
Award: Varies.
Key dates: Submission period Jan 27 to Apr 25, 2025.
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.
