At LevelUp Habesha, our goal is to help the Habesha community access educational resources, scholarships, and opportunities to succeed in school and beyond.
October is one of the busiest months of the scholarship year, with opportunities for high school seniors, current college students, graduate applicants, researchers, and students pursuing professional degrees.
This guide organizes scholarships and fellowships by education level to help students find opportunities that fit their goals. Awards range from smaller scholarships to programs that can cover the full cost of college or provide substantial graduate funding.
Before applying: Review each program’s official eligibility requirements. Some scholarships require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, while others have different residency, immigration, state, school, or major requirements.
🎓 High School Students & College-Bound Seniors
1. QuestBridge National College Match
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Award: Full four-year financial aid packages valued at more than $360,000 at some partner colleges
Who should consider it: High-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds
QuestBridge connects high-achieving students from low-income households with participating colleges and universities that provide substantial financial aid. Its National College Match includes 55 college partners.
Match scholarships can cover tuition, housing, food, and other educational expenses. The exact package depends on the partner college.
Why it stands out: QuestBridge can make highly selective colleges financially accessible to students who might otherwise assume they cannot afford them. Review the program’s academic, financial, and residency requirements before applying in a future cycle.
2. Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Award: $1,500–$10,000
Who should consider it: Undergraduate students pursuing eligible STEAM fields
Stantec awards a total of $200,000 annually to students pursuing science, technology, engineering, arts and architecture, and mathematics. Applicants are evaluated on educational goals, leadership, community involvement, resilience, and potential.
The program is open to eligible students from different backgrounds around the world. Up to 10 paid internships may also be available.
Why it stands out: This is worth keeping on the annual scholarship calendar for students interested in STEAM fields. Students can review the official page for eligibility and future application dates.
3. Flinn Scholarship
Deadline: October 13, 2026, at 5 p.m. Arizona time
Award: More than $140,000 in comprehensive undergraduate support
Who should consider it: High-achieving Arizona high school seniors
The Flinn Scholarship provides a full-ride undergraduate opportunity at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona. Benefits include tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, and study-abroad experiences.
The program also provides access to honors education, mentoring, and a network of current and former scholars.
Why it stands out: For eligible Arizona students, this is one of the most substantial state-based scholarships available. The student application deadline is October 13, while recommendations and the counselor report are due October 27.
4. Daniels Scholarship Program
Deadline: October 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. Mountain time
Award: Up to the full cost of attendance, depending on the funding option and student’s circumstances
Who should consider it: Eligible high school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
The Daniels Scholarship helps high-achieving, values-driven students pursue college while minimizing education debt. Scholars can attend eligible nonprofit colleges and universities across the United States.
Selection considers character, leadership, service, academic potential, and financial circumstances.
Why it stands out: The scholarship evaluates more than grades alone and provides support beyond tuition. Eligibility is limited to qualifying students in the four participating states.
5. Niche $40,000 No Essay Scholarship
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Award: $40,000
Who should consider it: Eligible high school students, college students, and people planning to attend college or graduate school
Niche offers a scholarship drawing that does not require a traditional essay. The winner is selected by random drawing, and the award can help cover tuition, housing, books, and other college expenses.
Why it stands out: The application is relatively simple compared with scholarships that require lengthy essays and multiple recommendations.
Important: This is a drawing, not a merit-based award. Niche’s published rules require U.S. citizenship or a valid visa/U.S. passport, subject to the official eligibility terms. Treat this as an additional opportunity rather than a primary funding plan.
6. VFW Voice of Democracy
Deadline: October 31, 2026
National first-place award: $35,000
Who should consider it: Students in grades 9–12
Voice of Democracy is an audio-essay competition for high school students. Participants write and record an original essay based on the annual theme, “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
Awards are available at local, district, state, and national levels. The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship.
Why it stands out: Students can demonstrate their writing, ideas, and communication skills through an audio essay rather than relying exclusively on grades or standardized test scores. Confirm that a participating local VFW Post is accepting entries.
🎓 Current Undergraduate & Trade Students
7. U.S. Bank Student Scholarship
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Award: Up to $20,000 for an individual winner; up to $55,000 in total scholarship prizes
Who should consider it: Eligible undergraduate, trade, and vocational students who meet the program’s residency requirements
The U.S. Bank Student Scholarship combines financial education with scholarship drawings. Students register, use the Zogo app, and complete personal-finance learning modules to qualify for different award levels.
The published award levels are $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, and a $20,000 grand prize. An eligible mail-in entry method is also available under the official rules.
Why it stands out: Students can learn about budgeting, saving, and paying for college while entering for scholarship funding.
Important: Graduate students and international students are not eligible under the current rules. Applicants must be legal residents of the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C., and meet the enrollment requirements.
8. Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarships
Fall application deadline: October 27, 2026
Award: $1,500 scholarships and a limited number of $25,000 scholarships
Who should consider it: Eligible Chick-fil-A restaurant team members pursuing further education
Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures program supports restaurant team members pursuing college, technical, vocational, and other eligible education programs. Team members may apply even if they have only recently started working at an eligible restaurant.
The $1,500 award has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5, while the $25,000 award has a higher GPA requirement and additional criteria, including financial need.
Why it stands out: This is an important opportunity for eligible students who are working at Chick-fil-A while pursuing their education.
Note: This scholarship is for restaurant team members. It is separate from Chick-fil-A Community Scholars, which is open to eligible student leaders in the wider community and has a November 3 deadline.
🎓 Graduate Students & Professional School Applicants
9. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Deadline: October 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. Pacific time — CLOSED
Award: Graduate tuition and fees, a living stipend, and travel support for eligible scholars
School: Stanford University
Who should consider it: Students applying to eligible Stanford graduate programs
Knight-Hennessy Scholars supports graduate students across Stanford’s seven graduate schools. The program looks for students who demonstrate independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a commitment to improving the world.
Applicants must also apply separately to their Stanford graduate degree program.
Why it stands out: The program supports graduate education across a wide range of disciplines, rather than focusing on one academic field. Review Stanford’s official page for funding duration and the requirements for your intended degree.
10. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Deadline: October 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern time — CLOSED
Award: Varies by country and award type; funding may include living costs, travel, and other approved expenses
Who should consider it: Eligible U.S. citizens pursuing study, research, or English-teaching opportunities abroad
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to pursue graduate-level study, research, or approved projects in countries around the world.
The application process and benefits vary by country and award type. Applicants generally need a clear project proposal and a strong explanation of how the opportunity connects to their academic or professional goals.
Why it stands out: Fulbright is an opportunity for students interested in international research, cultural exchange, language learning, and graduate study abroad.
Important: The U.S. Student Program is for eligible U.S. applicants going abroad. Non-U.S. citizens seeking to study in the United States should explore the appropriate Fulbright program through their home country.
11. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Deadline: October 29, 2026, at 2 p.m. Eastern time
Award: Up to $90,000 over two years
Who should consider it: Eligible immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate or professional education in the United States
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships support 30 New Americans each year. The program is open to eligible applicants who are immigrants or children of immigrants and who are beginning or continuing an eligible full-time graduate or professional degree.
Applicants must meet the program’s age, New American, education, and other eligibility requirements.
Why it stands out: This is a major opportunity for eligible first-generation immigrant students pursuing fields such as medicine, law, engineering, business, public policy, and research.
12. Rhodes Scholarship — United States
Deadline: October 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time — CLOSED
Award: Funding for eligible graduate study at the University of Oxford, including course fees and a living stipend
Who should consider it: Eligible U.S. applicants pursuing graduate study at Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship is a highly competitive award that supports graduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Selection considers academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service.
U.S. applicants must meet the eligibility rules and obtain institutional endorsement. Universities may have earlier internal deadlines.
Why it stands out: It offers a pathway to graduate study at a leading international university and connects scholars to a global alumni network.
🔬 Doctoral, PhD & STEM Research Opportunities
13. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
Application deadlines: October 19, 20, 22, or 23, 2026, depending on field
Award: $37,000 annual stipend plus a $16,000 annual cost-of-education allowance for each of three years of fellowship support
Who should consider it: Eligible U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents pursuing eligible research-based graduate study in STEM and related fields
NSF GRFP supports outstanding students pursuing research-based graduate degrees. Fellows receive three years of financial support within a five-year fellowship period.
The 2027 application deadlines are:
- October 19: Life Sciences
- October 20: Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology, and Social Sciences
- October 22: Engineering
- October 23: Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy
Reference letters are due October 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Why it stands out: NSF GRFP is a major fellowship for students pursuing research careers. Applicants should prepare their research plan, personal statement, transcripts, and recommendation requests well before the deadline.
14. Hertz Fellowship
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Award: Up to five years of financial support, including a stipend and full-tuition-equivalent support
Who should consider it: Eligible graduate students pursuing applied science, engineering, and mathematics research
The Hertz Fellowship supports exceptional students pursuing doctoral-level research in applied physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Fellows also receive mentorship and access to a network of researchers and innovators.
Why it stands out: It is a major opportunity for students pursuing ambitious STEM research who want substantial financial support and professional connections.
Important: Review the Foundation’s official eligibility requirements, including citizenship, degree, and research-area rules.
📅 October 2026 Scholarship Deadline Calendar
| Deadline | Scholarship |
|---|---|
| October 1 | QuestBridge National College Match |
| October 2 | Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship |
| October 6 | Knight-Hennessy Scholars |
| October 6 | Fulbright U.S. Student Program |
| October 7 | Rhodes Scholarship — U.S. |
| October 13 | Flinn Scholarship |
| October 15 | Daniels Scholarship Program |
| October 15 | Niche $40,000 No Essay Scholarship |
| October 16 | NSF GRFP reference letters |
| October 19 | NSF GRFP — Life Sciences |
| October 20 | NSF GRFP — CISE, Materials, Psychology, Social Sciences |
| October 22 | NSF GRFP — Engineering |
| October 23 | NSF GRFP — Chemistry, Geosciences, Math, Physics & Astronomy |
| October 27 | Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures |
| October 29 | Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships |
| October 30 | U.S. Bank Student Scholarship |
| October 30 | Hertz Fellowship |
| October 31 | VFW Voice of Democracy |
Deadlines and award details can change. Confirm the official application page and the applicable time zone before submitting.
✅ How to Use This List
You do not need to apply for every scholarship in this guide. Focus on the opportunities that fit your education level, academic interests, financial circumstances, and eligibility.
If you’re in high school
Start with college-bound scholarships such as Flinn, Daniels, and Niche if you meet their requirements. Keep track of state-specific restrictions and college application deadlines.
If you’re already in college
Look for scholarships that accept current undergraduate students, and start planning early if you intend to pursue graduate study.
If you’re an immigrant or first-generation student
Read eligibility requirements carefully. Some programs are designed specifically for eligible immigrants or children of immigrants, while others require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.
If you’re pursuing graduate school or a PhD
Pay attention to fellowships such as Paul & Daisy Soros, NSF GRFP, Hertz, and Knight-Hennessy. These can provide substantially more support than a typical one-time scholarship, but they are competitive and may have strict requirements.
Before submitting an application
- Confirm the official deadline and time zone.
- Prepare your transcript, résumé, essays, and recommendation requests.
- Check whether citizenship, residency, state, school, or major requirements apply.
- Submit through the official scholarship website.
Final Takeaway
October is a busy month for scholarship applications, and early preparation can make a significant difference. Focus on opportunities that fit your situation, prioritize upcoming deadlines, and verify every requirement before applying.
At LevelUp Habesha, we share scholarship guides and educational resources to help the Habesha community navigate college, career, and financial opportunities. Save this guide, share it with a student who may benefit, and check back for future monthly scholarship updates.
