So… Scholarships. Stressful, Right?
Let’s face it: trying to get a scholarship sometimes feels like you’re trying to win “Student Idol.” Everyone’s talented, the competition is insane, and the whole thing leaves you wondering if it’s even worth the stress.
But guess what? Not all scholarships are out to drain your soul.
There’s a whole corner of the scholarship world that barely anyone talks about—low competition scholarships. They’re real. They exist. And they’re not just for people with 4.9 GPAs or 1,200 extracurriculars. In fact, some of them are so niche or under-the-radar that they practically want to give you the money. You just have to know where to look.
And today? I’m showing you exactly where.
What the Heck Is a Low Competition Scholarship Anyway?
Let’s break this down in simple terms. You know how some scholarships get thousands of applications, like those big flashy national ones with billboards and TV ads? Low competition scholarships are the opposite of that.
These are the ones that don’t show up on Google’s first page. They might have weird requirements (like being really tall or loving potatoes—yep, we’ll get there). But because they’re so specific, fewer people qualify. And fewer applicants = better odds for you.
They’re basically the backdoor to free money for college. And you don’t even need to jump through flaming hoops to get in.
Why These Hidden Gems Are Worth Your Time
The Odds Are Actually In Your Favor
With mainstream scholarships, you’re fighting against a literal sea of applicants. People from all over the country (or world), with dazzling resumes and sob-story essays. It’s a mess.
Low competition scholarships, on the other hand? They might get ten… maybe twenty applicants. In some cases? Less than five.
So if you’re eligible and you actually take the time to apply? You’re not just a drop in the bucket—you might be the whole bucket.
They Don’t Expect You to Be Perfect
No one’s asking for a 5-minute documentary or a science project that cured cancer. Most of these just want a simple essay, a form, and proof you meet their quirky criteria.
The best part? Some of them pay surprisingly well. We’re talking thousands of dollars here. For something most students don’t even know exists.
Undergraduate Scholarships You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
Alright, let’s get into the good stuff. Starting with scholarships for high school seniors or current undergrads who just want help paying for college.
???? Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
- Amount: Up to \$10,000
- Who It’s For: High school seniors who promote vegetarianism
- Why It’s Low Competition: Niche lifestyle requirement
Are you the friend who always orders tofu and gives meat the side-eye? Congrats—you’re eligible. This scholarship rewards students who’ve done real advocacy for a vegetarian lifestyle. It doesn’t get a ton of applications, so if this fits you, go for it.
???? American Association of Candy Technologists Scholarship
- Amount: \$5,000
- Who It’s For: Food science majors interested in candy (yes, candy)
- Sweet Perk: You get to say you studied candy for college cash
If Willy Wonka offered a scholarship, this would be it. And because it’s so specific—food science + candy—not a lot of people even qualify. It’s a golden opportunity for anyone dreaming of a career in food science.
???? Tall Clubs International Scholarship
- Amount: \$1,000
- Who It’s For: Tall students (5’10″+ for women, 6’2″+ for men)
- Why It’s Awesome: You get money… for being tall. That’s it.
This one always makes people laugh, but it’s legit. There’s a national club for tall people, and they offer scholarships. Seriously, if you hit the height requirement, this is one of the easiest wins out there.
???? National Potato Council Scholarship
- Amount: \$10,000
- Who It’s For: Students studying agriculture with an interest in potatoes
- Why It’s Overlooked: Because… it’s about potatoes. Duh.
If you’re going into agriculture, food science, or plant biology, this scholarship could help plant the seed of your academic career (sorry, had to). Most people ignore it because it seems silly—but hey, free money is free money.
Master’s Level Scholarships That Most People Miss
So maybe you’ve already got your bachelor’s, and now you’re diving into grad school. Let’s see what lesser-known gems are out there for master’s students.
☮️ Rotary Peace Fellowship
- Amount: Full tuition + living expenses
- Who It’s For: Students passionate about peace and conflict resolution
- Catch: You’ll need some work or volunteer experience in the field
This one’s surprisingly low-key considering how valuable it is. It fully funds your master’s—no loans, no strings. Because it requires a bit of background in peacebuilding, a lot of people skip it. But if you’ve done community service or worked with NGOs, this one’s gold.
???? Western Union Foundation Fellowship
- Amount: \$1,000 + leadership training
- Who It’s For: Social impact changemakers
- Why It’s Overlooked: It’s technically a fellowship, not a “scholarship”
This one blends funding with mentorship. It’s not a huge cash prize, but it connects you to a global network of change-driven people. If you’re passionate about making the world better, this is your lane.
???? MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
- Amount: Up to \$10,000
- Who It’s For: International students in the U.S. or Canada
- Low Competition Factor: It’s not U.S.-citizen exclusive
This one’s aimed at international students—one of the groups that often gets ignored when it comes to funding. It’s need-based and wide-reaching, but not many people apply because it’s not hosted by a major government agency. That’s a win for you.
PhD Scholarships Hiding in Plain Sight
Now for the deep divers—the researchers, future professors, and people doing hardcore academic work. Here are some scholarships for PhD candidates that are way easier to win than you’d think.
???????? AAUW International Fellowships
- Amount: Up to \$25,000
- Who It’s For: Non-U.S. women pursuing grad studies in the U.S.
- Low Competition Why: Narrow audience, tough to find
This one’s a big deal for international women scholars. It supports those coming to the U.S. to study. Because it’s pretty specific, most U.S. students scroll past it—and international applicants often don’t even know it exists.
???? Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
- Amount: Up to \$50,000/year
- Who It’s For: Women from developing countries in STEM
- Why It’s Special: Massive funding and long-term support
This scholarship helps women become leaders in science. Most people never hear about it because it’s promoted within academic circles and not splashy online. But if you’re a woman in STEM from a developing country, this could fund your whole PhD.
???? Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
- Amount: Full ride
- Who It’s For: Citizens of developing countries pursuing development-related degrees
- Hard Part: Requires working in development for 2 years post-study
This one is hefty—full tuition, travel, and stipend—but very few people apply because the conditions look intimidating. If you’re serious about development and okay with working in your country after graduating, it’s actually a fantastic opportunity.
How to Find More Low Competition Scholarships (Like a Pro)
Want more? Here’s how to find the hidden ones that most people never see:
???? Start Local
Check your city, county, and even your parents’ workplaces. Small local businesses and community foundations often offer scholarships that barely anyone applies to.
???? Talk to Professors and Department Heads
If you’re already in school, ask your professors if they know about departmental or subject-specific awards. Most of them aren’t even listed online—you hear about them through word of mouth.
???? Search for the Weirdest Ones
Seriously. Search for things like “weird scholarships 2025” or “unusual college scholarships.” You’ll be amazed at what’s out there—from duck calling to Dungeons & Dragons.
Tips for Actually Winning These Scholarships
Let’s keep it real—finding the scholarships is only half the game. Here’s how to win:
✍️ Write Like a Human
Don’t write a robotic, boring essay. Be you. Tell your story like you’re talking to a person. If the prompt asks why you love science, don’t say “Because it is important to society.” Say, “Ever since I dissected a frog in 7th grade, I was hooked.”
???? Proofread Like a Maniac
Run spellcheck. Read it out loud. Give it to your grandma. Typos can kill a great app. Clean writing shows you care.
⏳ Apply Early, Apply Often
Don’t wait until 11:59 PM on deadline day. Beat the rush and avoid tech issues. Plus, you’ll feel way less stressed.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the truth no one tells you: you don’t need to be the perfect student to get scholarships. You just need to know where to look—and take the time to actually apply.
Low competition scholarships are out there, quietly waiting to be discovered. They’re often quirky, niche, or hidden away on some dusty webpage. But they’re real. And they’re winnable.
So skip the rat race. Skip the 100,000-applicant awards. Go for the ones where you actually have a shot.
You’ve got this. Now go get that free money.
FAQs
1. How do I know a low competition scholarship isn’t a scam?
Stick to known foundations, .edu websites, and trusted directories. If a site asks you to pay to apply—run.
2. Can I stack multiple scholarships together?
Heck yes. Lots of students stack several small ones and cover a huge chunk of their costs.
3. What if I don’t fit any weird criteria?
There are still low competition scholarships out there based on hobbies, family background, or even your major. Dig deep.
4. Are there low competition scholarships for online students?
Yep! Many of the above are open to online learners. Just make sure to check the fine print.
5. How do I stay organized with all these applications?
Use a spreadsheet. Track deadlines, requirements, and status. A little organization goes a long way.
