Best Scholarships for Asian American Students in 2024

As the cost of college continues to rise, many Asian American students face unique financial challenges that stem from a variety of factors, including cultural expectations and socioeconomic disparities within their communities. Scholarships for Asian Americans acknowledge the distinct cultures and challenges that Asian American students encounter, empowering them to pursue their educational goals with confidence.

To find the best scholarship opportunities available, we thoroughly examined various scholarship platforms, along with numerous other scholarship resources. Our goal was to identify financial awards specifically designed for Asian American students. We found that Bold.org offered the best exclusive opportunities for Asian American students. They have tons of scholarships available, including scholarships for undergraduate students, grad students, and high school students, as well as niche scholarships for specific majors and hobbies.

Keep in mind that you can benefit not only from financial aid opportunities specifically for students of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage but also from those designed for those studying a specific subject, attending a specific school, or in various student circumstances.

Apply for scholarships for Asian Americans to access essential financial support that can help you achieve your educational goals.

How to Qualify for Asian American Scholarships

Each individual scholarship will have different requirements, determined by the donor who is offering it. While requirements vary from award to award, most scholarship opportunities require candidates to be:

• A U.S. citizen (or qualified permanent resident)
• Of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage
• Enrolled in a U.S.-accredited college or university
• In good academic standing

Some awards may have requirements such as excellent academic performance, financial need, or participation in the community. Typically, a scholarship committee thoroughly evaluates every application to guarantee that deserving students receive the financial assistance necessary for their academic success.

The following ethnicities typically comprise what is referred to by Asian American or Pacific Islander:

• Asian Indian
• Bangladeshi
• Burmese
• Cambodian
• Chinese
• Filipino
• Guamanian/Chamorro
• Hmong
• Indo Chinese
• Indonesian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Laotian
• Malaysian
• Maori
• Marshallese
• Micronesian
• Native Hawaiian
• Nepalese
• Okinawan
• Pakistani
• Palauan
• Samoan
• Tahitian
• Taiwanese
• Thai
• Tongan
• Vietnamese
• Yapese

First-generation college students working toward obtaining a college education should take advantage of scholarships to help them obtain their degrees without the burden of overwhelming financial costs.

How to Apply for Asian American Scholarships

Start Early

Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance to ensure you meet all deadlines.

Tailor Your Applications

Customize each application to highlight how your experiences align with the scholarship’s criteria.

Seek Guidance

Utilize resources such as college financial aid offices and online scholarship search engines like Bold.org.

Highlight Leadership and Community Involvement

Many scholarships value leadership skills and community service, so be sure to emphasize these aspects in your applications where relevant.

Where to Look for Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities can be found in a variety of places. If you are currently a student in high school, a visit with your school counselor is a great place to start, as they can have valuable insights into the scholarships available specifically for you and your area. They may also offer practical tips to get you started on your search and to make your application stand out.

In addition, you can check the U.S. Department of Labor’s free scholarship search tool, your college’s financial aid office, and Bold.org. You may even check with community organizations – such as churches, volunteer groups, or your local library – to find less-known award opportunities.

Types of Scholarship Sponsors

Scholarship sponsors can be college departments, charitable foundations, professional corporations, minority advocacy groups, employers, community associations, other organizations, and even individuals.

There are also several organizations dedicated specifically to providing college funding and scholarships for Asian students. These include (but are not limited to):

• U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC) Education Foundation
• Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF)
• Asian Pacific Fund
• Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) Scholarships
• National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
• Asian Pacific American Librarians Association

Scholarship Application Strategy

Given the variety of available scholarships for Asian students and the limited time prospective and current college students have, it’s best to devise an efficient strategy to search for and select the scholarships that are most pertinent to you. Focus your time and effort on applying to those. This could include scholarships focused on your personal interests, academic interests, or your specific grade point average.

Remember, in addition to award opportunities designed for Asian American/Pacific Islander students, there are several options for this demographic based on merit, need, or other factors. These might include:

• Academic achievement
• Athletic performance
• Musical talent
• Unique hobbies or skills
• Financial need
• Volunteer work or community service

In narrowing your search, it’s also important to pay attention to the award amounts, deadlines, eligibility requirements, and the estimated time to apply.

When applying for scholarships, be sure to carefully follow all directions to submit your application. Many scholarships also require that you complete the FAFSA before applying. For extra consideration, it’s also a good idea to apply as early before the deadline as you can.

High school seniors and undergraduate and graduate students pursuing higher education should apply for scholarships, fellowships, and grants to minimize their college costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Asian Students

When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships?

The application deadlines for scholarships vary depending on the unique opportunity and the organization behind it. Pay attention to the details of each scholarship to find their specific deadlines.

What Types of Scholarships Are Available for Asian American or Pacific Islander Students?

Some scholarships select a winner solely based on their belonging to the Asian American/Pacific Islander ethnicity. Many awards combine this with other factors to select a winner – such as academic achievement, quality of essay submission, intended college major, financial need, participation in the community, or other unique characteristics.

What to Consider When Applying for Scholarships?

Remember that some scholarships have high competition and a lot of candidates. Don’t let your losses get you down. It’s somewhat of a numbers game, so just keep applying to as many as you can. It’s also good to keep in mind that there are many scholarships you can still apply for once you’re enrolled in college. Award opportunities are available for both prospective and current college students.

Also, keep in mind that each scholarship has different requirements. Some scholarships may require applicants to provide information about their academic interests, while others may specifically target graduate students or focus on particular demographics, such as minority students. Because of this, be sure to tailor your application specifically to each scholarship’s criteria.

How Do I Make My Application Stand Out?

Write an essay that’s creative and unique to you (and grammatically correct, of course). Be careful to follow all submission directions exactly, as this can be an easy thing to miss. Finally, submit your application as soon as you can.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting Scholarships?

Once again, apply to as many scholarships for Asian Americans as you can and apply for scholarships with broader eligibility criteria like specific majors or grade levels. Just make sure you capitalize your time and attention on the ones with very unique or specific requirements, as these may give you less competition and a higher chance of winning.

What Is the Asian Pacific Fund?

The Asian Pacific Fund is a nonprofit organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that focuses on supporting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities through various initiatives. Established in 1995, the fund aims to promote philanthropy and social equity by providing scholarships, grants, and community support.

Asian American students can benefit from scholarships outside of federal student aid. To reduce your odds of student loan debt, apply for college scholarships today.