Last updated: 2026
October is one of the busiest months of the scholarship year. Several major scholarships and fellowships have October deadlines, including opportunities for high school seniors, current college students, graduate students, and students pursuing advanced degrees.
This month’s guide organizes opportunities by where you are in your education, making it easier to identify scholarships and fellowships that fit your current situation.
Some opportunities offer full or substantial funding, while others provide smaller awards or require a relatively simple application.
Before applying, carefully review each program’s official eligibility requirements. Deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility rules can change from year to year.
🎓 High School Students
1. QuestBridge National College Match
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Award: Full four-year financial aid packages
Who should consider it: High-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds
QuestBridge’s National College Match connects high-achieving students from low-income households with participating colleges and universities that provide substantial financial aid.
QuestBridge currently partners with 55 colleges, and Match scholarships can cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses depending on the college’s financial aid package.
The 2026 application deadline is October 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Why it stands out: For students who may assume highly selective colleges are financially out of reach, QuestBridge can provide a pathway to a full financial aid package.
QuestBridge National College Match
2. Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Who should consider it: Students pursuing eligible undergraduate programs, including fields related to STEM
The Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship supports students pursuing postsecondary education and is designed to encourage future leaders in fields connected to Stantec’s areas of work.
The 2026 application period runs from September 4 through October 2, 2026.
Why it stands out: The program considers students pursuing a broad range of fields, making it worth researching for students who don’t fit into a narrowly defined scholarship category.
Stantec Future Leaders Scholarship
3. Flinn Scholarship
Deadline: October 13, 2026
Award: Comprehensive scholarship
Who should consider it: High-achieving Arizona high school seniors
The Flinn Scholarship is one of the most competitive state-based scholarships in the country. It provides comprehensive financial support to selected Arizona students attending one of Arizona’s public universities.
Why it stands out: For eligible Arizona students, this is significantly more valuable than a typical one-time scholarship.
Note: This opportunity is highly state-specific, so students outside Arizona should focus on other opportunities in this guide.
4. Daniels Scholarship Program
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Who should consider it: Eligible students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming
The Daniels Scholarship supports students who demonstrate strong character, leadership, academic potential, and financial need.
The program can provide substantial financial support toward a student’s college education.
Why it stands out: Daniels evaluates more than academic performance alone and considers the qualities that can contribute to long-term success.
Note: Eligibility is limited to students in specific states.
5. Niche $40,000 No Essay Scholarship
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Award: $40,000
Who should consider it: Eligible students planning to attend college or graduate school
The Niche No Essay Scholarship is designed to be a simple application. No traditional scholarship essay is required, and the winner is selected by random drawing.
Why it stands out: It takes considerably less time than many competitive scholarship applications.
Important: Because the award is based on a random drawing, students should treat this as an additional opportunity—not a primary college-financing strategy.
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.
Students write and record an original essay based on the annual theme. The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship, with additional awards available at the local and state levels.
Why it stands out: Students can compete based on their writing, ideas, and communication skills rather than relying solely on GPA or standardized test scores.
7. Golden Door Scholars
Deadline: October 31, 2026
Who should consider it: Eligible students facing immigration-related barriers to higher education
Golden Door Scholars supports high-potential students who may have limited access to traditional financial aid because of their immigration status.
Why it stands out: This can be particularly valuable for students who have strong academic and career goals but face barriers to federal financial aid.
🎓 Current Undergraduate Students
Being in college does not mean the scholarship search is over. There are scholarships specifically available to students who are already enrolled.
8. U.S. Bank Student Scholarship
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Awards: Up to $20,000
Who should consider it: Eligible undergraduate, trade, and vocational students
The U.S. Bank Student Scholarship offers multiple award levels, with opportunities to earn up to $20,000.
The current entry period runs through October 30, 2026.
Why it stands out: The program incorporates financial education into the scholarship process, making it useful for students who want to strengthen their financial knowledge while competing for funding.
9. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Deadline: October 29, 2026
Award: Up to $90,000
Who should consider it: Eligible immigrants and children of immigrants who are pursuing graduate or professional education
Although this is technically a graduate fellowship, current undergraduate students in their final years of college should know about it now.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships support 30 New Americans each year and provide up to $90,000 over two years toward graduate education.
The 2027 application deadline is October 29, 2026 at 2 p.m. ET.
Why it stands out: Students who are immigrants or children of immigrants should put this fellowship on their long-term scholarship calendar before they graduate.
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships
🎓 Master’s Students & Graduate Applicants
10. Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Deadline: October 6, 2026 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time
School: Stanford University
Who should consider it: Students applying to Stanford graduate programs
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is one of the most significant graduate funding opportunities available at Stanford.
The program supports graduate students across Stanford’s seven graduate schools and looks for students who demonstrate independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a commitment to improving the world.
The 2027 application deadline is October 6, 2026 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time.
Applicants must also apply separately to their Stanford graduate degree program.
Why it stands out: Funding is available across a wide range of graduate disciplines rather than being limited to one academic field.
11. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Deadline: October 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET
Who should consider it: U.S. citizens pursuing graduate study, research, or related opportunities abroad
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to pursue graduate-level study, research, or other approved projects in countries around the world.
The deadline for the 2027–28 competition is October 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Important: This program is for U.S. citizens going abroad. It is not the Fulbright program for international students seeking to study in the United States.
Why it stands out: Students interested in international research, graduate study, cultural exchange, or language development should consider Fulbright well before graduation.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
🎓 Doctoral & PhD Students
Doctoral / PhD Students
12. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
Award: $37,000 annual stipend + $16,000 cost-of-education allowance for each of three years of support, within a five-year fellowship period.
Who should consider it: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents pursuing or planning to pursue an eligible research-based graduate degree in STEM. Eligible bachelor’s-degree seniors and bachelor’s degree holders who have not previously enrolled in a graduate degree program may also apply.
2026 deadlines: The deadline depends on the applicant’s field of study:
- October 19: Life Sciences
- October 20: Computer & Information Science and Engineering, Materials Research, Psychology, Social Sciences
- October 22: Engineering
- October 23: Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics & Astronomy
All applications are due by 8:00 p.m. ET on the applicable date. Reference letters are due October 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Why it stands out: NSF GRFP is one of the major fellowships for students pursuing research careers in STEM. NSF anticipates awarding approximately 1,500 new fellowships for the 2027 competition.
Important: This is a research-focused fellowship, so students should begin preparing their research plan, personal statement, transcripts, and recommendation letters well before the deadline.
13. Rhodes Scholarship
Deadline: October 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Study: University of Oxford
Who should consider it: Exceptional U.S. college students and recent graduates
The Rhodes Scholarship supports graduate study at the University of Oxford and is one of the world’s best-known academic awards.
For U.S. applicants, the 2027 deadline is October 7, 2026. Applicants must also obtain institutional endorsement, and individual colleges and universities may set earlier internal deadlines.
Why it stands out: The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, character, and commitment to service.
Rhodes Scholarships — United States
14. Hertz Fellowship
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Who should consider it: Graduate students pursuing applied science, mathematics, and engineering research
The Hertz Fellowship provides substantial graduate funding for exceptional students in applied physical sciences.
The program is designed to give fellows the freedom to pursue ambitious research without being constrained by traditional funding limitations.
Why it stands out: This is a particularly important fellowship for students pursuing advanced STEM research.
⭐ Special Opportunities Worth Knowing
Some opportunities don’t fit neatly into one academic category but are still worth putting on your October calendar.
Mike Rowe Works Scholarship
Deadline: October 31, 2026
Award: Up to $25,000
Best for: Students pursuing eligible skilled trades and technical programs
Not every successful career requires a traditional four-year college degree. The Mike Rowe Works Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Why it stands out: Students can pursue career-focused education while reducing the amount they need to borrow.
National Space Club and Foundation Keynote Scholars Program
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Award: $50,000
Best for: Students pursuing fields connected to space and STEM
This is a highly competitive opportunity for students interested in space, science, technology, engineering, and related fields.
📅 October 2026 Scholarship Deadline Calendar
| Deadline | Opportunity | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 1 | QuestBridge National College Match | High school seniors |
| Oct. 2 | Stantec Future Leaders | Undergraduate students |
| Oct. 6 | Knight-Hennessy Scholars | Graduate applicants |
| Oct. 6 | Fulbright U.S. Student | U.S. students going abroad |
| Oct. 7 | Rhodes Scholarship | Graduate applicants |
| Oct. 13 | Flinn Scholarship | Arizona high school seniors |
| Oct. 15 | Daniels Scholarship | Eligible high school seniors |
| Oct. 15 | Niche $40,000 No Essay | Students planning college/graduate school |
| Oct. 16 | NSF GRFP — Reference Letters | Graduate/graduate-bound STEM students |
| Oct. 19 | NSF GRFP — Life Sciences | Graduate/graduate-bound STEM students |
| Oct. 20 | NSF GRFP — CISE, Materials, Psychology, Social Sciences | Graduate/graduate-bound students |
| Oct. 22 | NSF GRFP — Engineering | Graduate/graduate-bound engineering students |
| Oct. 23 | NSF GRFP — Chemistry, Geosciences, Math, Physics & Astronomy | Graduate/graduate-bound STEM students |
| Oct. 21 | Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures | Eligible Chick-fil-A team members |
| Oct. 28 | Chick-fil-A Community Scholars | Eligible community-minded students |
| Oct. 29 | Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships | New Americans pursuing graduate study |
| Oct. 30 | U.S. Bank Student Scholarship | Current undergraduate/trade students |
| Oct. 30 | Hertz Fellowship | Graduate STEM students |
| Oct. 30 | National Space Club Scholarship | STEM/space students |
| Oct. 31 | VFW Voice of Democracy | High school students |
| Oct. 31 | Mike Rowe Works | Trade students |
| Oct. 31 | Golden Door Scholars | Eligible students facing immigration barriers |
How to Use This List
You don’t need to apply for every scholarship in this guide.
Instead, start with the section that matches where you are now.
If you’re in high school:
Focus on scholarships where you can apply now, particularly those that can provide significant funding for college.
If you’re a college student:
Don’t stop searching after freshman year. Look for scholarships specifically open to current undergraduates and begin researching graduate fellowships if you’re considering advanced study.
If you’re applying to a master’s program:
Look beyond traditional scholarships. University fellowships and major programs such as Knight-Hennessy and Fulbright can provide substantially more funding.
If you’re pursuing a PhD:
Pay particular attention to competitive fellowships such as Hertz and Rhodes and to funding opportunities offered directly by your university or department.
If you’re pursuing a skilled trade:
Traditional college scholarships aren’t your only option. Programs such as Mike Rowe Works can help fund technical and trade education.
Final Takeaway
October is a month to apply strategically, not randomly.
The goal isn’t to apply for the most scholarships. It’s to find the scholarships that fit you—and apply well.
At Level Up Habesha, we publish a new scholarship guide every month with opportunities organized by student level and eligibility.
Save this page, check back each month, and make scholarship research a regular part of your college-planning routine.
