Scholarships are available to graduates, even if they have completed their undergraduate studies. Graduates, or postgraduates, are eligible for many awards. You should apply for these scholarships if you plan to pursue a master’s degree.
1. Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
Deadline for submissions: December
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship program is for students planning to pursue a degree in oceanography, marine archaeology, or other similar fields. To have a chance of winning, you should make sure that your research proposal is in line with NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
The following qualifications are required for this program:
- Financial need must be demonstrated
- Recommendation letters
- Support the priorities of NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary System. (Optional, but it can have an impact on your ability to win.)
- You can start your doctoral or master’s program early
- You must be a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Territory citizen, or a permanent United States resident.
- Attend a college or university in the United States
2. March of Dimes Graduate Nursing scholarship
Awards up to $10,000
Deadline for submissions: April
Nurses can earn higher degrees, such as a Master’s. March of Dimes Graduate Nursing Scholarship can help with the cost. To qualify, however, students must be studying nursing care for mothers and babies in a graduate-level or doctorate program.
Additional qualifications include:
- Be a registered Nurse
- Be enrolled at a graduate level or higher in maternal-child nursing
- You must have completed at least 1 academic term.
Undergraduate Nursing Diversity Scholarship is a March of Dimes award that was created for future nurses.
3. American Indian Education Fund
Prize Amount: From $1,000 to $2,000
Deadline for submissions: April
The American Indian Education Fund is available to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students pursuing graduate or doctoral degrees. The American Indian Education Fund requires that students who wish to apply to provide proof of their tribal membership, either for themselves or their parents. Students must be enrolled in 6 to 18 credits and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The amount of the award will be determined by the number of credit hours that the student has enrolled.
4. Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000.
Deadline for submissions: March
The Foster G. McGaw Graduate Student Scholarship, hosted by the Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives(ACHE), is available to students completing a healthcare management master’s program. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be graduating between set dates
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enroll full-time in a doctorate or graduate program in Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Management, or a related area of study
- You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Canadian citizen
Students who are Student Associates of ACHE will be given preference. However, membership is not necessary to apply. If you are eligible for this award, and you are a racially/ethnically/culturally diverse person, then consider applying for the Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship. ACHE awards about 15 scholarships each year between the two awards.
5. California State University Grant Program
The award amount is up to $7,176 for graduate students and post-baccalaureate.
Deadline for submissions: March
State University Grant Program (SUG) is available to all undergraduate and graduate students residing in California. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or California Dream Act applications (CADA) automatically enters students into the competition for this grant. The schools award all awards, but the amount depends on the financial need of the student and their area of study.
6. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Award Amount: up to $15,000
Deadline for submissions: April
Are you interested in social change and economic justice? The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund was created to support students who are dedicated to social justice and change in their communities. Students enrolled in undergraduate programs and those who are enrolled in training or trade programs can also apply.
Students must demonstrate financial need and be active in social movements.
There are many scholarships available for graduate students. These 6 are just a few. Keep an eye out for awards, fellowships, grants, and scholarships to make a master’s more affordable.
It’s possible to find awards for graduate students, but it can be harder than finding them for undergraduates. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look. You can find scholarship databases on College Raptor.
