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
Frequently Asked Questions About AAPI Scholarships
What does AAPI mean?
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.
Who is eligible for an Asian Pacific Islander scholarship?
Eligibility criteria vary for Asian American and Pacific Islander scholarships, but most require applicants to be U.S. citizens of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage who are seeking a degree at a college or university in the U.S. Other common requirements include a minimum GPA (often around 3.0), certain academic interests, or financial need.
Do I have to prove my heritage to apply for AAPI scholarships?
Asian and Pacific Islander scholarships typically don't require formal proof of heritage. Instead, scholarship committees usually allow you to share your background through application questions, essays, or even interviews.
Can I apply to multiple scholarships at once?
You can apply to as many scholarships as you want. It's generally encouraged to apply to as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of securing a scholarship and making it easier to pay for your education.
Are there scholarships for specific AAPI ethnic groups?
Some scholarships are available for students of specific ethnic backgrounds. For example, the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund requires applicants to have at least 50% Filipino heritage to qualify. Others scholarships may prefer Asian or Pacific Island heritage, but do not require it.