September is an important month for students searching for scholarships, graduate funding, and international study opportunities. Several high-value programs close during the month, including national undergraduate scholarships, global competitions, and fellowships for graduate students and researchers.
This guide highlights notable opportunities with September 2026 deadlines, organized by academic level and opportunity type. It includes options for high school seniors, undergraduate students, graduate students, doctoral candidates, and eligible international applicants.
Before applying, carefully review each program’s official eligibility requirements. Award amounts can be significant, but the best opportunity is one that aligns with your academic level, background, goals, and eligibility.
🎓 Undergraduate Scholarships
1. The Gates Scholarship
Award: Covers the remaining cost of attendance not covered by other financial aid and the Student Aid Index
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Who should consider it: Eligible high school seniors with significant financial need, strong academic records, and demonstrated leadership
The Gates Scholarship is a highly selective undergraduate scholarship designed to help outstanding students from low-income households attend college.
The award is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it helps cover eligible costs remaining after other financial aid is applied. Depending on the student’s financial aid package, covered costs may include tuition, fees, housing, food, and other eligible expenses.
Applicants must meet the program’s citizenship or residency requirements, demonstrate significant financial need, be Pell Grant-eligible, have at least a 3.3 cumulative weighted GPA, and plan to enroll full-time in a four-year degree program at an accredited, nonprofit U.S. college or university. The program also has specific racial or ethnic eligibility criteria.
Why it stands out
For eligible students, this scholarship can help address more than tuition alone. It can reduce the overall financial burden of earning a degree and make college more affordable.
2. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Award: $20,000
Recipients: 150 students annually
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Who should consider it: High school seniors graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a nationally recognized, achievement-based scholarship for graduating high school seniors.
Each year, 150 students receive a $20,000 college scholarship. Selection emphasizes leadership, community service, academic achievement, and a demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact.
Applicants must meet the program’s citizenship or immigration-status requirements, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution. Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school and graduating during the eligible academic year.
Why it stands out
The program looks beyond grades. Students who have made a meaningful contribution to their school or community should consider highlighting that experience in their application.
3. Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest
Award: $8,000 per winner
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. CT
Who should consider it: Eligible high school and undergraduate students in participating states
The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest invites students to share the story of someone in their community who has inspired them.
For the 2026 third-quarter contest, Regions awards four $8,000 college scholarships. Applicants can submit a written essay of up to 500 words or a video essay of up to three minutes.
Eligible students must be legal U.S. residents in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Texas. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, meet the program’s GPA requirements, and have at least one year or 18 semester hours remaining before undergraduate graduation.
Why it stands out
This opportunity gives students a chance to compete through storytelling rather than relying only on grades or a particular major. The essay or video must be the student’s original work, and the contest prohibits AI-generated submissions.
4. First Gen Fellowship — First Gen Fund
Award: $1,000
Deadline: September 18, 2026
Who should consider it: First-generation college students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. college or university
The First Gen Fund offers financial assistance to first-generation college students experiencing financial hardship. In 2026, the program planned to award 50 fellowships of $1,000 each.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, identify as first-generation college students, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate significant financial hardship. The program is limited to eligible domestic students; international applicants are not eligible.
Why it stands out
A smaller award can still help with essential educational expenses, including books, fees, transportation, housing, and other school-related needs.
🌍 International Study & Leadership Scholarships
5. Schwarzman Scholars
Award: Fully funded master’s degree program at Tsinghua University in Beijing
Deadline: September 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET
Who should consider it: Students and recent graduates with strong academic records, leadership experience, and an interest in global affairs
Schwarzman Scholars is a highly competitive international scholarship program that prepares future leaders through a one-year master’s degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University in China.
The scholarship covers eligible program costs, including tuition, room and board, travel, required study materials, health insurance, and a personal stipend.
Applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, academic ability, and character. The program accepts applicants from around the world, subject to its eligibility requirements.
Why it stands out
This opportunity combines graduate education, leadership development, and international exposure in a globally focused academic environment.
6. McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University
Award: Full scholarships and additional entrance awards
Deadline: September 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET, for applicants from universities in Canada and the United States
Who should consider it: Students and graduates of eligible Canadian or U.S. universities seeking graduate study at McGill University
The McCall MacBain Scholarships support graduate study at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. The program selects candidates based on qualities such as character, community engagement, leadership potential, and academic strength.
Each year, the program offers up to 30 full scholarships and 100 entrance awards. Full scholarship benefits include tuition and fees, a living stipend, and support for summer enrichment.
Important: The September deadline applies to students and graduates of universities in Canada and the United States, as well as Canadians abroad. Applicants from universities in other countries had an earlier deadline of August 19, 2026.
Why it stands out
This is an opportunity for students who want to combine graduate education with leadership development and community impact.
7. Marshall Scholarship
Award: Funding for graduate study at eligible universities in the United Kingdom
Applicant deadline: September 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the time zone of the applicant’s endorsing institution
Institutional submission deadline: October 1, 2026
Who should consider it: Eligible U.S. citizens pursuing graduate study in the United Kingdom
The Marshall Scholarship enables academically strong U.S. students to pursue graduate study at a university in the United Kingdom.
The program looks for academic excellence, leadership, and ambassadorial potential. Applicants must meet the scholarship’s citizenship, degree, academic, and institutional endorsement requirements.
The application requires three letters of recommendation and endorsement by the applicant’s undergraduate institution. Applicants should contact their institution early because internal deadlines may be earlier than the national deadline.
Why it stands out
The Marshall Scholarship provides a pathway to advanced study in the United Kingdom while supporting academic and cultural exchange.
🔬 Student Competition
8. Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Award: $250,000 post-secondary scholarship
Additional prizes: $50,000 for the winner’s teacher and a $100,000 science laboratory for the winner’s school
Submission deadline: September 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT
Peer-review deadline: September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT
Who should consider it: Students ages 13–18 interested in science, mathematics, video production, and communication
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video competition. Participants create a video of no more than two minutes explaining a challenging concept in physics, mathematics, or life sciences in an engaging and imaginative way.
Students from around the world may enter if they meet the program’s age and submission requirements.
Why it stands out
This competition rewards the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and creatively. Students with strengths in storytelling, animation, science communication, or video production may find it especially appealing.
Important: Submitting the video is not the final step. Participants must also complete the required peer-review process by September 30 to remain eligible for the scholarship.
🎓 Graduate, Doctoral & Research Fellowships
9. AAUW International Fellowships
Award: Varies by degree level; awards have historically ranged from $20,000 to $50,000
Deadline: September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Who should consider it: Eligible women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are pursuing full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the United States
AAUW International Fellowships support women pursuing graduate or postgraduate study in the United States who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
The program is intended to support academic advancement and professional development. Applicants must meet the citizenship, degree, enrollment, and academic requirements for the relevant award category.
Why it stands out
This is an important opportunity for eligible international students seeking funding for advanced study in the United States. Applicants should review the official award amounts and requirements for their specific degree level before applying.
10. AAUW American Doctoral Fellowship
Award: $25,000
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Who should consider it: Eligible women pursuing their first doctoral degree
The AAUW American Doctoral Fellowship provides financial support to eligible women pursuing their first doctoral degree. The fellowship is open across eligible fields of study.
Applicants must identify as women, meet the program’s doctoral enrollment and full-time study requirements, and be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. The program also specifies which doctoral degree types qualify.
Why it stands out
Doctoral programs can require several years of coursework, research, and dissertation writing. A $25,000 fellowship can help reduce the financial pressure associated with pursuing an advanced degree.
11. AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship
Award: $50,000 stipend
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Who should consider it: Eligible women pursuing independent postdoctoral research
The AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship supports women in academia who are pursuing independent research during a postdoctoral period.
Applicants must meet the program’s degree, citizenship or residency, research appointment, and full-time research requirements. The program is open across fields, with particular encouragement for applicants working in STEM or researching gender issues.
Why it stands out
A $50,000 stipend can provide substantial support for an eligible researcher’s professional development and research activities during the fellowship year.
📅 September 2026 Deadline Calendar
| Deadline | Opportunity | Award |
|---|---|---|
| September 9 | Schwarzman Scholars | Fully funded master’s program |
| September 15 | The Gates Scholarship | Remaining eligible cost of attendance |
| September 15 | Breakthrough Junior Challenge | $250,000 scholarship |
| September 17 | AAUW International Fellowships | Varies by degree level |
| September 18 | First Gen Fellowship | $1,000 |
| September 23 | McCall MacBain Scholarships | Full scholarships and entrance awards |
| September 29 | Marshall Scholarship — applicant deadline | Graduate study in the UK |
| September 30 | Coca-Cola Scholars Program | $20,000 |
| September 30 | Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest | $8,000 |
| September 30 | AAUW American Doctoral Fellowship | $25,000 |
| September 30 | AAUW American Postdoctoral Research Leave Fellowship | $50,000 |
How to Make the Most of This List
1. Check eligibility before applying
Confirm citizenship or residency requirements, academic level, enrollment status, GPA, financial need, and any program-specific requirements before investing time in an application.
2. Prioritize opportunities that fit your goals
A fully funded scholarship, a doctoral fellowship, and a student video competition serve different purposes. Focus on the opportunities that align with your education plans and strengths.
3. Prepare early
Strong applications may require recommendation letters, transcripts, essays, a resume, research plans, or institutional endorsement. Request documents early and verify whether your school has an internal deadline.
4. Keep a scholarship tracker
Use a spreadsheet to record the opportunity, award amount, official application link, eligibility requirements, deadline, required documents, and submission date.
5. Verify the next cycle
This guide uses the 2026 deadlines. For future September guides, check each official website again rather than assuming the same date, award amount, or eligibility criteria will apply.
Final Takeaway
You do not need to apply for every scholarship you find online. Focus on legitimate opportunities that match your profile, understand what each application requires, and give yourself enough time to submit a strong application.
Don’t just bookmark scholarships. Make a plan and apply.
Check back each month for the next Level Up Scholarship Guide, featuring upcoming deadlines and opportunities for students at different stages of their education.
