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Weird & Unique Scholarships

Explore weird and unique scholarships with unconventional eligibility criteria. Find awards you may qualify for, quirky requirements, deadlines, and strategic tips to boost your chance of winning.

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What Are Weird & Unique Scholarships?

Weird and unique scholarships are financial awards with eligibility rules that stand out from traditional academic or need-based criteria. Instead of GPA or test scores alone, these scholarships may consider:

  1. Odd or specific hobbies
  2. Membership in niche communities
  3. Personal characteristics or physical traits
  4. Interest in strange or unusual subjects
  5. Creative or humorous skill sets

They often require simple applications, short essays, or even contests, sweepstakes, and social media submissions.

Types of Weird & Unique Scholarships

Personality or Trait-Based Awards

Scholarships for traits like being left-handed, red hair, or being unusually tall/short (where sponsored).

Hobby & Interest Scholarships

Funding for enthusiasts of video games, pizza, duck calling, comic books, Pokemon, ghost hunting, or Lego building — even nerd culture.

Contest-Style & Sweepstakes Scholarships

Awards where you enter a drawing, complete a challenge, or submit a creative entry.

Pop Culture & Fan-Focused Scholarships

Scholarships tied to music, movies, fandoms, memes, or viral culture.

Niche Community & Identity Awards

Scholarships for groups defined by nontraditional or celebratory identities.

Unusual Essay or Creativity Competitions

Awards with fun prompts or odd essay topics (e.g., explain your obsession with socks).

Because these awards are so varied, new ones crop up regularly — checking often increases your chances.


Scholarships

Navigate Your Future Scholarship

Amount

$2.5k

Deadline

121 days

Effort

60+ min
Apply Now View full details
View More Weird & Unique Scholarships Scholarships

Tips to Win Weird & Unique Scholarships

  1. Be genuine and creative. These scholarships reward personality and originality.
  2. Follow quirky rules exactly. If it asks for a meme, submit a meme — but a good one!
  3. Customize every entry. Even short entries benefit from personalization.
  4. Use humor thoughtfully. Clever does better than sloppy.
  5. Track multiple awards. Enter daily or weekly contests consistently.

Because many of these scholarships are low-effort to enter, quantity can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are weird and unique scholarships?
Weird and unique scholarships are awards given to students based on unusual talents, interests, characteristics, or creative achievements, rather than traditional academic or athletic criteria.
Who can apply for these scholarships?
Eligibility varies, but many weird and unique scholarships are open to students of all backgrounds who meet specific, often quirky, criteria set by the scholarship provider.
What kinds of unusual criteria do these scholarships have?
Criteria can include anything from having a specific physical trait, pursuing a unique hobby, creating a creative project, or demonstrating an unusual skill.
Are weird and unique scholarships legitimate?
Yes, many reputable organizations and companies offer these scholarships. Always verify the legitimacy of the scholarship before applying.
How can I find more weird and unique scholarships?
Use scholarship search engines, check with your school’s guidance office, and look for lists compiled by reputable educational websites.
Do I need to write an essay for these scholarships?
Some weird and unique scholarships require essays or creative submissions, while others may have simple application forms or contests.
Can international students apply for weird and unique scholarships?
Some scholarships are open to international students, but eligibility depends on the specific award. Always check the requirements before applying.
What tips can help me win a weird or unique scholarship?
Be authentic, follow the application instructions closely, and showcase your personality and passion for the unique criteria the scholarship celebrates.