Managing diabetes while pursuing college is a big commitment. The good news: there are dedicated scholarships for diabetics, school-based awards, and research-focused funding that recognize resilience, academic achievement, and community impact.
Below is a curated list of scholarships and programs for students living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, including athlete awards and graduate-level opportunities.
Top Scholarships for Diabetics
Beyond Scholars (Beyond Type 1)
- Award: $10,000 + 6 months wellness coaching
- Eligibility: Living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; U.S. citizen; high school graduate (Class of 2025); attending a U.S. college or trade school in 2025–26; demonstrated financial need.
- Deadline: August 29, 2025
- Decision: Winners announced October 2025
- Learn more: Beyond Scholars
Scott & Kim Verplank Foundation Scholarship
- Award: Up to $10,000/year, renewable up to 4 years
- Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors with Type 1 diabetes (childhood diagnosis); actively manage diabetes (diet/exercise/medication); participate on an organized athletic team; 3.0+ GPA.
- Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Decision: Late June
- Learn more: Verplank Foundation Scholarship
Team Type 1 Global Ambassador Scholarship
- Award: Up to $10,000
- Eligibility: NAIA or NCAA student-athletes with Type 1 diabetes; 3.0+ GPA; commitment to diabetes advocacy and using sport as a platform to inspire others.
- Deadline: March
- Decision: June
- Learn more: Team Type 1
Novo Nordisk Donnelly Awards (USTA)
- Award: $2,500–$10,000
- Eligibility: High school or college tennis athletes with Type 1 diabetes competing on a team or in a league.
- Deadline: Varies
- Decision: Varies
- Learn more: Donnelly Awards
Delta Epsilon Psi Scholarship for Students with Diabetes – University of Florida
- Award: $600
- Eligibility: Full-time University of Florida students diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes; minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Deadline: March 1, 2025
- Learn more: UF Diabetes Scholarship
Magnuson Scholars Program (Diabetes Focus Option) – University of Washington Health Sciences
- Award: Scholarship supported by the Warren G. Magnuson Institute (amount varies)
- Eligibility: Top Health Sciences graduate students at UW nominated by their school; at least one nominee each year is prepared for or engaged in diabetes-related research.
- Deadline: March 7, 2025 (nomination deadline)
- Learn more: UW Magnuson Scholars
Tips for Applying to Diabetes Scholarships
- Tell your story. Share how you manage diabetes and the impact it’s had on your academics, athletics, leadership, or advocacy.
- Document achievements & care. A strong resume, transcript, and a verification of diagnosis or care plan (when requested) can strengthen your application.
- Mind deadlines & renewals. Some awards renew for multiple years. Set reminders for both application and renewal requirements.
- Show community impact. Highlight peer mentoring, fundraising, advocacy, or awareness initiatives.
- For athletes: Include stats, coach references, and how you manage T1D/T2D in training and competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to disclose my diabetes to apply?
For diabetes-specific scholarships, yes, programs typically require confirmation of diagnosis. For general scholarships, disclosure is optional unless eligibility depends on it.
Are these only for Type 1 diabetes?
No. Several programs are open to Type 1 or Type 2. Always check each program’s criteria.
Can student-athletes with diabetes get scholarships?
Yes. Awards like Team Type 1 and the Novo Nordisk Donnelly Awards specifically support athletes with diabetes.
Are there opportunities for graduate students?
Yes. Research-focused awards such as UAB’s Dr. Sarah Hallberg Endowed Scholarship and UW’s Magnuson Scholars (with diabetes research priority) support grad students.
Can I stack these with institutional aid?
Often yes, but stacking rules vary. Some external awards reduce loans or unmet need; others may adjust your aid package. Confirm with your financial aid office.
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.
