Scholarships for Asians and Pacific Islanders

Asian-American scholarships are a great way for students of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage to earn money for college. If you’re interested in the scholarships for Asians and Pacific Islanders below, follow the links to learn more. And don’t forget that your school might also have more scholarship programs for minority students.

Scholarships for Asians and Pacific Islanders

• Ronald McDonald House Charities/Asia

Award: Varies
Overview: The Ronald McDonald House Charities have offered scholarships for students every year since 1985. In addition to other scholarships, they have one specifically awarded to Asian and Pacific Islander students.
Requirements/Eligibility: Eligible applicants must have at least one parent of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. They must also be a US Citizen who is a high school senior under 21 years old and planning on enrolling at an accredited two- or four-year institution. Specific requirements are found by applying with your local RMHC chapter.

• Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund

Award: $2,500 to $5,000
Overview: The Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the largest non-profit organization in the US to provide scholarships to Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans who demonstrate financial need.
Requirements/Eligibility: Eligible applicants are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent as defined by the US Census and are US Citizens or Permanent Residents. Citizens of certain Pacific Island nations are also eligible to apply. Applicants must be enrolling in an accredited degree-granting program and have a minimum 2.7 GPA or have earned a GED. Make sure that you have submitted a FAFSA application as well.

• Asian Pacific Islander Organization Scholarships

Award: $1,000 to $2,000
Overview: The Asian Pacific Islander Organization awards three scholarships per year to college students who are focusing on a degree pertaining to natural resources and agriculture.
Requirements/Eligibility: Eligible applicants are Asian and Pacific Islander students who are US Citizens and undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited two- or four-year institution with 15 credit hours towards a degree in any of the following fields: Agricultural Business, Agronomy, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geology, Horticulture, Plant Science, Rangeland Science, Soil Science, or Agricultural, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, and other related fields of study.

• Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association

Award: $500 and Internship
Overview: The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) awards internships in assigned government offices in Southern California for students who are interested in California state and local government. After successful completion of the internship, students are awarded a $500 scholarship.
Requirements/Eligibility: Eligible applicants are US Citizens and California Residents enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year institution with a 2.75 GPA. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and will be required to submit two letters of recommendation and commitment to the Asian and Pacific Islander community in a written statement.