November is an important month for scholarship applications. Several national scholarships have deadlines this month, including opportunities for high school seniors, community college students, undergraduate students, graduate students, and students pursuing specialized careers.
At Level Up Habesha, we publish a new scholarship guide every month to help students and families discover educational funding opportunities throughout the year. Our goal is to make scholarship research a regular part of college planning, rather than something students remember only when tuition is due.
This month’s guide includes national scholarships, graduate fellowships, university opportunities, and academic competitions. Some awards provide thousands of dollars toward college expenses, while others offer full tuition, stipends, mentorship, or professional development.
Each opportunity includes a direct link to an official university or program website.
Important: Some scholarships have specific citizenship, residency, GPA, major, school, or financial-need requirements. Always check the official eligibility rules and confirm the deadline before applying.
🎓 High School Seniors & College-Bound Students
1. Chick-fil-A Community Scholars
Deadline: November 3, 2026
Award: Up to $25,000
Best for: High school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students
This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, community service, and leadership. Up to 13 students will receive awards and participate in a year-long mentorship and leadership development program.
Why it stands out: Applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Eligible DACA recipients and international students attending college in the United States, Puerto Rico, or Canada may apply. Applicants must meet the program’s residency, enrollment, GPA, and other requirements.
2. Regeneron Science Talent Search
Deadline: November 5, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET
Award: $2,000 for each of 300 Scholars; finalists receive at least $25,000, with a top prize of $250,000
Best for: High school seniors conducting original scientific research
This prestigious competition recognizes students who complete independent research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields. Students submit a research project and supporting application materials.
Why it stands out: The competition awards $3.1 million annually. This is best suited for students who have completed substantial research—not simply students interested in STEM. Review the official citizenship, school, and research requirements carefully.
3. Modeling the Future Challenge
Registration deadline: November 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific
Award: Competition prizes; check the official awards page for the current prize breakdown
Best for: High school students interested in mathematics, statistics, data, and real-world problem-solving
Students work individually or in teams of up to five to use mathematical and data analysis to investigate real-world risks and develop models.
Why it stands out: This is an opportunity to build analytical and research skills while competing for prizes. Students should review the eligibility requirements and competition timeline before registering.
4. Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
Deadline: November 11, 2026
Award: Up to $55,000 per year
Best for: High-achieving high school seniors with financial need
This highly competitive scholarship helps students attend and graduate from four-year colleges and universities. Funding may cover tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees after other institutional aid is considered. Scholars also receive educational advising and college-planning support.
Why it stands out: The scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of college for students with strong academic records and financial need. Applicants must meet the program’s GPA, testing, U.S. high school, enrollment, and financial requirements.
5. Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Deadline: November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific
Award: 500 four-year scholarships; generally $1,000–$7,500 per year, with special awards for top recipients
Best for: U.S. citizen high school seniors entering a four-year college
Applicants are evaluated on scholarship, leadership, and financial need. Students do not need to be related to an Elks member.
Why it stands out: The program offers multi-year funding. The 20 top scholars receive $30,000 awards, while 480 runners-up receive $4,000 awards under the program’s published award structure. Applicants must be U.S. citizens; permanent residency alone does not qualify.
6. USC Merit Scholarships
Deadline for most merit scholarship consideration: November 1, 2026
Award: Varies from smaller merit awards to full-tuition scholarships
Best for: Students applying to the University of Southern California
USC considers eligible applicants for several merit scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, talent, and other selection criteria. Applicants generally need to submit their USC application by the appropriate early deadline to receive merit scholarship consideration.
Why it stands out: International students may be considered for merit scholarships. These awards are competitive and do not necessarily cover the full cost of attendance. Check the official page for exceptions and the correct deadline for your program.
7. Emory University Scholar Programs
Deadline: November 15, 2026, for Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants; November 1 for Early Decision I
Award: Partial to full merit-based scholarships
Best for: First-year applicants with strong academic achievement and leadership
Emory’s Scholar Programs recognize students for academic excellence, leadership, service, and potential. Awards vary, and eligible scholarships may be renewable for up to eight semesters if requirements are met.
Why it stands out: International students may apply regardless of citizenship. Make sure you answer the Scholar Program question on your Emory application and meet the deadline that applies to your admission plan.
8. BigFuture Scholarships — Class of 2027
November deadline: November 30, 2026
Award: $500 and $40,000 scholarship drawings
Best for: High school students in the Class of 2027
College Board’s BigFuture program lets students earn entries into scholarship drawings by completing college and career planning steps, such as building a college list, exploring careers, and completing financial aid steps.
Why it stands out: There is no essay requirement for the BigFuture scholarship drawings. Some awards provide additional chances to students from families earning less than $60,000 annually. Review the current qualifying steps and terms on the official page.
🎓 Undergraduate & Current College Students
9. Mensa Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central
Award: Varies; the Foundation awards more than $200,000 in scholarships annually
Best for: Students planning to attend college during the 2027–2028 academic year
Applicants submit an essay of 550 words or fewer explaining their academic and career goals and how they plan to achieve them.
Why it stands out: Students can apply based on their educational goals rather than needing to demonstrate membership in Mensa. Individual eligibility rules and award amounts vary, so read the official application instructions.
10. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards
Deadline: November 15, 2026
Award: Local awards generally begin at $1,000; eligible recipients may receive up to $16,000 across award levels
Best for: Women who are the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents
The Live Your Dream Awards help women pursuing vocational training, skills training, or an undergraduate degree. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet the program’s other eligibility requirements.
Why it stands out: The funds can help with education-related costs that other scholarships may not fully cover. Review the official rules regarding location, enrollment, and prior awards.
11. Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship
Deadline: November 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific
Award: Up to $15,000; support may continue for up to four years
Best for: LGBTQ+ students and allies pursuing higher education
Point Foundation supports students through scholarship funding, community, and leadership development. Applicants must meet the program’s GPA, enrollment, and other eligibility requirements.
Why it stands out: This program combines financial support with a network and leadership opportunities. Check the official requirements for eligible institutions and degree programs before applying.
12. The Milliman Opportunity — U.S. Scholarship Program
Deadline: November 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. Central
Award: Up to $5,000
Best for: High school seniors and current undergraduate students interested in quantitative fields
Eligible majors include actuarial science, computer science, data analytics, data science, economics, finance, mathematics, programming, and statistics. Financial need is required, and preference may be given to students who are first-generation, economically disadvantaged, or from environmentally challenged backgrounds.
Why it stands out: This is a useful opportunity for students interested in technology, data, finance, or analytical careers. Review the official rules for residency, enrollment, and any citizenship requirements that apply.
13. DLA Piper LEAP and BRAVO Law Scholarships
Application deadline: November 13, 2026, at 3 p.m. Central
Award: Up to $6,000 total
Best for: Eligible student athletes and veterans interested in pursuing law school
The program offers support for LSAT preparation and law school application expenses, along with funding for law school. LEAP is for eligible student athletes, while BRAVO is for eligible veterans.
Why it stands out: It helps reduce some of the upfront costs of preparing for law school. Applicants should check the separate track requirements and recommendation deadlines on the official page.
14. James Alan Cox Foundation Student Photojournalism Scholarship
Deadline: November 15, 2026; confirm the exact portal cutoff on the official application page
Award: Five $2,500 awards for college or technical-school students, one $2,500 graduate award, and cameras for selected high school students
Best for: Students interested in photography, video, and photojournalism
The Foundation supports students who tell stories through still photography and video. Award categories differ by education level and type of work submitted.
Why it stands out: High school students may be eligible for camera awards, while college and graduate students can compete for monetary scholarships. U.S. citizenship and U.S. school requirements apply; check the submission instructions carefully.
15. NSHSS First Generation Scholarship
Application opens: November 26, 2026
Award: $1,000
Best for: First-generation high school seniors and eligible college students
This scholarship recognizes students who are among the first in their families to pursue higher education. The application includes an essay and supporting academic materials.
Why it stands out: It is specifically focused on first-generation students. NSHSS membership is required, so review membership terms and any costs before joining. The application opening is in November; confirm the final deadline once it is published.
🎓 Graduate, STEM & Professional Students
16. GEM Fellowship
Deadline: November 13, 2026
Award: For eligible master’s tracks, full tuition and fees plus a minimum $16,000 stipend over the master’s program; eligible PhD tracks may provide full tuition and fees and at least $16,000 per year
Best for: Students pursuing graduate degrees in engineering and science
The National GEM Consortium supports graduate education and professional development for students pursuing STEM careers. Depending on the fellowship track, recipients may also receive paid summer internships.
Why it stands out: This can provide substantial support for graduate school. Funding and requirements differ by track, university, and program. Review the official citizenship, GPA, degree, and employer-participation rules before applying.
17. Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship
Deadline: November 1, 2026
Award: $33,500
Best for: Doctoral candidates in the final year of dissertation writing
This fellowship supports doctoral dissertation research that engages significant questions of religion, ethics, morals, and values.
Why it stands out: It provides substantial funding for eligible doctoral candidates during the final stage of dissertation work. Applicants should review the Foundation’s definition of eligible dissertation topics and institutional requirements.
18. Winston Churchill Scholarship
Nomination deadline: November 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET
Award: More than $80,000 in overall support, including tuition, travel, visa-related costs, a stipend, and eligibility to apply for a research grant
Best for: Eligible U.S. students pursuing a one-year master’s degree in science, mathematics, or engineering at the University of Cambridge
This highly competitive scholarship supports study at Churchill College, Cambridge, in the United Kingdom.
Why it stands out: It can fund a full year of graduate study abroad. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled at a participating U.S. undergraduate institution and must be nominated by that institution. Campus nomination deadlines may be earlier than the national deadline, so contact your scholarship office immediately.
19. TheDream.US National Scholarship
Application opens: November 1, 2026
Award: Up to $33,000 toward a bachelor’s degree, plus up to $6,000 for books, supplies, and transportation
Best for: Eligible immigrant students who meet the program’s specific Dreamer requirements
TheDream.US helps eligible immigrant students who face barriers to paying for college. Its National Scholarship is connected to participating partner colleges and has specific eligibility requirements related to when students arrived in the United States, immigration status, tuition eligibility, and financial need.
Why it stands out: It can provide significant funding for eligible students who otherwise have limited access to financial aid. This is not a scholarship for every immigrant. The deadline for the new application cycle should be confirmed on the official website once published.
💰 Additional Opportunity: Scholarship Planning
20. USC and Other College Merit Scholarships
Deadline: Depends on the university and admission plan; USC’s main merit consideration deadline is November 1, 2026
Award: Varies by university and scholarship
Best for: Students applying to selective U.S. colleges
In addition to national scholarships, many universities award merit scholarships through the admissions process. Some require a separate application, while others consider students automatically if they apply by the correct deadline.
Why it stands out: Students should check every college on their application list for early merit scholarship deadlines. International students may be eligible for certain merit awards, but financial aid and citizenship rules vary by institution.
📅 November 2026 Scholarship Deadline Calendar
| Deadline | Scholarship or opportunity |
|---|---|
| November 1 | Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship; USC merit consideration; Emory Early Decision I; TheDream.US application opens |
| November 2 | Winston Churchill Scholarship nomination |
| November 3 | Chick-fil-A Community Scholars |
| November 5 | Regeneron Science Talent Search |
| November 8 | Modeling the Future Challenge registration |
| November 11 | Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship; Milliman Opportunity |
| November 12 | Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship |
| November 13 | GEM Fellowship; DLA Piper LEAP and BRAVO |
| November 15 | Mensa Foundation Scholarship; Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards; Emory Scholar Programs for EDII/Regular Decision; James Alan Cox Foundation |
| November 19 | Point Foundation Flagship Scholarship |
| November 26 | NSHSS First Generation Scholarship opens |
| November 30 | BigFuture Scholarships — Class of 2027 |
Dates and eligibility can change. Always verify the official application page, especially where a deadline depends on your admission plan or the application portal’s time zone.
How to Use This List
You do not need to apply for every scholarship. Focus on opportunities that match your academic background, financial circumstances, career goals, and eligibility.
1. Start with your student level. Are you a high school senior, undergraduate student, community college student planning to transfer, or graduate student?
2. Check the award amount and eligibility. A large scholarship is only useful if you meet its requirements. Review GPA, citizenship or residency, major, financial need, school, and enrollment rules.
3. Prepare your documents early. Some scholarships require transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, portfolios, research reports, or school nominations.
4. Check the official deadline and time zone. A deadline listed in Pacific Time may differ from one listed in Eastern Time. Do not wait until the final hour to submit.
5. Keep a scholarship tracker. Record the official link, deadline, award amount, required materials, eligibility, and application status.
Keep Checking Back Each Month
Scholarship searching should not be a once-a-year activity.
Level Up Habesha publishes a new scholarship guide every month to help students and families discover funding opportunities throughout the academic year.
Some months feature more opportunities for high school students. Others may have more transfer scholarships, graduate fellowships, research funding, or awards for specific fields of study.
The important thing is to keep looking, stay organized, and apply to opportunities that match your goals.
Save this page, share it with a student who may benefit, and make scholarship research part of your regular college and career planning.
