Scholarships For Transgender Students

Updated on March 29, 2024

Transgender students can benefit from many forms of financial aid and resources at LGBTQ+ colleges. They also qualify for transgender scholarship opportunities. Professional associations, private foundations, and LGBTQ+ organizations support transgender students through scholarships of varying amounts.

College students should use scholarships and grants before applying for student loans since these awards do not require repayment. Our list of scholarships includes application information, deadlines, and scholarships for transgender students. This page also introduces transgender student resources.

Transgender College Student Resource Guide

What makes a transgender scholarship different from other scholarships? Transgender, queer, and gender-inclusive scholarships support students from diverse gender identities. Some scholarships set a minimum GPA or require proof of financial need. Others award scholarships to transgender students regardless of their academic performance.

Applicants can stand out by writing personal statements on their career goals, experience as an LGBTQ+ student, and their unique journey to higher education. Applicants should submit all required materials before the deadline.

Scholarships

With college costs continuing to rise, many students turn to scholarships and grants to cover the cost of a degree. As one of the most desirable forms of financial aid, scholarships offer free money with no repayment or service obligations. Transgender students qualify for many scholarships, including targeted opportunities for transgender and nonbinary students.

See below for a list of transgender scholarships and visit our LGBTQ+ scholarship page for more opportunities. Some scholarships may have passed their deadline, so check back to see when applications open again.

APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women and Underrepresented Minorities

Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women & Transgender Community Scholarship

Diversity Alliance of the Puget Sound Scholarship

Grand Rapids Trans Foundation Academic Scholarship

Pearl I. Young Scholarship

Proyecto H.A.C.E.R. College Book Scholarship

Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Program

The Intention Co. Scholarship Fund

TransgenderFirst College Scholarship

Trans Student Educational Resources Scholarship

Explore Financial Aid Opportunities for Online Colleges

Transgender Student Resources and Support

Transgender students face unique issues in higher education, including finding trans-friendly colleges, promoting campus diversity, and fighting harassment and bigotry. The following sites offer resources, tips, and advice for trans students. These sites also connect students with support resources in their communities.

LGBTQ College Culture Guide

Genevieve Carlton

Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure as a history professor at the University of Louisville. An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a freelance writer and consultant.

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