Scholarships For International And Daca Students: What Are Their Options?

Scholarships are a great way for students to fund their education, and both international and DACA students can apply for them. However, the availability and eligibility criteria for scholarships vary depending on the student's location and citizenship status. International students can access scholarships, but they are usually reserved for graduate study and are highly competitive. DACA students can also find scholarships, with some specifically catering to their needs, such as those offered by TheDream.US and Get Schooled. These scholarships often require applicants to demonstrate financial need and meet certain academic standards.

Characteristics of Scholarships for International or DACA Students

DACA scholarships for undocumented students

While undocumented students are not eligible to receive federal student aid, including loans and grants, there are still some financial aid and scholarship opportunities available. TheDream.US, for example, offers two scholarships for highly motivated undocumented students who want to pursue a college education but lack the financial means to do so. The "National Scholarship" provides up to $16,500 for an associate's degree and $33,000 for a bachelor's degree, while the "Opportunity Scholarship" covers up to $100,000 for tuition, fees, and on-campus housing and meals for a bachelor's degree.

In addition to TheDream.US, there are other organizations that offer scholarships specifically for undocumented students. La Unidad Latina Foundation (LULF), for instance, provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 per recipient. The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund (DPSF) awards up to $15,000 to undergraduate and graduate students who are active in social justice movements. The Point Foundation's Flagship Scholarship supports LGBTQ students pursuing college or graduate degrees in the US, and Golden Door Scholars has been awarding scholarships and mentorship opportunities to undocumented students since 2013.

Some states, like Texas, also have specific programs to support undocumented students. Texas has HB1403, which allows undocumented students to receive state aid through the TASFA form. Similarly, undocumented students in Washington should be aware that they are not eligible for TheDream.US scholarship due to the availability of generous state and institutional aid.

To find more scholarships that cater to undocumented students, you can refer to resources such as Immigrants Rising, which curates a list of scholarships and fellowships that don't require proof of U.S. citizenship, and Aliento, which compiles a list of scholarships available to DACA, Dreamers, and undocumented students.

TheDream.US scholarships for undocumented students

TheDream.US is the nation's largest college access and success program for DREAMers. TheDream.US offers two scholarships for highly motivated undocumented students who want to get a college education but cannot afford the cost. These scholarships are known as the National Scholarship and the Opportunity Scholarship.

TheDream.US National Scholarship

The National Scholarship is for students eligible for in-state tuition at one of the nearly 80 Partner Colleges. Applications are open to immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS status who entered the United States before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2019, and qualify for in-state tuition at one of the Partner Colleges. The scholarship is for up to $16,500 for an associate's degree and $33,000 for a bachelor's degree.

TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship

The Opportunity Scholarship is for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot get in-state tuition. Applications are open to immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS status who entered the United States before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2019. The scholarship will pay up to $80,000 for a bachelor's degree.

TheDream.US does not offer scholarships to undocumented students in California and Washington because of the availability of generous state and institutional aid.

Scholarships for DACA students with financial need

Scholarships are available for DACA students with financial needs. TheDream.US, for instance, offers two scholarships for highly motivated undocumented students who want to pursue a college education but cannot afford the cost. The NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP is for students eligible for in-state tuition at one of their 80 partner colleges. The scholarship is worth up to $16,500 for an associate's degree and $33,000 for a bachelor's degree. The OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP is for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot get in-state tuition. Both scholarships are open to immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2019. TheDream.US does not offer scholarships to undocumented students in California and Washington due to the availability of generous state and institutional aid.

Seminole State College also provides a list of private scholarships for international, undocumented, and DACA students. One example is HACE's Dr. Vinny Caraballo Scholarship, which requires applicants to enrol full-time at one of six universities and be a US citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient. Another scholarship is the B. Davis Scholarship, which has no age or immigration restrictions but requires applicants to demonstrate merit through academic achievements, leadership, and community activities.

Get Schooled provides access to over 21,000 scholarships for DACA recipients and undocumented students. One such scholarship is the Esperanza Education Fund, which provides scholarships to students from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, who are immigrants or the children of immigrants. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrolment as full-time students in an accredited four-year or two-year institution in the US or US territories and demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support.

Additionally, Immigrants Rising has curated a list of scholarships and fellowships that don't require proof of US citizenship. The list includes general application eligibility requirements, such as education level, region/state, and immigration status.

Scholarships for DACA students with academic achievements

DACA students face many challenges when it comes to financing their education, as they cannot access federal financial aid and are often ineligible for state aid. However, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available specifically for DACA students with academic achievements.

TheDream.US

TheDream.US offers two scholarships for undocumented students who are unable to afford the cost of college. The National Scholarship is for students eligible for in-state tuition at one of their partner colleges, awarding up to $14,500 for an associate's degree and $29,000 for a bachelor's degree. The Opportunity Scholarship is for students in states where they have no access to college, paying out-of-state tuition, and is worth up to $80,000 for a bachelor's degree. Both scholarships are open to immigrant students with or without DACA status who came to the US before the age of 16.

American Savings Foundation Scholarships

The American Savings Foundation awards scholarships of between $1,000 and $4,000 to around 100 current high school seniors, college students, or non-traditional adult students residing in 64 Connecticut towns. The scholarships are primarily awarded based on financial need, community involvement, and other indications of a strong desire to achieve goals through education. Applicants must be US citizens or non-citizens eligible for federal student aid, or those granted DACA status.

Martin Achievement Scholars

This scholarship is for Washington state residents who have earned a minimum of 15 community college transfer credits in Washington by the application deadline and have demonstrated exceptional ability in various academic disciplines, leadership, or service to the community. Scholars may receive $5,000 for their final year in community college and up to $12,000 per year for three years at the University of Washington.

Dr Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders

This scholarship is for students enrolled or accepted for enrollment as full-time students in an accredited two or four-year institution in the US or US territories. Applicants must demonstrate a financial need, have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry, and be non-US citizens with DACA or undocumented status.

B. Davis Scholarship

The B. Davis Scholarship is offered by Seminole State College and is open to undocumented and DACA students. Applicants must demonstrate merit through academic achievements, leadership, and campus or community activities. There is no age or immigration restriction, but students must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

In addition to these scholarships, DACA students may also qualify for various grants, loans, and institutional funding, depending on their financial need and other eligibility requirements.

DACA scholarships for STEM students

DACA students can access scholarships to help fund their studies. TheDream.US, for example, offers scholarships for undocumented students who want to pursue a college education but cannot afford the costs. The TheDream.US National Scholarship awards up to $14,500 for an associate's degree and $29,000 for a bachelor's degree. The organisation also offers the Opportunity Scholarship, which is aimed at students who live in states where they have no access to college. This award will pay up to $80,000 for a bachelor's degree. Both scholarships are open to students with DACA status who entered the US before the age of 16.

Another scholarship aimed at DACA students is the Global Citizen Scholarship, created by MPower. This scholarship is awarded to non-US or Canadian citizens attending an MPower-eligible school. Each year, the scholarship awards $8,000, $2,000, and $1,000, respectively, to the grand-prize winner, a first runner-up, and a second runner-up.

There are also scholarships aimed at DACA students pursuing STEM degrees. The GeneTex Scholarship, for example, is open to all STEM majors enrolled at an accredited postsecondary institution, including international students. The scholarship awards one student $2,000 biannually. The Heinlein Society scholarship is another option, which awards $4,000 to four students annually. To apply, students must submit a 500-1,000 word essay.

Additionally, some colleges, such as Seminole State College, offer private scholarships for DACA students. These scholarships often have specific eligibility requirements, so it is important for students to review the scholarship guidelines before applying.

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