Scholarships for Asian American and Pacific Islander Students: A Comprehensive Guide

College is a significant investment, and its rising costs can be a barrier, particularly for underrepresented groups. Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students are no exception. While the AAPI community is often viewed as a monolith, college enrollment rates vary. For example, in 2019, 73% of East Asian students aged 18-24 enrolled in college, compared to 57% of Southeast Asian students, according to The Century Foundation. Scholarships and grants can help bridge this gap and make higher education more accessible. This article explores various scholarship and grant opportunities available to AAPI students.

Understanding the Landscape of AAPI Scholarships

Asian American and Pacific Islander American Scholars awards various one-year and multi-year scholarships to Native Hawaiian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students. These scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of college, with some awards covering full tuition. Eligibility criteria often include leadership, community service, and financial need.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

Each scholarship has unique eligibility and application requirements. Some scholarships target specific ethnicities within the AAPI community, such as those of Korean or Indian descent. Others focus on students pursuing particular fields of study, like journalism or medicine, or those with specific regional and career goals.

Featured Scholarships for AAPI Students

Here's a detailed look at some of the scholarships available for AAPI students:

APIA Scholars

APIA Scholars is the nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to the academic, personal, and professional success of its Scholars, with a focus on those who are most in need. APIA Scholars offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance to support all students, with a focus on those who are living at or below poverty level as well as first generation college students. Awards to our Scholars range from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards. The APIA Scholarship application is open from November 15 until January 15.

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To be eligible for APIA Scholars, students must be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be planning to enroll as an undergraduate student in accredited colleges or universities.

OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship

The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship is available to first-generation high school students who identify as Pacific Islander and/or Asian American. The Gold Mountain Scholarship - High School eligibility requires students to identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI), be a high school senior attending college, and be a first-generation college student. DACA/undocumented students must have SSN or ITIN. Tax return may be required. Applicants cannot be child/dependent of OCA staff, Executive Council, or Business Advisory Council members. The award amount is $2,000. The application deadline is March.

There is also the Gold Mountain Scholarship - College Seniors, which awards $2,500. Eligibility requires students to identify as AANHPI, be a college/community college student entering final year, and be a first-generation college student. DACA/undocumented students must have SSN or ITIN. Tax return may be required. Applicants cannot be past OCA-UPS high school recipient and cannot be child/dependent of OCA staff, Executive Council, or Business Advisory Council members.

Prism Foundation Scholarships

Prism Foundation Scholarships are awarded to student activists who positively influence the Asian Pacific Islander (API) and/or LGBTQ+ communities. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college or university in the upcoming academic year and have a strong history of engagement with the API and/or LGBTQ+ communities. The award ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, and the application deadline is July.

Upakar Scholarship

The Upakar Scholarship is for applicants who were born in India or have at least one parent born in India. Applicants must have U.S. citizenship or a Green Card and be enrolled full time at an accredited nonprofit two- or four-year college or university. A minimum 3.6 GPA is required. The award ranges from $1,000 to $8,000, and the application deadline is April.

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Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships

The Asian Pacific Fund supports undergraduate and graduate students with five scholarships, including the Shui Kuen Scholarship for students or students whose parents are employed at Asian cuisine restaurants. Each scholarship features various eligibility and application requirements. The award amount is $5,000, and the application deadline is in March or April.

Ho’omau Foundation Scholarship

The Ho’omau Foundation Scholarship is awarded to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students who are active in the NHPI community. Applicants must also submit two recommendation letters and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. The award ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, and the application deadline is April.

Korean American Scholarship Foundation

Korean American and international students from Korea who are enrolled full time in college can apply for these scholarships. Descendants of veterans who served in the Korean War may also be eligible. To apply, you must demonstrate both financial need and academic achievement. The award ranges from $500 to $5,000, and the application deadline varies.

Cecilia Moy Yep Scholarship Fund

This scholarship targets female Asian American high school seniors. To apply, you must be active in community service and extracurricular activities and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Eligible students must also reside in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, or Bucks counties. The award amount varies, and the application opens in December.

Asian Women in Business (AWIB) Scholarship

The Asian Women in Business Scholarship encourages and promotes exceptional Asian female students who have demonstrated scholarship, leadership, community service and/ or entrepreneurship. The AWIB Scholarship awards students who have the attributes to be our next generation of leaders. Students must be US citizens or permanent residents, must have a 3.0/4.0 GPA, demonstrated leadership in a community endeavor, and/or record of entrepreneurial achievement. The application deadline is October.

Chinese American Medical Society Scholarship

Since the early 1970's, the Chinese American Medical Society has provided scholarships to outstanding medical students in need of financial assistance. The scholarship awards 3-5 scholarships annually to students of Chinese decent in the field of medicine, dentistry, and science. Medical and dental school enrollment is required, along with letters of recommendations and proof of good academic standing. The application deadline is April.

Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF) Student Scholarships

HCF distributes over $7 million annually to deserving students, making it the third largest private provider of post-secondary scholarship in the state. Our scholarships support students who are pursuing degrees from colleges and universities, as well as those obtaining career and technical education at a community college. There is a strong preference for applicants of Korean ancestry. A personal statement, letters of recommendations, and official transcripts are required. The application deadline is June.

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans supports thirty new Americans, immigrants, or children of immigrants, who are pursuing graduate school in the United States. Each Fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting programs. Each award is for up to $25,000 in stipend support, as well as 50 percent of required tuition and fees, up to $20,000 per year, for one to two years.

College Grants for AAPI Students

Grants are gifts given to students to help cover educational costs. These gifts are awarded based on financial need and do not require you to pay them back. Unlike scholarships, which are often awarded based on merit, grants tend to focus on assisting students from low-income backgrounds, from underrepresented groups, and who study specific subjects.

Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent (ESASID) Scholarship

Medical students in Philadelphia may apply for this grant. Applicants must be of South Asian Indian heritage and in their second, third, or fourth year to qualify.

The S.Y. & S.F. Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Scholarship

$2,500-$15,000 scholarships for Asian and/or Pacific Islander students. Students must be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of Palau. Requires a 2.7 GPA, short answer responses/essay, letter of recommendations, and FAFSA application. There are two scholarships, one general scholarship, and one specifically for students attending an AANAPISI college. Students can apply for both scholarships at the same time.

Navigating the Application Process

Applying for scholarships can seem daunting, but careful planning and attention to detail can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips:

Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to research scholarships and gather the necessary materials.
Read the Requirements Carefully: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying.
Craft a Strong Application: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership skills, and community involvement.
Proofread Everything: Errors in your application can make a negative impression.
Ask for Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or supervisors who know you well.
Follow Up: If you haven't heard back after the deadline, consider sending a polite email to inquire about the status of your application.

APIA Scholars encourages you to talk to your school, college counselor, or a trusted teacher/instructor to help you navigate the application process if English is not your first language. APIA Scholars also offers resources to help you create a strong application: Application Guide & Tips.

Additional Resources

Asian Pacific Fund: This organization offers various scholarships for undergraduate and graduate AAPI students in diverse fields of study. Requirements and eligibilities vary by scholarships.
APIA Scholars: APIA Scholars offers a range of scholarships to support students pursuing higher education. The APIA Scholarship application is now closed.
Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF): HCF distributes over $7 million annually to deserving students. There is a strong preference for applicants of Korean ancestry.

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