Special Category Scholarships in the USA - Fully Funded Opportunities

What Are Special Category Scholarships?

Special category scholarships are designed to support underrepresented groups, specific fields of study, women, and students with unique talents or interests. These scholarships provide financial assistance to help students pursue higher education in the United States, especially those from marginalized communities, backgrounds, or regions. They focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education by ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the opportunity for higher education.

These scholarships help cover:

• Tuition and research costs

• Living stipends and travel expenses

• Support for women and minorities in education

• Grants for students from underrepresented regions

If you belong to any of these groups, these scholarships can provide you with the financial assistance you need to study in the U.S.

Scholarships for Underrepresented Regions

1. Graduate Scholarships for Scholars from Latin America

• **Offered by ** University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Description: Provides scholarships to graduate students from Latin American countries, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Application Deadlines:

  • Spring: January 15 and February 15
  • Fall: May 15 and June 15

2. Graduate Scholarships for Scholars from Southeast Asian Nations

• Offered by: University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Description: This scholarship is aimed at students from Southeast Asian nations, offering financial assistance to pursue graduate programs in the U.S.

• Application Deadlines:

  • Spring: January 15 and February 15
  • Fall: May 15 and June 15

3. Davis UWC Scholars Program

• Offered by: United World Colleges (UWC) and supported by U.S. colleges

• Description: This program offers scholarships for students from underrepresented regions, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Students must have attended one of the UWC schools.

• Eligibility: UWC graduates from select countries

• Benefits: Covers full tuition, fees, and living expenses for a four-year undergraduate degree.

Scholarships for Women

1. AAUW International Fellowships

• Offered by: American Association of University Women (AAUW)

• Description: Supports women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral studies in the U.S. who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The program aims to advance women’s equality through education and research.

• Benefits: Funds range from $18,000 for master’s students to $30,000 for postdoctoral scholars.

• Eligibility: Open to women globally who demonstrate academic excellence and have been accepted into a graduate program.

• Application Deadline: November 15

2. PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund

• Offered by: PEO International

• Description: This scholarship offers funding for women from non-U.S. or Canadian countries pursuing graduate study in the U.S. or Canada.

• Eligibility: International women graduate students.

• Benefits: The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses up to $12,500.

3. The WomenTech Network Scholarships

• Offered by: WomenTech Network

• Description: Supports women in the tech industry by offering scholarships for STEM-related degrees in the U.S.

• Eligibility: Women pursuing degrees in STEM fields.

• Application Deadline: Varies

Scholarships for Specific Fields of Study

1. Stamps Scholarship

• Offered by: University of Connecticut

• Description: A merit-based scholarship providing funding for undergraduate students in specific fields of study, including science, engineering, and humanities.

• Application Deadline: November

2. IBM PhD Fellowship Program

• Offered by: IBM

• Description: A prestigious fellowship that provides funding to PhD students who demonstrate leadership in the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cloud computing, and other innovative research areas.

• Eligibility: PhD students at U.S. universities.

• Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, and research support.

• Application Deadline: Varies by institution

3. Google Lime Scholarship

• **Offered by ** Google and Lime Connect

• Description: This scholarship supports students with disabilities who are pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related technical fields.

• Eligibility: Must be a student with a disability pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in computer science or related fields.

• Benefits: Includes full tuition, a $10,000 award, and a trip to the annual Google Scholars Retreat.

• Application Deadline: Typically April 15

Scholarships for Minorities

1. Thurgood Marshall College Fund

• Offered by: Thurgood Marshall College Fund

• Description: Supports African American students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

• Eligibility: Open to African American students with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

• Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, and books.

• Application Deadline: Varies by university

2. Hispanic Scholarship Fund

• Offered by: Hispanic Scholarship Fund

• Description: Provides scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students of Hispanic heritage.

• Eligibility: Hispanic/Latino students with financial need and academic potential.

• Benefits: Covers tuition, books, and living expenses.

• Application Deadline: March 30

3. Native American Scholarships

• Offered by: American Indian Graduate Center

• Description: A variety of scholarships for Native American students pursuing higher education in the U.S.

• Eligibility: Students who are enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe.

• Benefits: Varies by scholarship, typically covering tuition, living expenses, and books.

• Application Deadline: May 31

Scholarships for LGBTQ+ Students

1. Point Foundation Scholarship

• Offered by: Point Foundation

• Description: Provides financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education in the U.S. The foundation supports students who demonstrate leadership and involvement in the LGBTQ+ community.

• Eligibility: LGBTQ+ students who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.

• Benefits: Full tuition and living expenses, mentorship, and leadership training.

• Application Deadline: January 31

2. The Pride Foundation Scholarships

• Offered by: Pride Foundation

• Description: Offers scholarships to LGBTQ+ students studying in various fields. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth.

• Eligibility: LGBTQ+ students, including those pursuing technical, undergraduate, and graduate studies.

• Application Deadline: March 1

Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

1. AAPD Disability Scholarships

• Offered by: American Association of People with Disabilities

• Description: Provides scholarships to students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education in the U.S.

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal residents with a documented disability.

• Benefits: Covers tuition, books, and living expenses.

• Application Deadline: Varies

2. Microsoft Disability Scholarship

• Offered by: Microsoft

• Description: A scholarship for high school seniors with disabilities who are pursuing a degree in computer science or related fields.

• Eligibility: High school students with a disability and a demonstrated interest in technology.

• Benefits: Covers tuition, books, and other academic expenses.

• Application Deadline: March 31

Scholarships for First-Generation Students

1. Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship

• Offered by: Coca-Cola

• Description: Offers funding for first-generation college students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

• Eligibility: First-generation college students in the U.S.

• Benefits: Full tuition and fees, along with living expenses.

• Application Deadline: May 15

2. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

• Offered by: Jackie Robinson Foundation

• Description: Provides financial support to first-generation college students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the U.S.

• Eligibility: First-generation college students with a strong academic record.

• Benefits: Full tuition, mentorship, and leadership development programs.

• Application Deadline: February 15

Scholarships for Military Personnel and Their Families

1. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship

• Offered by: Pat Tillman Foundation

• Description: Provides scholarships to military veterans and their families who are pursuing higher education in the U.S.

• Eligibility: U.S. military veterans or their spouses.

• Benefits: Full tuition, fees, and living expenses.

• Application Deadline: March 1

Quick Comparison of Special Category Scholarships

Scholarship	Coverage	Eligibility
Graduate Scholarships for Latin America	Tuition, financial aid	Graduate students from Latin America
Graduate Scholarships for Southeast Asia	Tuition, financial aid	Graduate students from Southeast Asia
AAUW International Fellowships	Tuition, research, living costs	Women researchers
Stamps Scholarship	Full funding for study	Undergraduate students
IBM PhD Fellowship	Tuition, stipend for PhD research	Doctoral students in AI, quantum computing
Thurgood Marshall College Fund	Tuition, living expenses	African American students at HBCUs
Hispanic Scholarship Fund	Tuition, financial aid	Hispanic students
PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund	Tuition, living expenses	International women graduate students
Point Foundation Scholarship	Tuition, living expenses	LGBTQ+ students
Google Lime Scholarship	Tuition, financial aid	Students with disabilities in CS
Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship	Tuition, living expenses	First-generation students
Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship	Tuition, living expenses	Military veterans and their families

Application Tips

• Research Thoroughly : Explore university websites and scholarship databases to find scholarships that match your profile.

• Prepare Early : Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements well in advance.

• Meet Deadlines : Ensure timely submission of applications to avoid disqualification.

Conclusion

By identifying and applying for scholarships tailored to your background, field of study, or unique talents, you can enhance your chances of securing financial support for your studies in the United States.

Refer to the summary of all scholarships from here.

To view other expenses to study in the US. Refer to this.

Not needed? Then check this out.