It’s never too early — or too late — to start applying for scholarships. Whether you’re in middle school, high school, or college, there are opportunities out there. Here’s a guide to the kinds of scholarships available at each stage of your academic journey.
Middle School (Grades 6–8):
-
Examples: Art contests, essay competitions, and STEM challenge awards.
-
Tip: Focus on building skills and a portfolio for later applications.
High School (Grades 9–12):
-
9th–10th Grade:
-
Start small with local contests and niche awards.
-
Get involved in extracurriculars for stronger future applications.
-
-
11th–12th Grade:
-
This is peak scholarship season — apply widely!
-
Look for national, regional, and college-specific scholarships.
-
Undergraduate Students:
-
Many scholarships are renewable or available for specific majors.
-
Transfer students and adult learners also have unique opportunities.
Graduate Students:
-
Scholarships are often tied to research, field of study, or professional organizations.
-
Consider assistantships, fellowships, and niche foundations.
Conclusion:
No matter your grade level, there’s something out there for you. The key is to start looking early and keep applying consistently.

