As May 2025 approaches, many students panic, thinking they’ve missed their chance to secure scholarships for the upcoming academic year. But here’s the good news: several last-minute scholarships still have deadlines in May! Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or even a high school senior, there are opportunities waiting for you.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best last-minute scholarships with May 2025 deadlines, along with tips to strengthen your application—even if you’re rushing to submit.
Why Apply for Last-Minute Scholarships?
You might wonder if it’s worth applying for scholarships with tight deadlines. The answer is yes! Here’s why:
- Less competition – Many students assume all deadlines have passed, so fewer applicants mean better odds.
- Quick financial relief – Every dollar counts, and even smaller awards can help cover books, housing, or tuition.
- Rolling opportunities – Some scholarships reopen or extend deadlines, so a last-minute search could pay off.
Now, let’s dive into some great scholarships you can still apply for.
Last-Minute Scholarships with May 2025 Deadlines
1. The “No Essay” College Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Award: $2,000
- Eligibility: Open to all high school and college students; no GPA requirement.
- Why apply? This scholarship is super easy—just a quick entry form, no essays or lengthy applications.
2. Unigo $10K Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Award: $10,000
- Eligibility: Must be 14+ and enrolled (or planning to enroll) in college.
- Application: Requires a short response (250 words or less) to a monthly prompt.
3. AFSA High School Senior Scholarship Contest
- Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Award: $2,000 (multiple winners)
- Eligibility: High school seniors planning to attend college.
- Requirement: Submit a short essay on a given topic related to financial responsibility.
4. Courage to Grow Scholarship
- Deadline: May 30, 2025
- Award: $500
- Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors and college students with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Application: A brief essay (250 words) on why you deserve the scholarship.
5. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
- Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Award: $25,000 (one winner)
- Eligibility: Open to all students; winner chosen based on profile “boldness.”
- Why apply? No essay—just a standout profile highlighting your ambitions.
Tips to Secure a Last-Minute Scholarship
Since time is limited, follow these quick strategies to boost your chances:
- Prioritize easy applications – Focus on no-essay or short-response scholarships first.
- Reuse materials – If you’ve written essays for other applications, tweak them to fit new prompts.
- Proofread fast but carefully – Typos can disqualify you; use tools like Grammarly for quick checks.
- Submit early – Some scholarships close early if they get too many applicants.
Final Thoughts: Act Fast!
May 2025 is your last chance to grab these scholarships before summer begins. Even if you’re in a rush, dedicating a few hours now could earn you thousands toward your education.
Don’t wait—pick at least 2-3 scholarships from this list and apply today!
Got questions? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll help you out. Good luck!