September Scholarship Opportunities to Apply For

As students head back to school and get busier, it’s easy to let the scholarship search fall by the wayside—but there are plenty of scholarships with deadlines in September that you should apply for. And if other students pass them up, that means you could have a better chance of winning them with a less competitive applicant pool. So start scrolling, researching, and applying for awards you’re eligible for to help you pay for your higher education. Every little bit counts! 

Scholarships for high school students

• Breakthrough Junior Challenge: An annual global competition for students ages 13–18 to inspire creative thinking about science. Applicants must create a short video (two minutes max) explaining a big idea in physics, math, or life sciences. Awards: Up to $250,000; Deadline: September 15

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarships: These achievement-based awards are open to high school seniors who are leaders making an impact in their communities. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and attend high school (including home school) in the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select Department of Defense schools. US citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and humanitarian parolees are all eligible, and 150 recipients will be selected. Award: $20,000; Deadline: September 30

• National High School Poetry Contest: This contest is open to all high school students in the US. Applicants must submit a poem of 20 lines or fewer that is unpublished, the sole work of the entrant, and not entered in any other concurrent contest. There are many prizes available—including “Best of Issue” winners, Editor’s Choice, the Easterday Poetry Award, and more—with quarterly deadlines and no entry fee. All winning poems will be published in Live Poets Society publications. Awards: Up to $500; Deadline: September 30 (as well as December 31, March 31, and June 30)

• No Sweat Scholarship: Sponsored by Cirkled In, this quarterly opportunity is a cash scholarship you can use for any educational purpose from books to summer camp. US residents 13 years and older in grades eight to 12 can apply by signing up for a Cirkled In account and completing their profile. Accounts are completely free, and there are no GPA or need-based requirements. Award: $2,500; Deadline: September 30 (as well as December 31, March 31, and June 30)

Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students

• Hoffer & Sheremet Empowering Education Scholarship: Incoming and current undergraduate students interested in the legal system, pursuing any major. Must submit an essay on one of three legal topics. Award: $500; Deadline: September 1

• Inventive Garage’s Automotive Innovation Scholarship: This program supports one undergraduate student or high school senior accepted into an accredited US university with a passion for automotive technology, engineering, or mechanics. Applicants must submit a 300-word essay on a topic related to automotive innovation. This one-time scholarship is designed to remove financial barriers and assist dedicated students in achieving their academic and professional goals. Award: $500; Deadline: September 1

• Trending Impact Journalist Scholarship: This contest is open to high school seniors and current college students with an interest in writing and journalism. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and write an 800-word news article about a trending topic. Award: $500; Deadline: September 1

• GoSkills Scholarship: Female high school and college students who are pursuing any career field with the goal of starting their own business can apply for this scholarship. It’s not based on financial need, GPA, or demographic criteria, and there are no age restrictions. Award: $2,000; Deadline: September 15 (and March 15)

• Nixit Scholarship: The Nixit Scholarship is designed to support students globally who are passionate about creating sustainable change. Open to high school seniors accepted into university and current college undergraduates, this program seeks to alleviate education costs for motivated individuals. Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to a full-time undergraduate program. A single award is provided to one recipient. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 30

• Heal the Body, Power the Mind Scholarship: The Sun Home Saunas Heal the Body, Power the Mind Scholarship supports students dedicated to maintaining a balanced lifestyle. The program targets individuals who prioritize physical recovery and mental wellness alongside their academic goals. It is open to undergraduates currently enrolled in accredited United States universities and high school seniors accepted into a university program. A single award is granted to one recipient. Award: $300; Deadline: September 30

Scholarships for undergraduate students

• ABSFE National Scholarship Program: The American Board of Funeral Service Education offers several scholarships for college students enrolled in Funeral Service or Mortuary Science programs. Applicants may be US citizens, permanent residents, international F1 student visa holders, or students in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Awards: Up to $2,500; Deadline: September 1 (and March 1)

• Ford Philanthropy Scholarship: Supporting undergraduate students pursuing STEM careers within the automotive and mobility industries. The program provides multiple awards to assist with tuition, supplies, and career development. Eligible candidates must be full-time students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, majoring in specific engineering or computer science fields, and residing in designated metropolitan areas. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: September 1

• Goostree Law Group Bright Futures Scholarship: This scholarship is open to current college students with demonstrated financial need and leadership, determination, and passion in their academic studies and personal lives. Applicants must be US citizens enrolled at an accredited college or university for the fall semester with a minimum 3.0 GPA. A 500–1,000-word essay is also required. Award: $2,500; Deadline: September 14

Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

• Harold and Muriel Berkman Marketing Scholarship: This award is offered to undergraduates (excluding first-years) and graduate students pursuing degrees in marketing through a business school, including MBAs with a marketing emphasis. Applicants must be US citizens matriculating to a university accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Award: $2,000; Deadline: September 10

• Margaret McNamara Education Grants, South Africa Program: These educational grants are awarded to women who intend to work to improve the lives of women and children in South Africa. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and a national of a country listed on the MMEG Country Eligibility List. Also see the US-Canada Program on the same criteria page. Awards: Up to $15,000; Deadline: September 14

• Jo Ann Serpico Scholarship: Students who are residents of Illinois and 50% or more of Italian extraction can apply for this merit-based award sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA). Applicants must be enrolled or admitted into an accredited institution of higher education and demonstrate leadership, community service, and high academic achievement. Award: $2,000; Deadline: September 15

• Marie Palello Scholarship: This is another merit-based opportunity from the JCCIA for students who are Illinois residents and 50%+ Italian extraction. Recipients are selected based on their Italian heritage, leadership and community service experience, high academic achievement, and the overall quality of their application, including an essay. Award: $2,000; Deadline: September 15

• McGuire Law Firm Scholarship: Another scholarship for Pre-law undergraduates and first-year Law students. This scholarship also requires US citizenship or work authorization, a 3.0 minimum GPA, and an essay on the area of law you intend to pursue. A check will be mailed directly to the winner. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 15

• Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys Scholarship For Students: Applicants for the Fall 2026 term—including pre-law undergraduates and first-year law students—must submit a resume, transcripts, and a U.S. school acceptance letter. The application also requires proof of legal residency (excluding Social Security cards) and a 1–3 page essay on a legal topic of interest to qualify for this nationwide scholarship. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 15

• The Injury Scholarship: This opportunity from The May Firm is for enrolled community college or university students. Applicants must write about a traumatic experience they experienced and how they overcame it. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 15 (and January 5)

• 1^st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship: This is a monthly scholarship open to US residents who are 18 or older and planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college degree program. This is a random drawing, but it does require you to submit a short response to a prompt in 500 words or fewer. Award: $2,000; Deadline: September 30 (last day of every month)

• Tattoo Journal Ink Scholarship: This contest is open to students in any field of study and can be used in whatever way the winners see fit. Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses and write a 1,000–1,500-word essay entitled “Behind the Ink: Myth and Reality, which will be judged for creativity, strong writing efficiency, powerful logic, and uniqueness. First-, second-, and third-place prizes will be awarded. Awards: Up to $1,800; Deadline: September 30

• The Opportunity for Change Scholarship: This scholarship is open to full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students excelling in any field of study who have had an experience with addiction. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, submit a letter of recommendation, and write an essay that details their personal connection to addiction, their intended career path, and how they hope to make a difference with their education. Award: $500; Deadline: September 30

Scholarships for graduate students

• Fulbright US Scholar Program: Fulbright offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for US citizens to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects around the world. College and university faculty as well as artists and professionals from a wide range of fields are eligible to apply. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadline: September 15

• NVMA Centennial Scholarship Foundation: Various scholarships offered to veterinary students from Nebraska who are pursuing Veterinary Medicine as well as licensed practitioners who are members of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Awards: Up to $4,500; Deadline: September 1

Scholarships for (basically) everyone

• Survey Junkie Brand Influencer No-Essay Scholarship: Bold.org has partnered with Survey Junkie for this easy contest that’s open to students of all education levels. By sharing your opinions, you’ll earn rewards that you can cash out via PayPal or gift cards. To apply, just join Survey Junkie, earn 500 points, and redeem those points for an eligible reward. Award: $1,000; Deadline: August 31

• Castagra Roofing Scholarship: Students passionate about innovation or sustainability should apply for this award. Applicants must be from the US or Canada pursuing roofing or building‑industry careers with a focus on sustainability and innovation. Applicants submit either a 2–4 minute video or a 500–1,000‑word essay outlining their goals and contributions to the industry. Awards: Up to $1,500; Deadline: September 4

• Harold and Muriel Berkman Veteran Scholarship: Offered to US veterans, this scholarship seeks to support students who hold a Combat Infantrymen’s Badge, suffered a serious injury due to combat action, received a Purple Heart, served or continue to serve with honor and distinction, or were honorably discharged from military service. Undergraduates (excluding first-years) and graduate students may be pursuing any area of study but must be attending a university accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). Applicants are automatically considered for the General Albin F. Irzyk Veteran Scholarship. Awards: Up to $3,000 ; Deadline: September 10

• Innovation in Education Scholarship: This monthly scholarship is open to high school, college, and graduate students who write an essay about an innovative project they’ve designed that makes a difference in the lives of others. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be a US or Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or active student visa holder. Award: $500; Deadline: September 20 (same date every month)

• Matter to Matter Scholarship: Sponsored by Matter Education, this scholarship is open to students in the U.S. and Canada enrolled from elementary school through graduate school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants submit a 300–600‑word essay responding to “What’s something you taught yourself, and why?” No fee is required to apply, and $300 is awarded monthly.  Award: $300; Deadline: September 20 (same date every month)

• $2,000 Sally Mae Scholarship Sweepstakes: Sallie Mae offers an easy scholarship contest that both students and parents can enter each month. It’s open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or any US Territory who are age 17 or older at the time of entry. Award: $2,000; Deadline: September 30 (last day of every month)

• Ascent Funding Plan, Pay & Succeed Scholarship Giveaway: A no-essay sweepstakes that awards four giveaways throughout the year to help cover college costs. The program is open to legal United States or District of Columbia residents aged 14 or older who are students enrolled at least half-time in high school, a degree program, or technical training, as well as parents of eligible students. Multiple awards are given through random drawings each season. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 30

• Ascent Funding Summer Scholarship Giveaway: This is a no-essay sweepstakes designed to help cover tuition, books, or everyday expenses. It is open to students enrolled at least half-time in a high school, degree, or technical skills program, as well as parents with a child enrolled in such programs. Applicants must be US or DC residents aged 14 or older. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: September 30

• Because College Is Expensive Scholarship: This scholarship hits the nail on the head with the title. High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as current college and graduate students are all eligible. This scholarship sweepstakes is offered quarterly, with four awards distributed each year. All you have to do is fill out a short form to apply. Award: $500; Deadline: September 30 (plus December 31, March 31, and June 30)

• Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students of all ages. Homeschooled students are also eligible to apply, but applicants must be US citizens or legal residents. Just complete the application form and write a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: I pledge to not text and drive because... Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 30

• Mediation & Conversations Scholarship: The team at Dolan Divorce Lawyers created this scholarship to promote mindfulness and maturity in the communicative sphere, whether between family members and friends, in the workplace, or simply through daily life. High school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing any degree may apply if they are US residents and enrolled in a two-to-five-year post-secondary institution for the fall semester. A 750-1,000-word essay about a time you helped mediate a conflict is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 30

• MyMozaic Scholarship: This monthly scholarship sweepstakes is open to US citizens 13 years and older. All you have to do is provide your email to apply. Selection is based on the quality of your MyMozaic profile, including documents, photos, videos, and followers. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 30 (last day of every month)

• Shout It Out Scholarship: Applicants must be 14 years or older and a legal US resident to be eligible for this scholarship from Unigo. Just submit a response to this question in 250 words or fewer: If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why? The “loudest” student wins! Award: $1,500; Deadline: September 30

• Too Cool for School Scholarship: This scholarship sweepstakes is easy to enter and open to high school, college, and graduate students of all levels who are US residents or DACA, undocumented, or international studying in the US. No essay is required; just submit a simple application form. Prizes will be awarded directly to the winners. Award: $1,000; Deadline: September 30 (as well as December 31, March 31, and June 30)

• CX Featured Scholarships: CollegeXpress Featured Scholarships directory lists various funding opportunities for students pursuing higher education. Multiple awards are given across numerous sweepstakes, surveys, and merit-based programs for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Awards: Vary; Deadlines: Vary

If you’re looking for even more opportunities to win money for school, we share a list of scholarships with upcoming deadlines every month so you can stay on top of opportunities all year round.