Scholarships for DACA & Undocumented Students

Find scholarships for DACA and undocumented students with eligibility guidelines, deadlines, and application support. See awards that support academic access and affordability regardless of immigration status.

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What Are DACA & Undocumented Student Scholarships?

Scholarships for DACA and undocumented students are financial awards that help learners without permanent immigration status pay for college tuition, fees, books, and other education costs. These awards may come from universities, private foundations, community organizations, and nonprofit funds designed to increase access to higher education for students regardless of immigration status.

Who Qualifies as a DACA or Undocumented Student?

Qualifying students may include:

  1. Recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
  2. Undocumented students without legal permanent residency
  3. Students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  4. Students born abroad who lack federal aid eligibility
  5. Students eligible for state or institutional undocumented student support

Eligibility varies by scholarship. Some awards require proof of enrollment, community involvement, or GPA thresholds, while others specifically target immigration-status barriers.

Scholarships

On Campus International Student Scholarship

Amount

$20k

Deadline

No deadline

International Undergraduate Scholarship

Amount

$12.5k

Deadline

No deadline

WIA Scholarship Program

Amount

$12k

Deadline

306 days

Effort

60+ min

Ralph Hale and Martha L. Ruppert Educational Scholarship

Amount

$10k

Deadline

No deadline

Ralph Hale and Martha L. Ruppert Educational Scholarship

Amount

$10k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

30โ€“60 min

ACI Foundation 2025-2026 Fellowship

Amount

$10k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

60+ min

Graduate Dearborn Scholarship

Amount

$10k

Deadline

No deadline

International Student Merit Scholarships

Amount

$9k

Deadline

No deadline

Effort

<15 min

Julie Gerhardt-Mannina Scholarship

Amount

$8k

Deadline

No deadline

AAa/e Scholarship & Grant

Amount

$7k

Deadline

33 days

Effort

60+ min
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Types of Scholarships for DACA & Undocumented Students

Scholarships supporting this group often include:

๐Ÿ’ผ Institutional Scholarships: Offered by colleges/universities

๐Ÿค Foundation & Community Awards: Nonprofit funding for undocumented learners

๐Ÿ“š Need-Based Support: Focused on financial need

๐Ÿ†Merit & Leadership Scholarships: Based on academic or community achievement

๐ŸŒŽ State-Specific Programs: Awards available based on state residency

How to Apply for DACA & Undocumented Student Scholarships

To apply successfully:

  1. Check eligibility requirements for each scholarship
  2. Gather documentation (transcripts, essays, letters of support)
  3. Include proof of DACA or applicable immigration documentation
  4. Write a personal statement explaining education goals + immigration context
  5. Track deadlines carefully โ€” many awards are term specific

Tip: When immigration or FAFSA barriers exist, connect with your collegeโ€™s financial aid office or undocumented student support center โ€” they can often help with documentation and submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of scholarships are available for DACA and undocumented students?
There are a variety of scholarships available for DACA and undocumented students, including need-based, merit-based, and field-specific awards. Some are offered by private organizations, foundations, or colleges that do not require U.S. citizenship.
Do I need a Social Security number to apply for these scholarships?
Many scholarships for DACA and undocumented students do not require a Social Security number. Always check the specific requirements for each scholarship before applying.
Can undocumented students apply for federal financial aid?
Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are not eligible for federal financial aid, but they can apply for private scholarships and some state or institutional aid programs.
Are there scholarships for undocumented students at all education levels?
Yes, scholarships are available for high school seniors, current college students, and graduate students who are undocumented or have DACA status.
Is FAFSA required for these scholarships?
Most scholarships for DACA and undocumented students do not require the FAFSA, but some may ask for alternative financial documentation.
How can I improve my chances of winning a scholarship as an undocumented student?
Focus on scholarships that specifically mention eligibility for DACA or undocumented students, submit strong essays and recommendations, and apply to as many relevant opportunities as possible.
Are there scholarships for specific majors or fields of study?
Yes, many scholarships for DACA and undocumented students are open to a wide range of majors, including STEM, business, arts, and more.
Where can I find more resources for undocumented students?
In addition to scholarship databases, students can find support through immigrant advocacy organizations, campus resource centers, and community groups dedicated to undocumented student success.