If you’re a student looking to fund your education in 2025, now is the time to act. Many scholarship applications close just before or during the summer months, and missing these deadlines could mean losing a valuable opportunity to study without financial stress. Whether you’re a high school senior, undergraduate, or planning to start college soon, there are several scholarships open right now that you should not ignore.
Applying early gives you an edge. It shows that you are organized and serious about your future. Plus, many of these scholarships are competitive, so the earlier you submit your application, the better your chances.
Here are some scholarships you should apply for before summer 2025 arrives.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program
This is one of the most popular scholarships in the United States. It is open to high school seniors who show strong leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence. The deadline is typically in April, so make sure to prepare your documents and essay early.
Gates Scholarship
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this full-ride scholarship is aimed at high-achieving students from low-income households. It covers tuition, housing, books, and more. It is highly competitive, and the application often opens in early spring and closes before summer begins.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
If you’re a high-performing student in need of financial aid, this scholarship offers support through college and even graduate school. It’s open to U.S. high school seniors and community college transfer students. The deadline is usually in March or April.
Dell Scholars Program
Created to support students who have overcome obstacles in their personal or academic lives, this scholarship provides funding, a laptop, and ongoing support. The deadline falls around the spring season, often closing by early May.
African Leadership Academy Scholarships (for African Students)
If you’re a young African student with strong leadership potential, this is a great opportunity. ALA partners with universities around the world to provide full and partial scholarships. Applications often close between February and April each year.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
For students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, this scholarship offers a chance to study a fully funded master’s degree in the UK. The application deadline usually falls before May each year. Applicants must already have admission to an eligible course and meet the academic and financial criteria.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships for international students, including those in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Many of their deadlines fall between January and May. These scholarships are ideal for those who want to study in Germany tuition-free while also receiving a monthly stipend.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Although Chevening Scholarships typically start applications in the fall, many related university-based scholarships that fall under the Chevening umbrella may close in spring or early summer. It’s best to check with your preferred UK institution to see if they offer summer-deadline awards for 2025 entry.
UNCF Scholarships
The United Negro College Fund offers a range of scholarships for Black students attending college in the U.S. Each award has a different deadline, but many close before summer begins. Check their website regularly to stay updated.
NNPC/Shell/Agbami Undergraduate Scholarships (Nigeria)
For Nigerian undergraduates in science, engineering, or medical-related fields, this scholarship offers financial support for tuition and other expenses. The deadlines often fall around April or May, so early preparation is key.
What You Should Do Now
Here are a few quick tips to help you get ready and stay on track:
- Prepare Your Documents: Most scholarships ask for academic transcripts, recommendation letters, identification, and sometimes essays or personal statements.
- Keep Track of Deadlines: Use a calendar or app to set reminders for each scholarship you want to apply for.
- Write and Edit Early: Give yourself enough time to write compelling essays. Ask a teacher or mentor to help review and edit your writing.
- Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Don’t just apply for one or two. The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances of receiving one or more.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships are not just for students with perfect grades. Many are based on financial need, community service, leadership, and personal growth. The key is to find the ones that match your background and career goals.