Did you know you can win money just for liking Taylor Swift? Or secure some funds to pay for college tuition by sheer virtue of being tall? This is the world of weird scholarships, a legitimate form of financial aid that embraces the wacky and wild side of humanity.
Academic achievement, leadership positions, community service? Weird scholarships don’t care about those anymore. No more essays reflecting on the obstacles you’ve overcome; now you can harness your inner geek to gush about your favorite artist. They want to see the unique facets of your personality and quirky interests.
Scholarship Institute is a trusted source for scholarships that can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $50,000+. But no matter the size of the award, winning one of these scholarships may be a factor in making a college education possible for you.
In this article, we’ll list weird scholarships you can apply for and common mistakes to avoid in your application. We’ll also go over other forms of aid you can apply for, such as the FAFSA. Without further ado, let’s embrace our inner weirdo and dive into the universe of weird scholarships.
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What are Weird Scholarships?
Essentially, weird scholarships are a form of financial aid given to students for odd and unusual reasons. Weird scholarships will typically have unorthodox application and eligibility requirements. You may need to submit a fun video or write an essay about how much you love dogs. Some may have a minimum GPA and community service requirements; others will need nothing more than one sentence.
This type of college funding is essential for high school students or current college students because they don’t have to be paid back. This means no possibility of accruing student debt and no need to commit more hours to a job. Weird scholarships ensure you can go to college and focus on college.

How Weird Scholarships Help College Students
Weird scholarships can add fun to the academic journey, making the application process exciting and challenging. In a world of scholarships based on merit, need, or demographics, weird scholarships can remind students about the joys of life beyond the classroom.
In addition, they can give late academic bloomers the chance at a higher education, providing a second chance for students who may not have qualified for traditional scholarships. Many weird scholarships have extremely loose eligibility requirements, ensuring that more people have an opportunity to apply.
Here’s a category of weird scholarships for you. Check out these left-handed scholarships and capitalize on your rare skill!

Other Top Weird Scholarships
Undergraduate college students, graduate students, and high school seniors alike should apply for these weird and unusual scholarships from all corners of the internet. From major $50,000+ scholarships to smaller awards, you lose nothing by applying and could win enough to cover a whole semester or more.
1. Doodle 4 Google Scholarship
If you’ve ever used Google, you may have noticed the fun doodles that incorporate the letters of Google into a piece of art commemorating that day of the year. Google actually hosts a scholarship contest to find the best doodles to feature, and it offers college funding to the top doodlers.
For one national winner, their doodle will be featured on Google’s home page for 24 hours, and they’ll receive a $55,000 scholarship, plus an additional $50,000 for their school or non-profit organization. Even if you aren’t selected as the top national winner, you can still receive a $5,000 scholarship and a place in the Doodle for Google Gallery.
2. Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship
If you just walk through the greeting card section of any supermarket, you’ll notice not all of them are masterpieces. Many of them are simple and feature wacky and silly doodles. Like the Doodle 4 Google Scholarship, you don’t have to be an artist to make your mark.
This artsy scholarship is the Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship, sponsored by Prudent Publishing Company. They accept submissions from all over the US to be featured on the front of their greeting cards. This is a rare chance to have your work published while also winning a $10,000 award if you’re selected!
If you’re applying to these art-leaning weird scholarships, make sure to also apply for the top scholarships for artists!

3. AACT’s John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
Here’s a job you probably didn’t know about but dreamed about as a child: a candy confectioner. The American Association of Candy Technologists (yes, it’s a real association) sponsors an amazing scholarship program to support students interested in confectionery technologies.
The John Kitt Memorial Scholarship awards $2,500 to any college sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in food sciences or a related field. The most important requirement, however, is a demonstrated interest in confectionery technologies, which can come in the form of a research project, work experience, or formal study.
4. Tall Clubs International Scholarship
There’s a club for anything, and Tall Clubs International stands proudly as the nation’s foremost club for women over 5’10” and men over 6’2″. In order to qualify, you must already be part of a Tall Club and have been nominated for this scholarship by another member.
Multiple applicants will be selected for a $1,000 scholarship based purely on their height and an essay about “What Being Tall Means to Me.” This scholarship is only open to high school seniors who intend to attend an accredited college in the US or Canada.
5. Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest
Unlike the Tall Clubs International Scholarship, this scholarship may be a little ambiguous if you only know the name. Sponsored by the Duck Brand duct tape company, the Stuck at Prom Scholarship contest awards $1,000 to students who can create the best prom outfit out of Duck Brand duct tape.
Grand prize winners, runner-ups, and judges’ picks will all receive a thousand-dollar prize, so don’t be intimidated by the competition out there. Just pick up a roll of Duck Brand duct tape and get creating. You absolutely have what it takes to create the next fashion tape masterpiece!
Increase your winnings with more college scholarships from our list of the best no-essay scholarships. Apply with one click and maximize your chances!

How to Find and Apply for Weird Scholarships
Now that you know weird scholarships are out there, it’s time to find some suitable matches for you and put together a winning application. Use these tips to dramatically shorten the search for scholarships and improve your chances of winning.
Step 1: Master the Requirements
Think of the scholarship instructions as a puzzle you’re piecing together. Read the eligibility criteria carefully to ensure you’re a match. Whether it’s a love for llamas or an uncanny ability to whistle the alphabet backward, make sure you tick all the boxes. Attention to detail here can save you from applying to a scholarship you aren’t qualified for—or worse, missing a critical step.
Step 2: Use Reputable Scholarship Tools
Your search for quirky scholarships should start with trusted platforms like Bold.org or niche directories. These tools help you find opportunities tailored to your specific talents and interests. Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true—legitimate scholarships won’t ask for application fees or personal financial details upfront.
Step 3: Write an Exceptional Essay
If the application requires an essay, this is your time to shine. Start with a captivating opening—one that grabs attention and sets the tone. Let your personality, passion, and creativity shine through while staying focused on the prompt. Structure your essay with a strong introduction, vivid examples, and a memorable conclusion. Revise thoroughly to ensure it’s polished and engaging.
If you think you’ve got essays down to a T, consider applying to a traditional essay scholarship! They usually come with bigger awards and more prestige. Check out our list of the top essay scholarships to start the process!

Step 4: Highlight Your Uniqueness
Quirky scholarships celebrate individuality, so let your originality take center stage. Whether it’s an unusual hobby, a one-of-a-kind skill, or a unique perspective, embrace it wholeheartedly. Creativity counts, so don’t hesitate to introduce an innovative interpretation of the application requirements.w
Step 5: Submit Thoughtfully and Promptly
Review your application to ensure every detail is accurate and complete. Spellcheck can’t save you if you claim to be “dedicated to pubic service.” Submit your materials well before the deadline to avoid last-minute stress. A well-crafted thank-you note to the committee can add a touch of professionalism and leave a lasting impression. Then, channel your inner zen and be patient—your quirky scholarship destiny awaits.
If you’re a returning student, you’ll have gone through this whole process for college applications. As a seasoned essay-writing pro, consider applying to these scholarships for returning students!

Common Mistakes to Avoid
When searching for scholarships, it’s easy to get caught in the excitement of opportunities—but don’t let that excitement cloud your judgment. Here are common mistakes to avoid and how to steer clear of scams and pitfalls:
1. Falling for Red Flags
If a scholarship requires upfront payment or sensitive personal information like your Social Security number, it’s likely a scam. Be cautious of vague descriptions, poorly designed websites, or programs guaranteeing you’ll win money—no scholarship can promise that.
2. Neglecting Research
Investigate the organization offering the scholarship—check their website, look for reviews, and see if they have a social media presence. Testimonials from past winners can also help confirm the scholarship’s legitimacy. If something feels off, trust your instincts.
3. Limiting Your Applications
Don’t put all your eggs in one scholarship basket. It’s tempting to focus on a single opportunity, but applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances of success. Don’t shy away from quirky or niche awards—they may have less competition.
4. Ignoring the Fine Print
Read the application guidelines carefully. Missing deadlines, skipping required documents, or misunderstanding eligibility criteria are avoidable errors that could disqualify you.

Supplementing Weird Scholarships with Other Aid
While quirky scholarships can be a fun and unique way to fund your education, they’re often just one piece of the financial aid puzzle. To cover the full cost of college, it’s essential to explore other sources of funding and create a well-rounded financial strategy.
1. Start with the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step in accessing institutional aid, federal grants, work-study programs, and even low-interest student loans. Some funds, like the Pell Grant, don’t need to be repaid and can significantly offset college costs.
2. Look Into Location Foundations
Community foundations often offer scholarship awards specific to students attending college in their region. The competition will also be less intense since you won’t be competing against the whole country, just your county. Many of these scholarship opportunities also target minority groups, so if you come from a historically marginalized background, you may have an even bigger chance.
3. Balance Loans and Savings
While scholarships and grants should be your primary focus, consider how savings, part-time work, or federal student loans can supplement your aid package. Responsible borrowing can fill funding gaps, but aim to minimize debt wherever possible. Loans should be your last resort. Apply to as many scholarships as possible before looking into other financial aid.
Check out our top picks for scholarships for women!

Frequently Asked Questions About Weird Scholarships
1. What Weird Scholarships Have the Biggest Award Amounts?
Weird scholarships vary widely in award amounts, but some offer substantial funding, such as the Doodle 4 Google scholarships, which awards up to $50,000 for the winning doodle. For something a little wackier and less time-consuming, Unigo’s Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship offers $2,000 for a simple 250-word response. Apply for this unique zombie apocalypse scholarship today!
2. Can International Students Apply to Weird Scholarships?
Yes, some weird scholarships are open to international students, but eligibility varies by scholarship. Check the application requirements carefully, and focus on global contests or scholarships offered by organizations that support students worldwide.
3. What Other Easy Scholarships Can I Apply For?
You can apply for no-essay scholarships, sweepstakes scholarships, or awards based on simple eligibility criteria like filling out a quick form. Platforms like Bold.org offer straightforward options that require minimal effort, making them great complements to your quirky scholarship search.
Want to know more about all the weird aspects of education, finance, and careers? Head over to our Scholarship Institute blog, where you learn all about resources like hit-or-miss career tests!