10 Asian Scholarships for College

Scholarships for Asian Students

Asian students bring diverse perspectives, cultures, and talents to college campuses across the country. To support academic success and promote representation in higher education, many organizations, foundations, and universities offer scholarships specifically for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. These awards often recognize academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and cultural pride.

Whether you are a first-generation college student or pursuing an advanced degree, the following scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander students can help you reduce educational costs and reach your academic and professional goals.

What College Scholarships and Grants Are Available for Asian American Students?

Asian American students have access to a wide variety of scholarships and grants aimed at supporting educational access, reducing student debt, and promoting representation in higher education. These awards are typically based on a combination of academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and community involvement.

Notable scholarship opportunities include:

• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIA) – One of the largest scholarship providers for AAPI students in the U.S. Awards range from $2,500 to $20,000. Applicants must be of Asian or Pacific Islander descent and demonstrate financial need.
• The Gates Scholarship – A highly competitive, full-ride scholarship awarded to outstanding minority students, including Asian American high school seniors. Covers full cost of attendance, including tuition, housing, and books.
• OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship – Supports first-generation Asian American college students with awards of up to $2,000. Requires community involvement and academic merit.
• Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships – Offers more than a dozen scholarships for Asian American students with various backgrounds, career goals, and financial circumstances. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
• USPAACC Scholarships – The U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation awards scholarships to Asian American students pursuing business or STEM degrees. Awards range from $3,000 to $5,000.

Most of these scholarships open applications between November and March. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early by gathering transcripts, writing a compelling personal statement, and seeking letters of recommendation.

Are There Scholarships for Asian American High School Students?

Yes, many scholarships are specifically available for Asian American high school seniors preparing to attend college. These scholarships help reduce the cost of higher education and often serve as pathways to mentorship, internships, or leadership development programs.

Top scholarships for Asian American high school students include:

• APIA Scholarship Program – Available to AAPI students who are high school seniors or current college students. Requires a minimum 2.7 GPA and demonstration of financial need, leadership, and community service.
• Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) – Offers regional scholarships to high school seniors of Korean descent. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 based on academic merit and financial need.
• LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) Scholarship – Provides funding and leadership opportunities to Asian American high school seniors and college students with strong community involvement.
• AANAPISI Scholarship – Available to students attending Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions. Must demonstrate financial need and strong academic potential.

Tips for high school applicants:

• Start your scholarship search early (fall of senior year)
• Prepare a strong personal essay reflecting your identity and goals
• Highlight leadership, volunteer work, and cultural involvement
• Check regional/local Asian American organizations for smaller, less competitive scholarships

These scholarships are not just financial support—they often come with access to professional networks, academic mentorship, and leadership training, helping Asian American students thrive throughout college and beyond.

Are There STEM Scholarships for Asian American Students?

Yes, many scholarships specifically support Asian American students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). These scholarships aim to promote diversity in STEM fields and often include mentoring, internships, or career development opportunities.

Examples include:

• USPAACC Bruce Lee Foundation Scholarship – Supports Asian American students with leadership potential pursuing STEM or business degrees. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Asian Pacific Community Fund – Verizon STEM Scholarship – Provides $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors planning to study a STEM field in college.
• Generation Google Scholarship (APAC) – Offered by Google to encourage students of Asian heritage to pursue tech careers. Awards up to $10,000 and includes networking opportunities with Google professionals.

To be competitive, students should demonstrate academic excellence, a strong interest in STEM, and, in some cases, leadership or volunteer experience in tech-related fields.

Are There Scholarships for First-Generation Asian American Students?

Yes, there are several scholarships dedicated to first-generation college students from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. These awards are designed to support students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree in the U.S.

Examples include:

• Asian Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIA) – First Gen Program – Prioritizes first-generation, low-income students and provides awards ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
• The Gates Scholarship – A full-ride scholarship often awarded to high-achieving, first-gen minority students, including Asian Americans.
• Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation – Offers up to $5,000 to low-income women and mothers, many of whom are first-generation students.

Applicants are often asked to share their personal journey, challenges they’ve overcome, and how higher education will impact their family and community.

Can Asian American Students Apply for Minority Scholarships?

Yes, Asian American students are eligible for many minority-focused scholarships in the U.S. While some programs target specific ethnic groups (e.g., Black or Latinx students), many scholarships for underrepresented minorities explicitly include Asian Americans.

Examples include:

• The Gates Scholarship – Open to Pell-eligible high school seniors from minority groups, including Asian American and Pacific Islander students.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) – While primarily for students of Hispanic heritage, many national organizations partner with HSF and include AAPI students in broader diversity initiatives.
• United Negro College Fund (UNCF) – Some partner scholarships offered through UNCF allow all students of color to apply, including Asian Americans, especially for STEM-related or regional awards.

It’s important for Asian American students to read eligibility criteria carefully. If the term “underrepresented minority” is used, it often includes AAPI students—especially in STEM, leadership, and business programs.