7 Free Scholarships Open for Applications This Month

Finding scholarships that are actually open right now can save you hours of searching, and this month brings some strong options. We pulled together seven scholarships and fellowships currently accepting applications. They cover everyone from high school students and community college transfers to undergraduates heading abroad and doctoral candidates. Read through each one, note which ones fit your situation, and click through for the full details before you start an application.

BigFuture Scholarships (Class of 2027)

If you are a high school student in the Class of 2027, put this one near the top of your list. BigFuture Scholarships from College Board give students in that class entries into monthly drawings for $500 and $40,000 awards. Because winners come from drawings, it works a little differently from most of the other opportunities in this roundup.

The listing explains that students earn entries, so open the full post to see exactly how entries are earned and what counts toward them. Knowing the rules up front helps you make the most of every chance you have.

Since the drawings happen monthly, it makes sense to look at the details soon instead of letting this sit on your to-do list. It is also an easy one to share with friends in the same graduating class.

Burger King Scholars Program (2027-2028)

The Burger King Foundation runs the Burger King Scholars Program, which gives college scholarships to high school seniors. It also reaches Burger King employees and their families, which makes it a useful program to know about even if you are not a senior yourself.

If you are a senior planning for college, this is worth a careful read. If you or someone in your family works at Burger King, take a closer look too, since the program specifically includes employees and their families.

Eligibility details matter with a program like this, so check the full listing to confirm who qualifies and what the application asks for. A few minutes of reading now can save you from missing a requirement later.

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

The Equitable Excellence Scholarship comes from the Equitable Foundation and is administered by Scholarship America. It gives awards to high school seniors who show ambition and self-drive. If you have pushed yourself to go after goals on your own initiative, this program was built with students like you in mind.

It is one of several scholarships on this list aimed at high school seniors. That makes it a natural pairing with the Burger King and BigFuture options if you are building a list of applications for this school year.

Think about concrete examples of your drive before you start, because a program focused on ambition will likely want to see it clearly. The full listing has the details on how to apply.

The Coolidge Scholarship (2026-27 Cycle)

The Coolidge Scholarship from The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation is a full-ride, merit-based presidential scholarship. It covers tuition, room, board and expenses for four years. Awards that cover that much of the cost of college are rare, which is exactly why this one deserves your attention.

Because it is merit-based, it is a strong fit for students with a record of achievement they are proud of. Full-ride scholarships tend to draw a lot of interest, so give yourself plenty of time to put together a thoughtful application.

Read the full post to understand who is eligible for the 2026-27 cycle and what the selection process involves. Even if it feels like a reach, the payoff makes it worth a serious look.

Hertz Fellowship (2027)

The Hertz Fellowship from the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation funds doctoral students in the applied physical, biological and engineering sciences and in mathematics. It is aimed at students who stand out for exceptional creativity in their fields.

Most scholarships focus on undergraduates, so a funding opportunity for doctoral students is worth flagging. If you are heading toward a PhD in one of these areas, or you know someone who is, this belongs on the radar.

Graduate fellowships often ask applicants to explain their research interests and goals, so check the full listing to see exactly what the Hertz Foundation wants to see from you.

Boren Scholarship (2027-2028)

The Boren Scholarship comes from the Institute of International Education and the National Security Education Program (NSEP). It funds U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages. If you have been thinking about studying abroad or picking up a language most of your classmates are not learning, this could be a great match.

Language-focused scholarships like this one can open doors that a typical study plan would not. They also give you a chance to build a skill set that stands out after graduation.

Look at the full listing for eligibility requirements and details on which languages and programs qualify. Planning ahead matters here, since study abroad usually involves extra steps.

Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship (2027)

The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation helps high-achieving community college students with financial need move to four-year colleges and finish their bachelor’s degrees. If you are at a community college and planning your next step, this one is made for you.

Transfer students are often overlooked when it comes to scholarships, so a program built specifically for them is a real find. It recognizes both strong academic work and financial need.

Talk with your community college advisor about your transfer plans while you review the full listing. They can help you line up the transcripts and other materials you may need.

Tips for Applying to Scholarships This Month

Start by reading each full listing carefully. Eligibility rules and deadlines vary, and the details on the official page always come first. Make a simple list of the scholarships you qualify for, along with what each application needs, so nothing slips through the cracks.

Never pay to apply for legitimate scholarships, and be cautious of anyone who guarantees you will win. It also helps to file the FAFSA if you are heading to college, since many need-based programs look at your financial aid information.

Finally, reuse your work wisely. A strong personal story can often be adapted for several applications, but always tailor it to what each program is looking for.

There is something here for nearly every stage of education, from high school to a PhD. Pick the programs that fit you best and start your applications while they are still open. New scholarships come up all the time, so browse the latest listings regularly to catch the next good one. Good luck with your applications.