Applying for scholarships can be daunting, but with the right online platforms, you can apply quickly, easily, and for free! This article covers the top 15 sites that make scholarship hunting simple and cost-effective. Whether you’re a high school senior, college student, or a working professional looking to return to school, these platforms offer incredible options to find funding for your education.
Why Apply for Scholarships Online?
Applying for scholarships online saves you time, energy, and money. With a range of scholarships and detailed search filters, you can find opportunities suited to your academic achievements, financial background, and field of interest. Plus, online applications eliminate paperwork and often provide faster responses.
Certainly! Here’s the completed list with 15 platforms for applying for scholarships online for free, including a brief description, key features, use cases, pros, and cons.
Top 15 Platforms to Apply for Scholarships Online for Free
Here are the best online platforms to help you apply for scholarships without spending a dime:
1. Scholarships.com
- Description: Scholarships.com is a user-friendly site offering thousands of scholarship listings based on academic field, location, and personal background.
- Features: Personalized recommendations, detailed scholarship criteria, user reviews.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Best for high school students looking for a comprehensive list of scholarships.
- Pros: Extensive database, easy navigation.
- Cons: Ads can be distracting.
2. Fastweb
- Description: Fastweb personalizes scholarship matches based on profile details, such as career interests and academic achievements.
- Features: Scholarship recommendations, alerts, college match suggestions.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Ideal for students seeking scholarships matched to career goals.
- Pros: Personalized suggestions, career-oriented matches.
- Cons: Some scholarship links may require separate registration.
3. Cappex
- Description: Cappex helps you explore scholarship, college, and major opportunities, all on one platform.
- Features: College reviews, personalized scholarship lists, comparison tools.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Perfect for students looking for scholarships along with college guidance.
- Pros: Combines scholarships with college search.
- Cons: Some scholarships require additional criteria.
4. Chegg Scholarships
- Description: Powered by Chegg, this platform offers a clean interface with a large database of scholarships.
- Features: Easy-to-use search filters, scholarship recommendations, mobile-friendly.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Great for students seeking an intuitive, straightforward platform.
- Pros: Simple interface, large database.
- Cons: Limited additional features.
5. Niche
- Description: Niche not only provides scholarships but also helps with finding the right college.
- Features: College rankings, scholarships, and reviews.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Ideal for students needing both college and scholarship information.
- Pros: Combines college search with scholarships.
- Cons: Limited scholarship filtering options.
6. Unigo
- Description: Unigo offers a broad scholarship database along with resources like essay tips and college guides.
- Features: Scholarship match quiz, user reviews, blog with college advice.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Great for students seeking comprehensive resources beyond scholarships.
- Pros: Extensive resources, scholarship quiz.
- Cons: Some scholarships may require essays.
7. Peterson’s
- Description: Peterson’s provides scholarships and test prep resources, helping students plan their academic journey.
- Features: Scholarship database, college planning, test prep.
- Pricing: Free (some paid features)
- Use Case: Suitable for students looking for both scholarships and test prep.
- Pros: Multi-functional, includes test prep.
- Cons: Some features require payment.
8. Going Merry
- Description: Going Merry streamlines the scholarship application process by letting you apply directly on the site.
- Features: Apply directly, simple application tracker, recommendation letters.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Best for students wanting a direct application platform.
- Pros: Direct applications, user-friendly tracker.
- Cons: Smaller database than some competitors.
9. Bold.org
- Description: Bold.org is unique for its easy application process, where scholarships are often essay-free.
- Features: Simple applications, scholarships for specific communities.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Great for students looking for quick, essay-free applications.
- Pros: Essay-free applications, unique scholarships.
- Cons: Smaller scholarship pool.
10. College Board Scholarship Search
- Description: College Board’s BigFuture Scholarship Search offers over 2,200 programs with $6 billion in awards.
- Features: Scholarship matching, college resources.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Excellent for students using other College Board services.
- Pros: Trusted platform, large scholarship pool.
- Cons: Fewer personalization options.
11. Scholaroo
- Description: Scholaroo features a wide array of scholarships with easy filtering options.
- Features: Customized filters, clear application links.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Ideal for students needing highly customizable search options.
- Pros: Detailed filters, direct links to scholarships.
- Cons: Limited additional resources.
12. Scholarship Owl
- Description: Scholarship Owl offers personalized recommendations and a one-click application system.
- Features: Personalized matches, easy applications, scholarship tracking.
- Pricing: Free (Premium available)
- Use Case: Best for students wanting a seamless, guided experience.
- Pros: Simple application process, tracking tools.
- Cons: Premium features are behind a paywall.
13. RaiseMe
- Description: RaiseMe rewards students with micro-scholarships as they complete achievements throughout high school.
- Features: Micro-scholarships, student achievement rewards.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Ideal for high school students looking to earn money incrementally.
- Pros: Encourages achievement, builds scholarship funds early.
- Cons: Limited to participating schools.
14. International Scholarships
- Description: This platform specializes in scholarships for international students looking to study abroad.
- Features: International-specific scholarships, easy navigation.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Perfect for international students seeking education abroad.
- Pros: Focuses on international opportunities.
- Cons: Smaller scholarship pool.
15. Scholarships360
- Description: Scholarships360 offers a curated scholarship list, updated regularly with new opportunities.
- Features: Curated list, frequently updated, scholarship alerts.
- Pricing: Free
- Use Case: Suitable for students looking for regularly updated scholarship opportunities.
- Pros: Fresh listings, alerts for new scholarships.
- Cons: Fewer advanced filtering options.
Comparison Table
| Platform | Key Features | Use Case | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarships.com | Personalized recommendations | High school scholarships | Large database, detailed search | Ads can be distracting |
| Fastweb | Career-oriented matches | Career-specific scholarships | Job and career-focused suggestions | May require multiple logins |
| Cappex | College and scholarship combo | College-bound students | College and scholarship reviews | Additional criteria needed |
| Chegg Scholarships | Clean interface, mobile-friendly | High school, college students | Simple navigation, large database | Limited extra features |
| Niche | College + scholarship combo | College and scholarship search | Combines reviews with scholarships | Limited scholarship filters |
| Unigo | Scholarship quiz, resources | College students | Broad resources, match quiz | Some scholarships require essays |
| Peterson’s | Scholarship and test prep | High school seniors | Multi-functional, includes test prep | Some features are paid |
| Going Merry | Direct applications | Students applying often | Direct applications, user-friendly | Smaller scholarship pool |
| Bold.org | Simple applications | Quick, essay-free searches | Easy applications, unique scholarships | Smaller pool |
| College Board Scholarship Search | Large scholarship pool | SAT/ACT students | Trusted source, extensive listings | Limited personalization |
| Scholaroo | Customized filters | Students needing specific filters | Filter by detailed criteria | Limited extra resources |
| Scholarship Owl | One-click applications | Students with busy schedules | Easy applications, tracking | Premium paywall |
| RaiseMe | Micro-scholarships | High school students | Encourages achievement, incremental | Limited to specific schools |
| International Scholarships | International focus | Global students | International scholarship focus | Smaller selection |
| Scholarships360 | Curated list, regular updates | Regularly updated options | Fresh listings, scholarship alerts | Fewer advanced filters |
FAQ
1. Are these scholarship platforms really free?
Yes! All platforms listed offer free access, though some may feature optional premium services.
2. How do these platforms help find scholarships faster?
By using search filters and personalized suggestions, these sites streamline the process, connecting you with scholarships suited to your profile.
3. Do I need a specific GPA to use these sites?
No, but some scholarships may have GPA requirements. Filter accordingly to find those that match your academic background.
4. How reliable are these scholarship opportunities?
Most platforms verify their listings, but always double-check eligibility requirements and deadlines.
5. Can international students apply through these platforms?
Yes, several platforms cater to international students, such as International Scholarships.