Top 133 Scholarships & Grants with February Deadlines

February Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

Why does February see such a spike in STEM, engineering, and science-competition scholarships?

It’s not a coincidence — February sits right in the sweet spot between winter break and the spring academic push, and that timing works perfectly for organizations tied to research, engineering, and innovation. A lot of national STEM competitions schedule their judging and recognition events for late spring or early summer, so February deadlines give them just enough breathing room to evaluate complex submissions. These aren’t simple “submit an essay and move on” programs; many require project summaries, lab work documentation, coding samples, or multi-section applications. Committees need the extra time, and February gives it to them. Another unusual thing about February is that STEM-focused foundations tend to receive more polished submissions, because students often refine their projects or research proposals over winter break. There’s a quiet “unofficial season” feel to this month — the serious STEM students show up, and committees know it. If you have a technical interest or a science-based portfolio, February is one of the rare months where your work actually aligns with how scholarship judges think.

Pro Tip:
If you’re submitting anything project-based (engineering design, research proposal, robotics entry), include a short “What changed since I first developed this?” paragraph. Committees love seeing growth and iteration — it gives your work a story.

Are February scholarships harder or easier to win compared to other months?

It’s a strange month because February is neither effortless nor brutally competitive; it sits somewhere in the middle, but in a way that’s actually good for applicants. The pool tends to shrink compared to January, mostly because students are settling back into school routines and aren’t applying as aggressively. But the students who *do* apply in February often fall into niche categories — STEM kids, writers entering national contests, or students applying for specific career-driven awards. This means many general or broad scholarships actually have surprisingly favorable odds simply because they’re overshadowed by the “big STEM rush.” Reviewers often mention that February submissions feel more intentional and less scattered, which means a thoughtful essay or a well-constructed response stands out even more. If you’re not in a STEM field, February is a hidden-gem month for students in the arts, humanities, education, or public service.

Pro Tip:
Look for scholarships that aren’t labeled as STEM but that open in February anyway — committees often get fewer submissions for those because students assume everything this month is science-related.

Is February a good month for students who prefer project-based or portfolio-driven applications?

Absolutely — in fact, it’s arguably one of the best months of the entire year for students who create, build, or design things. Many February programs specifically ask for proof of work: a sample, a screenshot, a short video, slides from a presentation, anything tangible. Committees reviewing these submissions tend to be patient and genuinely interested because they know these entries take more time and thought than standard essays. The month also benefits students who’ve been quietly working on something during the fall but didn’t feel ready to apply earlier. It’s common for applicants to put finishing touches on a project over the holidays and finally feel confident enough in February to submit. You don’t need a perfect or polished project either — reviewers care more about progress, curiosity, and real effort than flawless execution. If you’ve built anything, even a work-in-progress, February finally gives it a place to shine.

Pro Tip:
Don’t just upload a file — add a tiny “What I learned while building this” note. Human reflection paired with technical work is powerful, and committees remember applicants who make their projects feel personal.