The Guide to First-Generation Scholarships in the US

Going to college as a first-generation student is a big deal. You’re paving the way for yourself and your entire family, setting an example that higher education is achievable. But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy, especially when financial hurdles get in the way. That’s where first-generation scholarships come in.

Scholarships for first-generation students are a type of financial aid programme explicitly designed for those who are the first in their families to attend college. These scholarships aim to support students whose parents (or guardians) are not university graduates (this usually means they did not complete a bachelor’s degree).

Where first-gen scholarships are most common

Some of the US states have a lot of first-generation students because of economic challenges or lower college attendance rates. Scholarships are often targeted in these areas to help students break cycles of poverty.

• Southern States: Places like Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama have lots of first-gen students, especially in rural areas where families might not have had the chance to go to college.
• Appalachian Region: States like West Virginia and parts of Kentucky also see a focus because college access is tough in these areas.
• Big Cities: Urban areas like Atlanta, New York City, and Chicago often have local scholarships aimed at helping first-gen students in underserved communities.

First-gen scholarships are usually for these student categories

Low-Income Families

• Most first-generation students come from low-income households, so many scholarships also focus on financial need.
• Programmes like The Gates Scholarship and Dream.US Scholarship help students with limited resources pay for college.

Minorities and Underrepresented Groups

• First-gen scholarships also aim to financially support minorities, like:
• Hispanic Students: The Hispanic Scholarship Fund helps first-gen students close education gaps.
• Black Students: Organisations like UNCF (United Negro College Fund) help first-gen Black students succeed, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• Native American Students: Scholarships through the American Indian College Fund focus on first-gen Native students.
• Women: Some scholarships for women specifically help first-generation women, especially in fields where they’re underrepresented, like STEM (science, tech, engineering, and math).

Specific disciplines:

Some first in family scholarships are designed for fields of study.

• STEM Students: First-gen students interested in STEM are a big focus, too. STEM scholarships like the Google First-Gen Fellowship help open doors to careers in tech.

Are International Students Eligible for First-Generation Scholarships?

The short answer? It depends. In the U.S., a first-generation student is usually someone whose parents haven’t earned a four-year degree. If that sounds like you, you might qualify! 

For international students, though, eligibility depends on the specific scholarship and your residency or visa status. Some scholarships are exclusively for U.S. citizens or permanent residents, but other scholarships are open to anyone studying in the U.S.

• One relevant example listed on our portals is the Law Office of Jae Lee Immigrant Student Scholarship.

>>> Pro tip: Focus on universities with strong support for international and first-generation students—they’re more likely to have funding options for both.

Top Scholarships for first-generation students in the U.S.

There are loads of scholarships out there if you know where to look! Here are some to get you started:

• University of California Schools: They offer lots of support, including financial aid for first-gen students.
• Georgia State University: They’re big on helping first-gen students graduate with scholarships and extra resources.
• The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) & Cal State Fullerton Partnership  is awarded annually to low income, first generation college students who will be enrolled full-time for the entire academic year at Cal State Fullerton.
• University of Texas at Austin Scholarships for First Generation Students is one of the 3,000 scholarships offered by UT to incoming and current students.
• HBCUs and HSIs: Schools like Howard University and the University of Texas at El Paso focus on helping minority and first-gen students thrive.
• The Dr. Celina Barba-Simic Biology Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Steven Oppenheimer awarded by California State University Northridge prioritises students who come from disadvantaged economic and/or educational backgrounds and first-generation students.
• The David M. Rubenstein Scholars Program at Duke University is designed to attract and support first-generation, low-income students.
• University of Arkansas First-Year Advantage Scholarship also considers first-generation college student status, financial need, legacy status, and underrepresented community status when awarding the programme.

Scholarships for first-generation students Georgia

Georgia sparks a lot of interest among those who want to learn more about first-generation scholarships. The state has some fantastic options for first-generation students. 

• HOPE Scholarship: If you’re a Georgia resident with a strong GPA, this scholarship can cover a significant portion of your tuition at in-state schools.
• The Georgia Institute of Technology Shirley Miller Scholarship provides Georgia residents who are HOPE Scholars a supplement that pays the difference between their HOPE award and the cost of tuition.
• REACH Georgia Scholarship: A needs-based programme that provides mentorship and up to $10,000 for college.

Many universities in Georgia, like the University of Georgia and Georgia State University, have specific scholarships for first-generation students—check their financial aid offices for details!

How to find scholarships for first-generation students

The search for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Start with these steps:

Check Your University: Most colleges have dedicated scholarships for first-generation students. A quick visit to the financial aid office or a browse through their website can uncover hidden gems.

Use Online Platforms: Tools like Mastersportal scholarship search or Bachelorsportal scholarship search are great for finding scholarships tailored to your situation.

Ask Around: Community organisations, churches, and even your high school might have scholarships available for first-gen students. Don’t be shy - ask your counsellor for advice!

Tips to get a first-generation scholarship

If you’re the first in your family to go to college, congratulations! That’s a huge step, and while it can feel overwhelming, there’s so much support out there to help you succeed. Here’s some real, straightforward advice to guide you through the process:

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

It’s normal not to know where to start. Talk to your school counsellor, teachers, or even college admissions officers. They can help you find resources, understand applications, and point you toward first-gen scholarships or programmes. No question is too small—just ask!

2. Share Your Story

Many scholarships and college applications want to know about you  - and being a first-generation student is part of your unique story. Talk about the challenges you’ve faced, your goals, and why going to college matters to you. Be authentic and proud of what you’re accomplishing.

3. Choose a College That Supports First-Gen Students

Some colleges are better at helping first-gen students thrive. Look for schools that offer:

• Special scholarships for first-generation students.
• Mentorship programmes where you’re paired with a student or staff member who understands your journey.
• Academic support services like tutoring or workshops for time management and study skills. Research schools like Georgia State University, University of California campuses, or community colleges with transfer pathways if affordability is a concern.

First-generation scholarships outside the U.S.

First-generation scholarships are not specific to the U.S. While the concept is widely recognised in the U.S. due to its focus on addressing educational inequities, similar programmes exist in other countries, though they may be structured differently or embedded in broader access-to-education initiatives. Here are examples from various countries:

1. United Kingdom

The UK has programmes that align with the goals of first-generation scholarships, often focusing on students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.

• The Sutton Trust: Offers programmes and scholarships for students from low-income or non-traditional academic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation university students.
• UniConnect Programme: Aims to increase participation in higher education among underrepresented groups, including first-gen students, by offering guidance, mentoring, and financial support.
• Many UK universities, like the University of Oxford and University of Leeds, have specific bursaries or outreach programmes for first-generation students. For example, the University of Sussex awards the Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship flagship scheme for first-generation students.

2. Canada

Canada’s approach often combines scholarships with mentorship and support for first-gen and underrepresented students.

• Indspire Scholarships: These support Indigenous students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees.
• University of Toronto First-Generation Bursary: Designed specifically to assist students who are the first in their family to attend university.
• McGill University’s First Generation Student Support: Provides both financial aid and campus resources to first-gen students.
• Queen’s University Churchill First Generation Awards is set up to reduce barriers related to personal circumstances.
• Salvado Law Dream Chaser Scholarship is exclusively dedicated to empowering first-generation college students.

3. Australia

In Australia, universities and organisations focus on widening participation, particularly for rural and Indigenous students, many of whom are first-generation.

• Australian Government Equity Scholarships: Funded by the government to support low-income and first-generation students. (Example: The Equity Scholarship Scheme at Queensland University of Technology)
• Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships: Specifically target Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, who are often the first in their families to pursue higher education.

4. European Union

Many European countries embed first-generation support within broader social programmes aimed at increasing access to education for underserved communities.

• Germany: Programmes like the Deutschlandstipendium provide merit-based scholarships to students, including those from non-academic backgrounds (often first-gen).
• Sweden: Universities often offer targeted grants and mentorships for first-generation students as part of their equity programmes.
• Erasmus Initiatives: While not exclusively for first-gen students, many Erasmus-funded scholarships target students from less advantaged educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.

5. Developing Countries

In many developing nations, first-generation scholarships are tied to broader goals of increasing education access for low-income and rural students.

• India: The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students supports academically strong students from families without higher education experience.
• South Africa: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps first-gen students from low-income families access higher education.
• Latin America: Programmes like the Becas de Excelencia (Mexico) or scholarships through the Organisation of American States support students from underprivileged backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation.

In conclusion…

Being a first-generation student isn’t just a title—it’s a badge of honour. You’re breaking barriers and chasing opportunities that will change your life and inspire others. First-generation scholarships are here to make that journey a little easier, so take the time to research, apply, and believe in yourself.

Your college dreams are within reach. Start searching, keep pushing, and don’t let anything hold you back. The future is yours to grab!

Additional resources

• STEM Scholarships: Funding for STEM Studies
• Single Parent Scholarships Guide
• Scholarships for Women
• Merit-Based Scholarships
• No Essay Scholarships
• Scholarships for Minority Students
• Scholarships for International Students
• Government Scholarships
• All You Need to Know About How to Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad
• The Complete Guide on the Different Types of Scholarships
• What Is a Scholarship?

FAQs

Are international students eligible for first-generation college scholarships? 

Eligibility varies by programme. Some scholarships are exclusive to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. In contrast, others may be open to international students studying in the U.S. Check each scholarship’s specific requirements and consider universities with strong support for international and first-generation students.

What are the main requirements to qualify for a first-generation scholarship? 

Typically, you must be the first in your family to attend college, meaning neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree. Additional criteria may include financial need, academic performance, or involvement in extracurricular activities.

How can I find first-generation scholarships? 

Start by exploring your university’s financial aid office or website. Use online platforms like Mastersportal or Bachelorsportal to search for scholarships tailored to first-generation students. Community organisations and high school counsellors can also provide valuable leads.