30 Valuable Scholarships for Asian American Students in 2023

Taking the step to pursue higher education can be both extremely exciting and incredibly daunting. You’re about to start an exciting new chapter of your life, but how will you pay for it?
When you don’t want to saddle yourself with student loan debt, scholarships are the best way to supplement financial aid. If you’re an American student of Asian descent, check out this curated list of thirty valuable scholarships just for you. 

Check out this list of 30 Asian American scholarships for 2023

1. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $30,000

Provider: Jackie Robinson Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American 
• Plan to attend a four-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university
• Graduating high school senior
• Minimum SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 21

Application Requirements: Letter of Recommendation, Headshot, SAT and/or ACT Scores, EssayThe Jackie Robinson Foundation offers this scholarship opportunity to make college education a reality for students from underrepresented groups – just like Jackie Robinson did for people of color in baseball. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship generously awards up to $30,000 over four years of college to outstanding students who demonstrate financial need, leadership skills, and academic achievement. Scholarship recipients don’t just receive financial aid – they’re also matched with mentors and invited to attend a leadership conference in New York City.

2. The Gates Scholarship

Amount: Full cost of attendance

Provider: The Gates Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American 
• Plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program
• Graduating high school senior
• Pell Grant eligible

Application Requirements: Transcript, Completed FAFSA, Financial Aid Award Letter, Proof of Acceptance, Resume, Headshot

Awarded to 300 student leaders, the Gates Scholarship recognizes students with great leadership abilities, personal success skills, and an exceptional high school academic record. The scholarship funds the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, books, and transportation.

3. For A Bright Future Global Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $10,000

Provider: For A Bright Future Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American 

Application Requirements: Transcript, Essay

Founded with the goal of improving quality of life for students of underrepresented groups, the For A Bright Future Foundation is committed to making higher education more accessible. Each year, applicants are eligible to receive the For A Bright Future Scholarship, which can range from $2,500 to $10,000. While the eligibility requirements for this scholarship are minimal, the selection committee looks for outstanding achievement in various areas – academics, community service, and even internships and work.

4.  AANAPISI Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American and/or Pacific Islander
• Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an APIA Scholars AANAPISI Partner Institutions

Application Requirements: Completed FAFSA

The AANAPISI Scholarship aims to support Asian and Pacific Islanders by helping students from these backgrounds in their quest for an undergraduate degree. While this award is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, the selection committee will place an emphasis on students from lower-income communities who are first-generation college students. Additionally, this group prefers to award students who demonstrate a passion for community service, leadership skills, and academic excellence.

5. EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $45,000

Provider: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
• Attending a Minority-Serving Institution 
• Enrolled as a full-time 2nd-year student in a four-year academic program; or transferring from a two-year to a four-year institution; or a 3rd-year student in a five-year program
• Majoring in a STEM field related to/in support of NOAA’s mission

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Essay

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researches our environment with the goal of preserving it for future generations. Through the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program, the NOAA invests in students from Minority-Serving Institutions with an interest in science and climate work. If you’re passionate about saving our oceans and their species from extinction, be sure to check out this scholarship. In addition to the financial support, this program includes a paid summer internship with a housing allowance!

6. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: Government Finance Officer Association

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
• Majoring in public administration, accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration 

Application Requirements: Letter of Recommendation

Each year, the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is awarded to one lucky student from an underrepresented ethnic group. Endowed through the generosity of the Government Finance Officer Association, the aim of this specific scholarship is to encourage students with an interest in pursuing a career in the public financial sector, either at the state or local level. This award is open to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as full-time and part-time students alike.

7. AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American 
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S. or its territories
• Majoring in accounting or an accounting-related major
• Plan to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently be a CPA
• Completed at least 30 semester hours of coursework, including at least 6 semester hours in accounting
• AICPA Student Affiliate member

The AICPA Foundation is passionate about attracting the next generation of bright, young minds to the field of accounting. To support this mission, they sponsor the AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students. To date, scholarship winners from underserved communities have been awarded over $14 million, and you could be next! To make your application stand out, highlight your academic excellence, community service, and passion for pursuing a career as a CPA.

8. Spectrum Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000

Provider: American Library Association (ALA)

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, and/or Native American 
• Attending an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies

Application Requirements: Transcript, Three Professional References, Personal StatementThe Spectrum Scholarship Program awards minority students who are pursuing a graduate degree in library and information studies. In addition to financial support, winners will also benefit from continuing education opportunities, mentorship, and even a complimentary student ALA membership for one year.

9.  ABA Diversity Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Provider: American Bus Association

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American 
• Undergraduate or graduate student
• Majoring in a field related to the tourism industry

Application Requirements: EssayIf you’ve always wanted to pursue a career in the travel and tourism industry, check out the ABA Diversity Scholarship! Funded by the American Bus Association, this award is for undergraduate and graduate students from an underrepresented group – that can mean culturally, ethnically, or socioeconomically. To apply, you’ll write an essay about your goals for a future in the travel industry, and how those goals will advance the sector as a whole. 

10. The Tang Scholarship

Amount: $60,000

Provider: Silicon Valley Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of a California Bay Area county
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
• Asian American and/or Pacific Islander
• LGBTQ+
• Age 17-25
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, Personal Statement

The Tang Scholarship provides financial assistance to LGBTQ+ youth from the Bay Area. Endowed through the generosity of Mr. Edward C. Tang and the Silicon Valley Foundation, this award covers four years of higher education for students who meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need. To set yourself apart on the application, highlight your involvement in your local LGBTQ+ community and express your passion for your academic and social goals.

11. V&E Diversity Scholarship

Amount: $10,000

Provider: Vinson & Elkins LLP

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of Houston, Austin, or Dallas, Texas areas for 7+ years
• Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or LGBTQ+
• Graduating High School Senior
• Top 20% of Class
• Minimum SAT score of 1100 or a minimum ACT score of 22

Application Requirements: Transcript, Two Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Essay, Resume

With its V&E Diversity Scholarship, the legendary Texas law firm, Vinson & Elkins LLP, hopes to promote diversity in the legal profession. Given to graduating high school seniors, this scholarship includes a monetary award as well as a paid summer internship at one of V&E’s offices. The ideal candidate for this scholarship will be a high academic achiever with an interest in pursuing a career as a lawyer.

12. Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $10,000

Provider: Dominion Energy 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of Connecticut, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Wyoming, or Utah 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Native Alaskan
• Plan to enroll full time in a two-year or four-year undergraduate program 

Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Tax Returns

As a part of its HBCU promise, Dominion Energy strives to promote diversity in educational institutions across the United States. The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program distributes a number of awards to students from traditionally underrepresented groups based on both financial need and academic merit. To stand out among other applicants, highlight your unique work experience, aspirations, and community service.

13. The OTEFE Foundation Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Provider: The OTEFE Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Korean or Korean American
• U.S. or Korean citizenship

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Tax Returns, Proof of Acceptance, Essay

Founded with the belief that education is the cornerstone of success, the OTEFE Foundation aids Korean and Korean American students in their pursuit of college degrees. The OTEFE Foundation Scholarship has given out over $46,000 in award money since its inception. Award amounts vary and the selection committee prioritizes students with financial need and a love of their Korean community. This award is open to U.S. citizens and Korean citizens alike!

14. Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Provider: AFCEA Educational Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

•  Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Native Alaskan, and/or female
• Full-time graduate student in at least their second semester of study
• Majoring in a STEM-related field 

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, Resume, Relevant Work Experience

The AFCEA Educational Foundation provides educational opportunities in the hard sciences. In support of this mission, AFCEA awards the Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship to full-time graduate students with a focus on a STEM field like engineering, cybersecurity, or telecommunications. The aim of this specific scholarship is to promote diversity in these fields, and in addition to seeking ethnic diversity, this scholarship also prioritizes gender diversity.

15. KASF Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: Korean American Scholarship Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Korean
• Full-time high school, undergraduate, or graduate student 

Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Essay

The KASF Scholarship is available to all Korean and Korean American students, regardless of citizenship status, and can be used to fund either undergrad or graduate school. The foundation awards scholarships based on location, so make sure you apply to your region’s scholarship. This award prioritizes scholarship awards based on need and academic achievements. Additionally, if you’re not Korean but have a family member who served in the Korean War, you may also qualify for one of these scholarship opportunities.

16. Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000

Provider: Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of Illinois
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
• High school graduate or GED recipient 
• Plan to teach at a non-profit, diverse school in Illinois following graduation

Application Requirements: Teaching Agreement/Promissory Note The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program awards Illinois students who plan to teach within the state. To be eligible for this award, students must teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school in which the enrolled students include no less than 30 percent of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin.

Want to apply for Asian American scholarships like these? Sign up for Going Merry.

17. David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest for Students of Color

Amount: Up to $3,500

Provider: Freedom From Religion Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
• Age 17-21
• Graduating high school senior or current college student
• Humanist/Atheist

Application Requirements: Essay

Members of The Freedom From Religion Foundation care deeply about advancing social freedoms and preserving the separation of church and state. In support of this mission, they sponsor the David Hudak Memorial Essay Contest for Students of Color, which asks students to write an essay on humanism and its positive impact on their lives. This scholarship contest is open to graduating high school seniors or current college students who identify as an atheist/humanist and are from any non-white ethnic group.

18. Kimbo Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Provider: The Kimbo Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Korean/Korean American
• Current undergraduate student

Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Tax Returns, EssayThe mission of The Kimbo Foundation is to provide outstanding Korean American students with the support they need to become leaders in their communities. One step in this multifaceted goal is the Kimbo Foundation Scholarship, which awards students based on their financial needs. This award is limited to undergraduate students, and selection is heavily dependent on applicants’ personal essays, academic achievement, and community involvement.

19. Sports Task Force Journalism Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Provider: Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American
• Current undergraduate Student
• Member of AAJA

Sponsored by Al Young, an award-winning Asian American sports journalist, the Sports Task Force Journalism Scholarship from the AAJA is given to one outstanding student each year. The AAJA seeks to amplify the voices of Asian Americans in journalism, and this particular scholarship aims to award students with an interest in sports. If you’re pursuing a career in media or sports journalism, this award could be a great way to offset the cost of your college tuition.

20. Chi Am Circle High School Scholarships

Amount: Up to $5,000

Provider: Chi Am Circle

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of Santa Clara County, California
• Minimum GPA of 3.30 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American
• High school senior 

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, SAT and/or ACT Scores

The Chi Am Circle High School Scholarships are awarded to Santa Clara County high school seniors of Asian descent. Applicants will be judged first on academic achievement, but also on extracurricular activities, like community service, performing arts, work, and athletics. Up to 40 scholarships between $1,000 and $5,000 will be awarded this year.

21. San Diego Chinese Women’s Association

Amount: A one-time $1,500 scholarship for use at a four-year university, or a one-time $1,000 scholarship for use at a two-year community college or vocational program.

Provider: San Diego Chinese Women’s Association

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Attending a San Diego County High School
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, if applying for the four-year scholarship
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applying for the community college scholarship
• At least 25% of Chinese Descent

Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Essay, List of Extracurricular Activities

Each year, the San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students of Chinese descent with plans to attend college. This unique scholarship offers two different awards – one for students with plans to attend a four-year college, and another for students with plans to attend a two-year program. While it’s not required, the scholarship committee prefers applicants who identify strongly with their Asian heritage and participate in Chinese cultural activities.

Tired of reading through eligibility requirements to figure out whether you can apply? Sign up for Going Merry and get a personalized list of scholarships based on your eligibility profile. 

22. Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Provider: CCAPW

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of Central California
• Asian American Woman
• Undergraduate or Graduate student

Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Proof of Acceptance/Enrollment, Essay, Headshot, List of Honors and Awards, Bio

The Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship is awarded to Asian American women pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree. Eligibility is limited to students from the following counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Tulare. When choosing an award winner, the selection committee will look for applicants who have made significant contributions to their cultural community. 

23. AABA Law Foundation Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Provider: Asian American Bar Association (AABA) Law Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Asian American
• Enrolled in law school

Application Requirements: Essay, Personal Statement, Resume

The goal of the AABA Law Foundation is to improve and develop the Asian American Bar. Each year, members of the foundation sponsor the AABA Law Foundation Scholarship, which is given to one law student who fits the criteria of the selection committee. The most important quality the AABA looks for in its applicants is a commitment to improving the quality of the Asian American community through the practice of law.

24. Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

Amount: Up to $1,850

Provider: Kansas Board of Regents

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of Kansas
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx
• Enrolled full-time at a Kansas community college or four-year university
• Minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 990
• High school rank in the upper 33% of one’s class
• Completed Kansas Scholars Curriculum Selection by National Merit Corporation in any category  

Application Requirements: Completed FAFSA, State of Kansas Student Aid Application, Completed Ethnic Minority Scholarship Information Form from a high school official

In an effort to promote diversity and education, the Kansas Board of Regents sponsors the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship, which grants up to $1,850 per year to African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic students. Candidates should demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.

25. Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Provider: Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Chinese 
• Christian
• Planning to or enrolled in a full time, four-year program

Application Requirements: Transcript, Two Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Personal Statement

Named for Cynthia H. Kuo, who was passionate about creating a space for Chinese Christians, this scholarship is a great opportunity for students of faith. The Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship is offered to Chinese students who are either first-generation or born overseas. Recipients must be involved in their Christian youth group or Christian faith for the past two years. This scholarship is limited to undergraduate students pursuing a four-year degree at a university or college in the U.S.

26. Orchard’s Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM

Amount: $2,500

Provider: Orchard

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American female
• Full-time high school senior or current undergraduate student
• Majoring in a STEM field 

Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Essays

Orchard is revolutionizing the way people buy and sell homes – and they want to revolutionize the way women participate in the workforce too! The Orchard’s Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM will go to one woman who wants to pursue a career in a STEM-related field. This scholarship is open to both graduating high school seniors as well as current undergraduate students. In your scholarship application, you’ll need to write two essays discussing your STEM goals and how this scholarship might help you realize them.

Tired of reading through eligibility requirements to figure out whether you can apply? Sign up for Going Merry and get a personalized list of scholarships based on your eligibility profile. 

27. The Florida Fund for Minority Teacher Education Scholarship

Award: Varies

Provider: Florida Fund for Minority Teachers

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of Florida
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American 
• Admitted into a teaching program at an FFMT participating university
• College junior
• Completed 60 credits or AA degree but no more than 18 hours of upper-division education courses

Application Requirements: Transcript, Essay

Are you pursuing a degree in education? The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers wants to find out why. In your application, you’ll be asked to write an essay about how your life experiences have led you to the field of education. Eligible applicants will have been accepted into a qualifying teacher education program in the state of Florida. After graduation, winners of the Florida Fund for Minority Teacher Education Scholarship are required to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year they received the scholarship.

28. Dream Corps TECH Scholarship Fund

Amount: $1,500

Provider: PwC Charitable Foundation

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Southeast Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Native Alaskan 
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a tech certification program
• High school graduate

Application Requirements: Essay

PwC Charitable Foundation knows that receiving a scholarship can help transform a student’s education experience, which is why they’ve established the Dream Corps TECH Scholarship Fund. This scholarship money doesn’t go to your college or university directly, but it should be used to fund tuition for a technical certification. These types of technical programs can help set you up for success in your future career, so if you’re a student with clear career goals after college, be sure to apply for this unique scholarship.

29. Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund

Amount: $5,000

Provider: Asian Pacific Fund

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Resident of California
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Filipino/Filipino American
• Incoming freshman enrolled full-time
• Majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental or physical science

Application Requirements: Completed FAFSA

Underwritten by the Asian Pacific Fund, the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund empowers future engineers and scientists to achieve their academic goals. If you’re at least fifty percent Filipino, this scholarship could be a great option for you. The award prioritizes students with financial need so be sure to submit your completed FAFSA along with your scholarship application. This scholarship is limited to certain Northern and Southern California counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Sacramento, San Benito, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus or Yolo.

30. LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Provider: Against the Grain Productions

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• At least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander
• A high school senior or a college student currently enrolled full-time 
• Pursuing a major in fashion or graphic design 

Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Essay, Resume, Portfolio

The LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship honors Lyly Koenig Mendez, an orphan brought to the U.S. via Operation Babylift. She supported Against the Grain, a nonprofit organization that promotes unity and leadership in the Asian American community. Lyly worked in TV and film production as well as graphic design and fashion. She passed away in 2015 after fighting breast cancer for eight years, and this scholarship honors students like Lyly who are dedicated to their community.

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Kelly Lamano

Though always a creative, Kelly's momentum into the world of writing and publishing arrived when she attended college. She quickly learned the financial value - and cost - of honing her craft, and sought scholarships that would be crucial to not only funding, but fueling her education. She wants to help new students thrive with Going Merry's easy scholarship finder. Kelly holds a bachelor's degree in Broadcast, Print and Online Media, and a minor in Spanish from Florida Southern College.

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