Weird & Unusual College Scholarships You Can Win

Some of the Weirdest College Scholarship Opportunities

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Mycological Society of America Scholarships: Up to $10,000. Awards are available to undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals in various specialties who've pursued Mycology, the study of fungi—aka a delicious pizza topping. #Mushrooms
Clowns of America, International Education Scholarship: Awards vary. Planning to go to clown college...or at least a family-friendly entertainment educational program that runs for a minimum of 10 hours? You can apply for this scholarship from Clowns of America, International. #Clowns
John Gatling Grant: Up to $60,000. Students with the surname Gatlin or Gatling who plan to attend NC State University can take advantage of this generous alumnus' namesake scholarship. It's worth $10k a year for North Carolina residents or $15k for non-residents, and it's renewable for up to four years! #GotTheRightLastName
: Up to $1,500. Let it all hang out and apply for this scholarship if you have nudist experience (no judgment) and concern for nudist issues like skin cancer, body image, nudist art and literature, and the tiny issue of just getting public acceptance of nudism. #Nudists
: This $1,500 scholarship supports New Mexico high‑school seniors living (rent/own/occupy) in manufactured or mobile homes. It’s a feel‑good boost for students ready to launch their college journey with confidence and community behind them.
: Awards vary. Available at Bucknell University, this scholarship is offered to students who are graduates of Mount Carmel Public High School and residents of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, for at least 10 years. Recipients must also honor the memory of the scholarship's namesake by abstaining from drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and "strenuous athletic contests." (The same requirements apply for the Voris Auten Scholarship Fund.) #StraightAndNarrow
: Awards vary. Okay, this isn't just one scholarship, but these opportunities come and go fast, so you need to keep an eye on them! Luckily, they're so weird and fun (and generous), you won't have trouble jumping on the opportunities. Past awards include things like writing a rap for your favorite teacher, designing finger puppets, and giving your friends homemade coupon books. Plus, these scholarships raise awareness of important issues like teacher appreciation, texting while driving, and supporting friends with depression. #EasyPeasy
: Awards vary. Are you dedicated to good lighting? The folks at the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America certainly are. If you can demonstrate your skill and vision for the craft and commitment to pursuing illumination as a career, you could snag one of their scholarships. #Lights
: Up to $30,000. Are you part mermaid? If your college studies bring you underwater—whether it’s for research aqua-tourism, photography, or even underwater welding—you may be eligible for this scholarship awarded to scholars in “underwater-related” disciplines. #UndertheSea
: Awards vary. If you're unfamiliar, Starfleet is a fan club run by the International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. Several different scholarship opportunities are offered to both members and non-members attending community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, most technical schools, junior colleges, graduate schools, or any other accredited institution or organization that offers a certificate/certified program. #Trekkies
: $1,000. Serving the (financial) needs of "exceptionally tall people," Tall Clubs International awards scholarships to high school seniors who meet the minimum height requirements: 5' 10" (178 cm) for women and 6' 2" (188 cm) for men in stocking feet. Membership in a local club is not required. #Tall
: Awards vary. If you get more excited about the Amazon box than the goodies inside it, this might be the scholarship program for you. Undergrad and graduate students pursuing academic paths related to the pulp, paper, engineering, corrugated, and converting industries have multiple awards to choose from, all with deadlines in February. #Paper
: Awards vary. This scholarship covers full tuition and housing and is renewable for four years, so all those days of lugging heavy bags around the links might finally pay for golf caddies everywhere. Applicants must have financial need, great grades, and outstanding character...in addition to a "strong caddie record." #Caddyshack
: $2,500. This sweet deal is available to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a food science–related major and a "demonstrated interest in confectionery technology." (We're guessing your epic love of Sour Patch Kids doesn't count.) #IWantCandy
: Up to $2,500. You know, working with corpses really isn't that bad. It's quiet, it's consistent, and practically no other job is as stable (except maybe being a tax preparer). If you've completed at least one semester or quarter in an accredited Funeral Service or Mortuary Science program, you're eligible for this biannual scholarship. #DeadPeople
: Up to $12,500. Winemaking is a lucrative, unique, and deeeeelicious business (if you're 21 or older, of course). Students pursuing the wine and grape industries are eligible for these annual awards, with multiple opportunities to win. #Wine
: Awards vary. Are you a would-be welder or current welding educator? Multiple scholarship opportunities are available for professionals and students (both US and international) attending trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities for welding-related educational and training programs. #Welding
: $1,000. When we say "aggressive," we don't mean rude or rough. Rather, this scholarship awards you for applying for as many other scholarships as you can...which we recommend doing anyway. You simply need to submit your confirmation emails. #AllTheScholarships
: $5,000. "NO PURCHASE OR LOAN NECESSARY." That's what we like to see! Not only is this contest super easy to enter, but you can earn bonus entries when you share it via social media. #Discover
: Up to $15,000. You knew duct tape was useful around the house, but you'll be shocked to see just how pretty it can be! All it takes is a little creativity, an eye for fashion, and upwards of 50 rolls of duct tape plus ~100 hours of your time to win this contest for high schoolers. (NBD!) Prizes are awarded for first place Tux and Dress, plus eight runners-up and three judges' choice awards for three of the top 10 finalists. #DuctTapeProm
: Awards vary. College students, you can turn your (or your team's) original and brilliant invention into cash money! And it's actual cash too—not a traditional scholarship paid to your school. As long as your idea hasn't been made or shared commercially or patented, you're eligible. #Eureka
: Up to $1,500. Only one college in the world (that we know of) offers a scholarship for left-handed students: Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Other scholarship requirements include academic excellence and involvement. #Lefties
: Half tuition for each student. Twins (and families of twins), this is the scholarship two-fer you've been looking for. It's a full tuition scholarship awarded 50/50 if both twins are enrolled at Lake Erie College full-time. #Twins
: Awards vary. All you have to be is a Catholic student with the last name of Zolp attending Loyola University Chicago to qualify. #AnotherRightLastName
: Awards vary. "Mibsters" (aka marble shooters) between the ages of seven and 14 can compete in the annual National Marbles Tournament for scholarship dollars—and for the chance to be crowned the King or Queen of Marbles (which we think is even better). #MarbleRoyalty
: $10,000. The National Potato Council awards this hefty scholarship annually to a graduate student with a strong interest in research that will directly benefit the potato industry. Mmmm... #Potatoes
: Awards vary. And you thought playing Pokémon was just for fun and bragging rights. You could also go home with a scholarship that's good until your 28th birthday or 10 years from the day you win a Play! Pokémon Event. Scholarships are paid directly to recipients and can be used for tuition and fees or books, supplies, and equipment required for educational courses at qualified institutions. #GottaCatchEmAll
: $500. Any college student can apply for this scholarship, even if it's your first rodeo. Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited US university for the fall semester and write an essay describing their experience attending or interest in rodeo. #YeeHaw
: $3,000. The American Sheep Industry Association awards this scholarship to graduate students in sheep-related studies that advance the lamb and wool industry. Mary had a little scholarship... #BahBah
: $1,000. Undergrads, graduate students, and high school seniors pursuing Agricultural Studies or related fields can apply for this award by writing a 500-word essay on the benefits and challenges of backyard chicken farming, the role of chickens in sustainable living, or the benefits of integrating chickens into home garden ecosystems. #Cluck
: Up to $5,000. Can you quack with the best of them? Can you speak to the mallards? Take your skills to this classic contest for high school seniors, named for legendary duck callers and duck call makers. First through fourth place are awarded each year. #Quack!
: Up to $5,000. This award can fund your venerable vacuum coating technology studies at an accredited technical, vocational, two-year, undergraduate, or graduate school. Three or more scholarships are awarded each year! #VacuumCoatingIsAThing
: $1,500. What does the number five mean to you? Tell Unigo why it's important in 250 words or fewer to win this easy award. You may want to talk about the fifth month of the year (May) because they're big fans! #Five
: $1,500. "If you were an ice cream flavor, which would you be and why?" You can scoop up another scholarship from Unigo by answering that prompt in a short and sweet 250-word essay. #WeAllScream
: $1,500. Applying for scholarships isn't always so serious! All this contest requires is a 250-word essay describing an incident in your life, funny or embarrassing, fact or fiction. #Haha
: $1,500. "If you could say one thing to the entire world at once, what would it be and why?" Provided you can say it in 250 words or fewer, you could snag this straightforward scholarship. #ShoutingButNotReally
: $2,500. Have you ever thought about what superhero or villain you would be if you could swap places with one? Well, you can win money by writing a short essay response about it! #WithGreatPower
: $2,000. Quick: The streets are full of the undead (bummer). What's your plan?! If you can convince the scholarship judges you're ready to survive a zombie fallout, you could win enough money to stock your underground shelter for at least a few months. #Zombies
: $1,500. Studying to become a puppeteer? If you're a member of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette's US chapter, are 18 years or older, and have demonstrated experience in puppetry, you might be able to pull some strings to win this award. #Puppets
: Up to $10,000. If you think animals are friends, not food, and you advocate for them in your high school or community, you may be eligible for these awards! High school seniors who show compassion, courage, and a strong commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet or lifestyle should apply. #Veggies
: Awards vary. Calling all beef lovers! The Collegiate Beef Advocacy Program aims to develop beef advocates and leaders for the cattle industry. Participants will receive the scholarship upon completion of their year of service. #WherestheBeef
: Offering $1,000, this scholarship rewards students who craft an original 15×15 crossword puzzle. Wordplay, creativity, and clever clue‑writing all count toward earning this delightfully nerdy prize.
: This $2,000 award supports model‑railroad enthusiasts dedicated to craftsmanship and miniature engineering. Students passionate about tiny trains and detailed layouts can earn funding for their creative pursuits.
: This $1,800 top‑prize scholarship rewards creative students who turn their passion for tattoo art into bold, original work. It’s quirky, competitive, and perfect for anyone ready to ink their imagination onto the world.
: With prizes up to $5,000, this long‑running contest highlights emerging sci‑fi and fantasy artists. Original illustrations judged on creativity and technique can launch careers — and win cash.
: A $2,500 award for students who submit an original holiday or greeting‑card design. Strong aesthetics, creativity, and visual storytelling can turn your artwork into scholarship success.
: This $2,500 award invites students to write about how a pet shaped their life. Heartfelt, funny, or chaotic stories are welcome—emotional support animals not required, but appreciated.
: Offering $1,000, this contest invites students to create a short comic inspired by a selected book. Strong storytelling, expressive panels, and visual flair help artists stand out.
: Up to $5,000. Are you a graduating senior at a Mississippi high school who happens to worship the King of Rock and Roll? Just submit a video of yourself singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument to enter this talent-based scholarship. You must be able to perform live at the finale in Tupelo in order to win first, second, or third place. #ThankYaVeryMuch
: This award of up to $500 celebrates natural redheads with a sense of humor about their genetics. Applicants submit proof of their ginger roots and a short application to compete.
��Vlog Easy Monthly Scholarships: Awards vary. ��Vlog offers easy no-essay scholarship opportunities every month for registered users! All you have to do is create a free account (or log back in) and answer one question—stuff like “What’s your favorite color?” or “Who’s the best college mascot?” #SuperEasy

Don't Miss Out on the Weirdest College Scholarships

When you think about college scholarships, you probably imagine a world of academic excellence, athletic prowess, and community service. And while those are certainly important, they are not the only ways to earn free money for your education. In a crowded and competitive world, your quirky interests, unique talents, and even your unusual characteristics can be your greatest asset.

The scholarship landscape is filled with a variety of opportunities that are far from ordinary. You don’t have to be a valedictorian or a star athlete to qualify. Instead, you could earn thousands of dollars for mastering the art of duck calling, showcasing your artistic skills with duct tape, or simply being over a certain height. These types of niche scholarships often receive far fewer applications than their mainstream counterparts, significantly increasing your chances of winning.

This list is your guide to some of the most bizarre scholarship opportunities available. You’ll find awards for students who are tall, vegetarian, or have an interest in the candy industry. There are scholarships that challenge you to create a greeting card, write about your zombie apocalypse survival plan, or share your love for crossword puzzles. It’s all proof that there is a scholarship for almost every interest, hobby, or passion you can imagine.

PS: Please note that scholarship deadlines, amounts, requirements, and URLs change all the time (and sometimes very quickly!). We do our best to keep these listings up-to-date, but always double-check any scholarship you're interested in before applying.

PPS: You can search for even more scholarships right here on ��Vlog!

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