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College Scholarships for Graduate Level Students (2025 - 2026)

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Grants and Scholarships for Graduate Students

Pursuing a graduate degree is a major investment, but it doesn’t have to come with overwhelming debt. From federally funded grants to university fellowships and full-ride scholarships, graduate students today have access to a wide range of financial aid opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s, doctoral, or professional degree, understanding your options can make the difference between taking on large loans and graduating debt-free.

This guide breaks down the most trusted and competitive sources of funding for graduate students — including federal grants, university scholarships, research fellowships, and specialized awards for women and underrepresented groups. Each section highlights well-known programs and explains how to identify, apply for, and maximize these funding opportunities.

Can You Get Grants for Graduate Degrees?

Yes. Many graduate students qualify for grants through federal, state, and institutional programs. One of the most recognized options is the TEACH Grant, which provides funding to education students who agree to teach in high-need areas after graduation. In addition, universities frequently award institutional grants based on academic merit or financial need. Graduate students in research-intensive fields—especially STEM disciplines—can also pursue federal research grants from organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Can I Get a Full Scholarship for a Master’s Degree?

Yes, full scholarships for master’s programs are available, though they are highly competitive. Prestigious international awards like the Fulbright Program and Gates Cambridge Scholarship cover tuition, travel, and living costs for top students. Elite U.S. universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and Yale also provide full funding packages for high-achieving students in select graduate programs. Many professional and academic master’s programs now include assistantships that combine tuition remission with stipends for teaching or research work.

Does FAFSA Offer Grants for Graduate Students?

While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does not directly award Pell Grants to graduate students, completing the FAFSA is still essential. It determines eligibility for federal loans—including the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Grad PLUS Loan—and is required by most schools for institutional aid consideration. Some universities use FAFSA data to allocate need-based scholarships and grants at the graduate level.

Can Graduate Students Get Research Grants?

Yes. Graduate students are often eligible for individual research grants and fellowships that support original scholarly work. Leading sources include the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the NIH Research Training Grants. Many universities also provide internal mini-grants or travel stipends to help students fund fieldwork, conference presentations, and dissertation projects.

Are There Full-Ride Scholarships for Graduate School?

Full-ride scholarships are among the most prestigious forms of graduate funding. Programs such as the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University, the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, and the Truman Scholarship for public service students provide complete coverage for tuition, fees, and living expenses. These programs are extremely competitive but can eliminate all financial barriers to advanced study.

What Graduate School Scholarships Are Available for Women?

Several prominent scholarships specifically support women pursuing advanced degrees. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowships fund graduate and doctoral research across disciplines. The PEO Scholar Award and Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) focus on women demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. Many universities and private foundations also offer targeted fellowships for women in STEM, law, and business programs.

Are There Government Scholarships for Graduate Students?

Yes. The U.S. government and its affiliated agencies offer competitive graduate scholarships and fellowships in areas vital to national interests. Examples include the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG), the Boren Fellowship for language and international study, and the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for global research and teaching opportunities. These awards provide both funding and professional recognition.

How Can You Get Free Money for Graduate School?

“Free money” for graduate school generally comes in the form of grants, scholarships, and fellowships that do not require repayment. Students should explore opportunities such as the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, institutional merit awards, and private foundation grants. Building a strong academic record, writing compelling research proposals, and applying early can significantly increase your chances of receiving funding.

What Graduate School Scholarships Are Available for Minorities?

There are numerous programs designed to promote diversity in graduate education. The Ford Foundation Fellowship, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Graduate Scholarship, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Graduate Program all provide generous support for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Additional scholarships are available through professional associations and cultural organizations that aim to expand access to advanced degrees.

Are There Graduate School Grants?

Yes. Graduate school grants may come from federal programs, universities, or private organizations. Examples include the TEACH Grant for future educators, NSF research grants for science and engineering fields, and NIH Training Grants for students in health-related disciplines. Many institutions also offer need-based aid or departmental research grants that help cover tuition and living costs.

What Are the Best Scholarships for Graduate Students?

Some of the most competitive and respected scholarships for graduate students include the Rhodes Scholarship, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program, the AAUW Fellowships, and the Fulbright Program. These awards stand out for their comprehensive funding, leadership training, and international prestige—often opening doors to elite research and career opportunities.

What Scholarships Are Available for Graduate Students in Education?

Graduate students pursuing careers in education can access several specialized funding opportunities. The TEACH Grant supports those committed to teaching in high-need schools, while the NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grant funds professional development for educators. Additionally, the AASA Educational Administration Scholarship assists aspiring school leaders working toward advanced credentials in administration or policy.

Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.

Compare Top Graduate Level Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Graduate Level scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

Scholarship Award Deadline Est. Time Renewable
The Digital Innovation Scholarship $1,000 September Med (~68 min) No
Pursue Your Passion Scholarship $1,000 April Med (~43 min) No
LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships $3,750 February Med (~88 min) No
Alaska Education Grant (AEG) $16,000 Rolling Low (~23 min) No
Ann Kleist Scholarship $4,500 Rolling Med (~33 min) No
The Earl Warren Scholarship $30,000 June Med (~88 min) No
Bob Richardson Legacy Scholarship $1,000 Rolling Low (~28 min) No
Peter and Jody Larkin Legacy Scholarship $1 Rolling Low (~28 min) No
Minecraft Scholarship $2,000 July Med (~68 min) No
Arden White Student Excellence Fund — March Low (~13 min) No
Presidential Elite Scholarship $2,000 December Low (~13 min) No
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship $10,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship $25,000 Rolling Med (~68 min) No
Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship $1,500 Rolling Med (~71 min) No
National Potato Council Scholarship $10,000 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
Paul and Helen L. Grauer Scholarship $1,000 January Med (~53 min) No
Don Riebhoff Memorial Scholarship $1,000 January Med (~53 min) No
Six Meter Club of Chicago Scholarship $500 January Med (~53 min) No
Adrian J. Johnson Outstanding Graduate Student Scholarship $1,000 Rolling Med (~48 min) No
Raymond H. Stetson Scholarship $1,500 October Low (~30 min) No
Biochemical Society Krebs Memorial Scholarship — Rolling Med (~60 min) No
Citizens Bank Scholarship $15,000 Rolling Low (~30 min) No
Womens Transportation Seminar Scholarships $5,000 November Low (~13 min) No
Mama of 3 Munchkins Scholarship $2,500 December Med (~61 min) No
NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Award — November Low (~13 min) No
University of California Scholarships — Rolling Low (~13 min) No
The Nestlé Scholarship for Women $28,000 June Med (~43 min) No
Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship $2,000 June Low (~28 min) No
Pullan & Young Supporting Prisoners Families Scholarship $1,000 March Med (~43 min) No
$500 Encourage for Students Scholarship $500 April Med (~33 min) No
Brown PC National Business Law Scholarship $500 Rolling Med (~48 min) No
AT&T Internet and Education Scholarship $1,000 December Low (~13 min) No
Unigo 5 Simple Words Scholarship $10,000 September Low (~13 min) No
Luis E. Torres Scholarship $1,000 Rolling Low (~23 min) No
Atlanta Dental Spa Scholarship $1,000 August Med (~51 min) No
CVS Pharmacy UNCF Business Scholarships $5,000 May Med (~68 min) No
Chegg Grad Scholarship $1,000 February Med (~43 min) No
The Eve’s Addiction Scholarship $1,000 December Med (~68 min) No
#YOWO: You Only Write Once Scholarship $1,000 January Low (~10 min) No
TruFit Good Citizen Scholarship $50,000 June Med (~83 min) No
ARTBA Student Transportation Video Scholarship $500 August Med (~38 min) No
The HotelsCheap Scholarship $2,000 April Med (~65 min) No
The GotChosen GotScholarship $40,000 March Low (~13 min) No
Vote Or Shut Up Scholarship $10,000 December Low (~10 min) No
Student Pugwash Elections Scholarship $2,000 July Med (~65 min) No
CrossLites Scholarship Contest $2,000 Rolling Med (~68 min) No
College Is Power Scholarship $1,500 December Med (~51 min) No
JustJobs Scholarship $2,000 April Med (~68 min) No
Animal Cruelty Awareness Scholarship $5,000 Rolling Med (~33 min) No
Bucks Books And Beyond Scholarship $5,000 August Low (~30 min) No
GotChosen Scholarship $40,000 August Low (~10 min) No
Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award $1,500 July Low (~13 min) No
The Water Games Scholarship $2,000 August Low (~10 min) No
MoolahSPOT $1,000 Scholarship $1,000 August Med (~55 min) No
Green Your School Challenge Scholarship $500 April Low (~10 min) No
FTF Young Travel Writers Scholarship $150 August Med (~35 min) No
CansCount.org College Scholarship $500 December Med (~43 min) No
CoffeeForLess.com Hit the Books Scholarship $500 September Med (~68 min) No
Grandparents Gone Wired Scholarship $500 December Low (~10 min) No
Golden Key Graduate Scholarship Award $10,000 February High (~118 min) No
Tackle Hunger Scholarship $1,000 November Low (~10 min) No
Make Art Save Art Scholarship $5,000 November Low (~13 min) No
Give A Spit Scholarship $500 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
CollegeWeekLive FALL Scholarship $5,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
AdmissionHook.com Scholarship $1,000 Rolling Med (~40 min) No
Natural Disaster PSA Video Scholarship $3,000 January Med (~35 min) No
Step Up To Bullying Scholarships $500 October Low (~10 min) No
E-Waste Drive Scholarships $10,000 October Low (~10 min) No
Sports Equipment Drive Scholarships $500 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
Staples For Students Scholarship Sweepstakes $500 April Low (~10 min) No
Review Your School Scholarship $1,000 December Low (~10 min) No
PossibilityU Video Scholarship Contest $5,000 October Med (~35 min) No
Tillman Military Scholarships — March Low (~13 min) No
Love Your Body Poster Contest Scholarship $250 December Low (~13 min) No
Vacancy.com Blog Scholarship For College $500 November Med (~40 min) No
Get Safe’s Safety Scholarship $500 May Med (~80 min) No
Joe Foss Independence Day Scholarship Contest $5,000 July Med (~80 min) No
Atlas Shrugged Essay Scholarship Contest $10,000 Rolling Med (~68 min) No
Rock The World BookRenter.com Scholarship $25,000 Rolling Med (~55 min) No
Create A Greeting Card Scholarship Contest $10,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
CollegeTalk Scholarship $750 Rolling Med (~65 min) No
I Don’t Want to Pay for College Scholarship $1,000 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
Epic Book Drive Scholarship $500 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
Kaplan University Success Scholarship $3,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
MENC Copyright Awareness Scholarship Program $10,000 Rolling Med (~38 min) No
eMission Scholarships $1,000 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
Papa John’s Pizza Scholarship $1,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
The BG Memorial Scholarship $400 August Med (~40 min) No
The Healthy Lifestyle Scholarship $5,000 May Med (~83 min) No
Net Literacy Financial Connects Scholarship — June Med (~38 min) No
Textbooks For A Year Scholarship $250 June Med (~80 min) No
Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway Scholarship $123,000 November Med (~38 min) No
Levi’s $50,000 Tuition Scholarship $50,000 September Low (~10 min) No
Top Ten List Scholarship — December Low (~10 min) No
Our Voice Our Country Scholarship $1,000 December Med (~40 min) No
Giving Soul College Student Scholarship — April Med (~40 min) No
Ryan & Jamie Smith Essay Scholarship Contest $5,000 June Med (~43 min) No
Super Future $5000 Scholarships $5,000 August Low (~10 min) No
Frame My Future Scholarship Contest $1,000 March Med (~43 min) No
A GPA Isn’t Everything Scholarship $1,000 April Low (~10 min) No
The Flashcard Scholarship $500 August Med (~38 min) No
Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships $27,000 April Low (~13 min) No
Arizona Teacher Student Grant Program $1,000 Rolling Med (~78 min) No
Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) — Rolling Med (~78 min) No
Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP) $5,000 Rolling Low (~23 min) No
Alabama Student Grant Program (ASGP) $3,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
Ethereum Foundation Academic Grants Program — Rolling Low (~10 min) No
AAAS Mass Media Science and Engineering Fellowship $20,000 January Med (~68 min) No
MSS Graduate Student/Postdoctoral Research Awards $2,000 March Med (~48 min) No
Knowles Teaching Fellows Program $150,000 Rolling Med (~78 min) No
Alabama Student Grant Program — Rolling Low (~23 min) No
Smithsonian Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program $57,000 October Low (~13 min) No
Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) $57,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship — Rolling Med (~88 min) No
National GEM Consortium Fellowships — Rolling Med (~58 min) No
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) $4,000 Rolling Low (~23 min) No
Federal Pell Grants $7,395 June Low (~23 min) No
AANP and Education Advancement Grants $5,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
Spencer Foundation Small Research Grants $50,000 Rolling Low (~13 min) No
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program $37,000 Rolling Med (~78 min) No
Ford Foundation Fellowship Grants $25,000 Rolling Med (~78 min) No
Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program — Rolling Low (~13 min) No
EFWA Postgraduate Scholarship $2,500 March Med (~78 min) No
IMA Graduate Scholarship $1,500 March Med (~78 min) No
Laurels Fund Scholarship $3,000 March Med (~78 min) No
Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant $10,000 Rolling Low (~10 min) No
APF Trauma Psychology Grant $3,000 Rolling Med (~48 min) No
APF Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship $1,000 Rolling High (~103 min) No
APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship $4,000 January High (~103 min) No
Beth N. Rom-Rymer Scholarships $5,000 February Med (~48 min) No
Dr. Nicholas Vacc Scholarship — Rolling Med (~78 min) No
NBCC Foundation Military and Rural Scholarships $8,000 December Med (~78 min) No
Marian H. Rose Research Scholarship $15,000 March Med (~48 min) No
Zeta National Educational Foundation Scholarships $150,000 Rolling Med (~78 min) No
Forte Foundation Fellowship — Rolling Low (~13 min) No
Minority Fellowship Program Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Rolling Med (~78 min) No
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowships — January Med (~78 min) No
Jonas Philanthropies Scholars Program — Rolling Med (~78 min) No
Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program $5,000 March Low (~23 min) No
National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Literature Award $5,000 March Med (~58 min) No
Powered by CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™.

All Graduate Level Scholarships & Grants (2025 - 2026)

Below you’ll find a comprehensive collection of Graduate Level scholarships and grants for the 2025–2026 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Graduate Level scholarship opportunities. You can also download or export our latest Graduate Level Scholarship & Grant listings below.

Download Graduate Level Scholarships (CSV) Download Graduate Level Scholarships (JSON)
1
new scholarship

Ann Kleist Scholarship

Name: Ann Kleist Scholarship (Community Service) Award Amount: $1,500 per session (totaling $4,500 for three sessions) Information and...

Deadline: Rolling
2
new scholarship

Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program

Name: Deloitte Foundation Accounting Scholars Program Award Amount: Full tuition coverage for the academic year (excluding books and living...

Deadline: Rolling
3
new scholarship

EFWA Postgraduate Scholarship

Name: EFWA Postgraduate Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $2,500 (one-time award) Information and Eligibility: The EFWA Postgraduate Scholarship is...

Deadline: March
4
new scholarship

IMA Graduate Scholarship

Name: IMA Graduate Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $1,500 (one-time award) Information and Eligibility: The IMA Graduate Scholarship is designed...

Deadline: March
5
new scholarship

Laurels Fund Scholarship

Name: Laurels Fund Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $3,000 (one-time award) Information and Eligibility: The Laurels Fund Scholarship supports...

Deadline: March
6
new scholarship

Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant

Name: Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant Award Amount: $10,000 Information and Eligibility: The Roy Scrivner Memorial Research Grant was...

Deadline: Rolling
7
new scholarship

LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships

Name: LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships Award Amount: $3,750. Overview: The LAGRANT Foundation Graduate Scholarships aim to increase the...

Deadline: February
8
new scholarship

APF Trauma Psychology Grant

Name: APF Trauma Psychology Grant Award Amount: One grant of $3,000. Overview: The APF Trauma Psychology Grant provides funding for graduate...

Deadline: Rolling
9
new scholarship

APF Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship

Name: APF Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship Award Amount: One scholarship of $1,000. Overview: The APF Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship...

Deadline: Rolling
10
new scholarship

APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship

Name: APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship Award Amount: One scholarship of $4,000. Overview: The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship supports...

Deadline: January
11
new scholarship

Beth N. Rom-Rymer Scholarships

Name: Beth N. Rom-Rymer Scholarships Award Amount: 9 scholarships of $5,000 each. Overview: The Beth N. Rom-Rymer Scholarships provide financial...

Deadline: February
12
new scholarship

Dr. Nicholas Vacc Scholarship

Name: Dr. Nicholas Vacc Scholarship Award Amount: Award amount varies depending on available funding and the number of selected...

Deadline: Rolling
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