Who is eligible for the National Scholarship?

This page is general information, not legal advice. We are not part of TheDream.US.

Can I get it if I live in California?

No. TheDream.US says it does not offer its scholarship to undocumented students in California. It says the same for Washington. Its reason is that both states already give generous state and college aid to Dreamers. We rechecked this on October 21, 2026.

That is real good news, even if it does not feel like it. In California, if you meet the AB 540 school rules, the California Dream Act Application can open Cal Grants, the Middle Class Scholarship and aid from your college. You do not need DACA for that.

Your next step is on Can undocumented students get state financial aid?

Who can apply if I live outside California?

TheDream.US says eligibility is based on where you live. For the 2027 to 2028 National Scholarship, its scholarship page lists these rules (checked October 21, 2026):

Your story and status

• You are a first generation immigrant student.
• You came to the United States before age 16 and before November 1, 2021, and you have lived here without a break since then.
• You face immigration status barriers as a Dreamer. TheDream.US gives examples: you are undocumented, you have or had DACA or TPS, or you have a pending immigration application.
• You cannot get federal student aid through the FAFSA.
• You do not hold a student, visitor, work or other temporary visa. International students cannot apply.

Your schooling

• You have or will have a high school diploma by the start of the 2027 to 2028 school year, or you have a GED recognized under your state's law.
• Your high school GPA is 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• If you have college credits after high school, your college GPA must also be 2.5 or higher. Students already in college can apply if they meet the other rules.
• You plan to enroll full time in an associate or bachelor's degree program for fall 2027 or spring 2028.
• You have significant unmet financial need.

Your college

• You must attend one of its partner colleges in your home state, or one of its online college options.
• If the partner college is public, you must also qualify for in state tuition there. TheDream.US lists Texas community colleges as an exception.
• Some online options have their own limits. For example, it says ASU Online is only for students who live in Florida or Texas and pick certain majors.

You will be asked to certify that what you write is true. TheDream.US says it may ask finalists for limited proof and will keep that information confidential. Never claim a status you do not have.

What does the scholarship pay for?

TheDream.US says the award covers tuition and required fees up to $18,000 for an associate degree or up to $36,000 for a bachelor's degree. It adds up to $6,000 in stipends for books and supplies.

It is only for an undergraduate associate or bachelor's degree. It cannot be used for graduate school. You must renew it each school year, and missing the renewal deadline means losing the award.

When can I apply?

For 2027 to 2028, TheDream.US lists the National Scholarship window as November 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027, with answers by late April 2027. You must also apply to your partner college yourself, before its deadline. Winning the scholarship does not get you admitted.

What does the application ask for?

TheDream.US's FAQ says reviewers score your essay, your grades and your advanced courses. It does not list a fee, letters or immigration papers for the first round. You certify that what you write is true, and finalists may be asked for limited proof. Have these ready before November 1:

• Your high school transcript or GPA, and any college transcript.
• A draft essay. Our guide How do I start writing a scholarship essay? walks you through it.
• The name of the partner college you will apply to, and its application deadline.
• An email address you check every week. Decisions come by email.

The FAQ says all applicants accept the decision as final. It does not say whether you can apply again in a later year. Ask TheDream.US through its contact page if you were not chosen.

What if my state does not give Dreamers in state tuition?

TheDream.US runs a second award, the Opportunity Scholarship, for students who live in one of 14 states and attend one of its 5 Opportunity Partner Colleges in another state. Its scholarships page sorts students by home state. Start there to see which award fits you.

What should I do if I live in California?

Put your time where the money is for you:

1. File the California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027. See How do I apply for the California Dream Act?
2. Check that you meet AB 540. See Do I meet the AB 540 requirements?
3. Apply for private scholarships that do not ask for citizenship. See How do I apply for scholarships without citizenship?
4. Ask your college about its own grants and its Dream Resource Center.

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 or college Dream Resource Center: state aid, local awards and letters.
• California Student Aid Commission: questions about the California Dream Act Application. Call (888) 224-7268 or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.
• TheDream.US: questions about its own rules, through its contact page.

Related questions

• Can undocumented students get state financial aid?
• How do I apply for scholarships without citizenship?
• What scholarships exist for Dreamers in grad school?