How do I apply for scholarships without citizenship?

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Can I really get a scholarship without papers?

Yes. Private scholarships set their own rules, and many do not ask about citizenship at all. Immigrants Rising keeps a list made only of scholarships and fellowships that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship. MALDEF's 2027 to 2028 guide says it includes many awards that do not ask about immigration status or require a valid Social Security number.

You do not need DACA to apply for these. Read each award's rules, because some are open only to citizens or green card holders.

Where do I find them?

Start with lists that are already sorted for students like you.

• Immigrants Rising list. It shows only awards due in the next 90 days, so check it every month. You can filter by school level, state and immigration status. On a phone, switch your browser to desktop view first.
• MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide. A long list, updated for 2027 to 2028. MALDEF does not give out these awards, so contact each group to confirm you qualify.
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation. One application covers close to 700 scholarships a year. Its search has a filter for non U.S. citizens, including AB 540 and DACA students. Its last deadline was February 27, 2026. On October 21, 2026, its site still showed only last cycle, so check again in December for the 2027 dates.
• Peninsula College Fund (for San Mateo and Santa Clara county seniors). For first generation seniors at any high school in either county, with a 3.0 to 4.0 unweighted GPA and financial need. It says its application is open to undocumented and DACA students. Last cycle ran November 19, 2025 to February 6, 2026. On October 21, 2026, it had not posted 2027 dates yet, so watch its site in November.
• Your own college. Many colleges give their own scholarships. At Cal State, AB 540 students who file the California Dream Act Application are considered for campus aid. Ask your financial aid office or Dream Resource Center what else they offer.

One national award to skip: TheDream.US says it does not offer its scholarship to undocumented students in California, because the state already has strong aid.

How do I apply, step by step?

1. Make a list. Write down each award, its deadline and what it asks for. Put the closest deadline first.
2. Read the rules twice. Check who can apply. If it says "citizens or permanent residents only," move on. If it says nothing about status, you can usually apply.
3. Gather what most ask for. A transcript, one or two letters of recommendation, a short list of your activities and work, and an essay.
4. Write one strong core essay. Most prompts are alike. Write one good essay about your story and goals, then change it to fit each prompt.
5. Ask for letters early. Give teachers or mentors two weeks or more, and tell them the deadline.
6. Submit before the deadline, and save a copy of everything you send.

What if the form asks for a Social Security number?

Do not panic, and do not make one up.

• Leave it blank if you do not have one, and finish the rest of the application. MALDEF gives this same advice, and notes that many awards need only your name and address.
• Ask the group if the SSN is really required. Some will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
• Never give a false number or say you have a status you do not have. MALDEF warns that lying about your status or giving a false Social Security number is a federal offense.

Will I owe taxes on a scholarship?

Usually not, if the money pays for school. The IRS says a scholarship is tax free only if you are working toward a degree, and only the part you use for tuition, required fees, and the books and supplies your classes require (IRS Publication 970).

• Money for rent, food or travel is taxable income.
• Money paid for work the award requires, like teaching or research, is taxable.
• Awards for students not in a degree program are taxable.

If part of your award is taxable, a free tax clinic can help you file, including with an ITIN. See Free tax help to file with an ITIN. This is general information, not tax advice.

What does it look like in real life?

Example (fictional, to show the steps): Maria is a senior in San Mateo County with no Social Security number. In October she opens the Immigrants Rising list, filters for "undocumented" and "high school senior," and writes down six awards. She crosses off two that say "citizens or permanent residents only." For the other four, she writes one core essay about why she wants to study nursing, then trims it for each prompt. She asks two teachers for letters in early November with the deadlines on a note. One form asks for an SSN. She leaves it blank and emails the group, which tells her a blank is fine. She files her California Dream Act Application in January, well before March 2. She saves a copy of every application in one folder.

What if someone asks me to pay or seems like a scam?

Stop and do not pay. Real scholarships do not charge you to apply or ask for your bank or card number.

• Report it to the California Attorney General. You can file a consumer complaint online.
• The FTC's report site is down during the federal government shutdown. On October 21, 2026, ReportFraud.ftc.gov said it could not take reports. Try again when it reopens.
• Tell your counselor so other students hear about it.

Should I also apply for state aid?

Yes, if you qualify for in state tuition under AB 540. The California Dream Act Application opens state grants like the Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, plus aid from your college. Many students get more from state aid than from private scholarships. File it by March 2, 2027. See How do I apply for the California Dream Act?

Who can help?

These are free. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Your high school counselor: local awards, letters and your transcript.
• Your college's financial aid office or Dream Resource Center: campus scholarships and state aid.
• Immigrants Rising: scholarship lists and guides for undocumented students. immigrantsrising.org
• California Student Aid Commission: questions about the California Dream Act Application. Call (888) 224-7268 or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.

Every application you send is a seed planted. Keep going.

Related questions

• What is the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship?
• How do I start writing a scholarship essay?
• Can undocumented students get state financial aid?