Asian Pacific Islander Scholarship Opportunities
As an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) student, you can apply for many scholarships that help lower the cost of college. Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid.
Asian and Pacific Islander scholarships include identity-, region-, and major-specific awards from organizations such as the Prism Foundation and the Asian Pacific Fund. Award amounts for undergraduate students typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year.
Colleges that are designated as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), as well as AAPI-serving advocacy groups, may also offer grants, mentorship opportunities, and professional development resources for AAPI students.
Explore this page to learn more about financial aid opportunities for AAPI students.
AAPI Scholarship Opportunities
Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund
This scholarship awards $5,000 a year for four years to incoming first-year college students in California. Candidates must enroll in a four-year program in engineering; mathematics; or computer, environmental, or physical science. Applicants with at least 50% Filipino heritage qualify.
Shui Kuen and Allen Chin Scholarship
The scholarship awards $1,000 to two students annually. Incoming first-year students at two- or four-year schools qualify if they or their parents work at an Asian-owned or Asian cuisine restaurant. Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and financial need qualify.
Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship
The scholarship awards $5,000 to four students majoring in social science, accounting, business administration, or related fields. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors at four-year colleges qualify. Applicants must possess at least 50% Asian heritage.
Hsiao Memorial Social Sciences Scholarship
The scholarship awards $1,000 to one student annually. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with preference given to those with Asian heritage, studying in social science or economics, or researching topics that benefit Asian communities in need. Applicants must have a 3.0 minimum GPA and plan to attend a college in California or New York.
Prism Foundation Scholarship
Serving LGBTQ+ Asian and Pacific Islanders and their allies, the scholarship offers funding to students attending two-year, four-year, or vocational or trade schools. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000. Applicants must demonstrate a strong history of work and social impact within the LGBTQ+ and Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars General Scholarship Program
The APIA Scholarship Program offers various scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. Applicants with Asian and/or Pacific Islander heritage qualify. Most awards focus on serving first-generation or low-income students with a proven record of community engagement and service.
Resources for AAPI Students
Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI)
Established in 2007, the AANAPISI program aims to improve the quality of education for Asian and Pacific American students. They promote and support the hiring, retention, and advancement of qualified Asian and Pacific American faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as highlight issues affecting Asian and Pacific Americans in higher education
Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA)
With chapters nationwide, APAPA provides professional development and community service programs to Asian and Pacific Islander students. Joining the APAPA means contributing to a community of students that is working to facilitate a more diverse and inclusive country.
National Asian/Pacific Islander Council (NAPIC)
NAPIC is a nonprofit group dedicated to ensuring educational inclusiveness and increasing the quality of education for Asian and Pacific Islander students. NAPIC also promotes professional development of Asian and Pacific Islander leadership within colleges, student support services, and the creation of action programs to help advocate for positive change.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Special Interest Group
The AANHPI Special Interest Group (SIG) works to address often-unrecognized issues in the AANHPI community. As part of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, this SIG provides resources for AANHPI professionals working in a college setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About AAPI Scholarships
AAPI stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander. It refers to people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage living in the United States, including communities and cultures from East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders from Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.
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