Where to find scholarships that do not require citizenship

If paying for college feels out of reach, you are not alone. Start with one step. This page is for students in California, whatever their immigration status. It shows where to look for private scholarships. How to apply for state aid is on How to apply for the CA Dream Act, and in state tuition is on Paying for college. This page is not legal or financial advice. Every scholarship sets its own rules, so read each one closely.

Where do I start looking?

Start with lists made by groups that work with immigrant students. They save you hours.

• Immigrants Rising. A free online list of scholarships and fellowships that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship. You can filter by school level, state and immigration status (such as DACA, TPS or in state tuition). It shows only awards due within the next 90 days, so new ones appear all year. On a phone, switch your browser to the desktop view to use the filters. Open the list
• MALDEF. A free scholarship guide for the 2027 to 2028 school year, posted in September 2026. MALDEF says it includes many awards that do not ask about immigration status or require a Social Security number. Open the guide
• Your college. Many colleges have their own scholarships and a Dream Resource Center. Ask the financial aid office which campus awards are open to you.

Can I get a TheDream.US scholarship?

Probably not if you live in California. TheDream.US says it does not offer its scholarship to undocumented students in California, because California already offers strong state and college aid. It says the same for Washington.

For students in other states, its 2027 to 2028 windows are:

• National Scholarship: November 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027, for students who came to the U.S. before age 16 and before November 1, 2021.
• Opportunity Scholarship: November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027, only for students who live in one of 14 listed states. California is not one of them.

If you live in California, put your energy into the state aid and local awards on this page.

What state money can I get without papers?

If you qualify for in state tuition (often called AB 540), the California Dream Act Application can open:

• Cal Grants. The deadline for most students is March 2, 2027.
• The Middle Class Scholarship, for students at UC, Cal State or a community college bachelor's degree program. There is no separate form. The state considers you when you send the California Dream Act Application on time. For 2026 to 2027 the limit was up to $250,000 (CSAC). The 2027 to 2028 limit is not posted yet, so check the CSAC page. Apply anyway; the form is free.

How to fill out the form is on How to apply for the CA Dream Act. Who qualifies, and other state money, is on Paying for college.

Are there scholarships near East Palo Alto?

Yes. We list only local scholarships whose own website says students without papers can apply. Contact each one to confirm details.

Peninsula College Fund

• Who: graduating seniors at any public or private high school in San Mateo or Santa Clara County who will be the first in their family to go to college.
• Where you go next: a four year college or university. A few scholars may start at a community college with plans to transfer.
• Grades and need: a 3.0 to 4.0 unweighted high school GPA and financial need, judged by local income limits.
• Status: the fund says its application is open to undocumented students and students with DACA.
• What you get: a scholarship you can renew for all four years of college, plus training events.
• When: the 2027 dates are not posted yet. Last cycle it opened November 19, 2025 and closed February 6, 2026, so check its page in November.
• Become a scholar (Peninsula College Fund)

Silicon Valley Community Foundation

• What it is: one application that covers many scholarships for seniors, college students, returning students and graduate students. It gives close to 700 awards a year.
• Status: its scholarship search has a filter for non U.S. citizens, which it says includes AB 540 and DACA students. Use that filter to see which awards fit you.
• When: the next cycle's dates are not posted yet. Last cycle the application opened in January and closed February 27, 2026 at noon, so check its scholarships page in December.
• Find SVCF scholarships

How do I make my application strong?

• Write one strong essay. Many applications ask about your goals, what you have overcome and how you help others. Write one good essay. Then change it to fit each prompt.
• Ask early for letters. Give a teacher, coach or pastor plenty of time and a short list of what you have done.
• Keep your papers in one folder: transcript, essay drafts, your California Dream Act confirmation page and a list of activities.
• If a form asks for a Social Security number, email the funder and ask if it is truly required. Immigrants Rising says many private funders do not need one.
• Be honest on every form. Never make up a Social Security number or facts about your status.
• Share only what the form asks. You do not have to tell your full story to apply.

How do I spot a scholarship scam?

If they want your money, walk away. The Federal Trade Commission warns about these signs:

• You must pay a fee to apply, to "process" or to "hold" a scholarship.
• They guarantee you will win, or promise your money back.
• They ask for your bank account or credit card number.
• They say you won or are a finalist for something you never applied for.
• They claim secret information you cannot get anywhere else.

Real scholarship lists, like the ones on this page, are free. The California Dream Act Application is free too.

If you think you met a scam, stop contact and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the California Attorney General. On October 21, 2026, the FTC report site still said it could not take reports because of the federal government shutdown. If it is still closed, report to the California Attorney General. If someone also offers to fix your immigration papers, read Warning signs of an immigration scam.

Can I print a tracker?

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 scholarships, 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, Cal Grants and the Middle Class Scholarship. Call (888) 224-7268. csac.ca.gov/undocumented
• 211: if your family needs other help while you apply. 211: free help finding local services

Keep going. Every application you send is a step forward. You do not have to do it alone, and we are cheering for you.