In the past two decades, there has been a significant transformation in both campus culture and professional settings. However, individuals within the LGBT community may still encounter distinct challenges, including discrimination and micro aggressions, as highlighted by the American Psychological Association of Graduate Students Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity.
In the present, educational institutions, organizations, and various groups are actively developing specific educational opportunities tailored for individuals identifying as LGBTQ. These initiatives aim to broaden career prospects and alleviate financial burdens associated with education.
Beyond dedicated LGBTQ degree programs, there are scholarships available not only for LGBTQ students but also for those belonging to specific racial, ethnic, or religious groups. For LGBTQ students aspiring to contribute to their community through research or service, there are scholarships designed to support their graduate studies.
The following list comprises top universities known for their LGBTQ-friendly environments, along with a diverse range of scholarship options catering to individuals within the LGBTQ community.
Scholarships For LGBTQ Graduate Students In Social Work
Art degrees provide a platform for LGBTQ students to articulate their thoughts and self-expression through various mediums such as fine art, graphic design, photography, and theater. Whether their aspirations lie in art, acting, fashion design, advertising, film, or art education, LGBTQ students have access to a range of scholarships that support their learning and foster exploration of their creative abilities.
The Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship:
The scholarship known as the Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship is provided through the support of the Pride Foundation. It is available to individuals residing in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, with the flexibility to utilize the funds for studies in other locations.
This scholarship is specifically intended for LGBTQ identifying students who are dedicated to pursuing a career in human services, health sciences, or the visual arts.
Scholarship By The National Organization Of Gay And Lesbian Scientists And Technical Professionals:
The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals offers scholarships to LGBTQ+ students or dedicated allies of the LGBTQ+ community pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Recipients of the scholarship will be announced every fall.
The Point Foundation Scholarship:
Point Foundation is a substantial organization that provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ students based on their academic achievements. Those who are selected receive financial assistance, are matched with a mentor, and are offered chances to engage in leadership development activities.
Scholarships Offered By The Stonewall Foundation:
Scholarships offered by the Stonewall Foundation are geared towards addressing the specific requirements of the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on New York. These scholarships aim to provide distinctive learning opportunities, and the application period for the 2023 cycle will commence in the spring.
Scholarship By The Gamma Mu Foundation:
The Gamma Mu Foundation offers grants and scholarships to support the educational pursuits of gay men, whether in college, university, or vocational/professional training programs. Priority is given to students from rural or underserved areas, particularly those who have overcome discrimination or marginalization within their communities.
Scholarship By Kay Longcope:
The Kay Longcope Scholarship Award is dedicated to providing up to $3,000 in tuition assistance to LGBTQ+ students of color aiming for a journalism career. Recipients are expected to be committed to advancing the mission of NLGJA by ensuring fair and accurate coverage of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, there is the Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award specifically designed for LGBTQ+ students with aspirations in the field of journalism.
The NMU ALLIES Scholarship:
NMU ALLIES Scholarship offers financial support to full-time students enrolled at Northern Michigan University. Eligible candidates should have a strong academic background and a demonstrated commitment to leadership, support, or active participation in organizations, activities, or initiatives that foster awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community within the university.
Scholarship By Acorn Equality Fund:
The Acorn Equality Fund provides scholarships specifically designed for LGBTQ+ students pursuing education at any accredited post-secondary institution. To qualify, applicants must maintain permanent residency in the Acorn Equality Fund service area, which encompasses all Illinois counties except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will.
The Jeremy Round LGBTQ Scholarship:
The University of Hull offers the Jeremy Round LGBTQ Scholarship, providing three opportunities for LGBTQ+ students beyond their first year of study, with a household income below £25,000 or facing a disability. These scholarships, valued at £1,000 each, honor the memory of Jeremy Round, a cookery writer, journalist, and University of Hull alumnus. The funds aim to assist students in covering their educational expenses.
ROMBA Scholarship AT Imperial Business School:
Imperial College Business School collaborates with Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA), a non-profit organization supporting and connecting the LGBTQ+ MBA community. Aspiring candidates for the Imperial Full-Time MBA program can apply for the ROMBA Fellowship, fostering education, inspiration, and networking within the LGBTQ+ community.
The Bill 7 Scholarship:
The Bill 7 Award provides scholarships for financially disadvantaged LGBTQ+ and two-spirited students pursuing post-secondary education in Ontario. The application period for the 2023-2024 cycle commences in April.
Scholarship By LOUD Foundation:
The LOUD Foundation offers scholarships to LGBTQ+ students who are Canadian citizens or residents, currently enrolled at Canadian universities. Applications for this program open in November and close in January.
Scholarship By The Pinnacle Foundation:
The Pinnacle Foundation offers scholarships for individuals aged 18 to 26 within the LGBTQ+ community, aspiring to pursue full-time education at a public or private secondary school (in the final year) or a public institution of higher education in Australia.
The Monash Queer Leaders Scholarship:
The Monash Queer Leaders Scholarship presents two opportunities for Australian or New Zealander students who identify as LGBTIQ and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program at Monash University.
Scholarship By Rainbow New Zealand:
Rainbow New Zealand provides scholarships for LGBTQ+ individuals pursuing a full-time degree at a recognized tertiary-level institution. Eligible applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and have resided in the country for a minimum of the previous two years.
The First Nations Pride Scholarship:
The First Nations Pride Scholarship, offered by the University of Melbourne, supports undergraduate or graduate students studying within the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. Valued at up to $30,000, this scholarship is available to individuals who either identify as LGBTIQA+, have Australian Indigenous heritage, or both.
The LGBTIQ+ Leadership Bursary at the University of the Sunshine Coast grants $1,500 to a student who identifies as LGBTQ+ and is enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
The LGBTQIA+ Shaping Futures Scholarship:
The LGBTQIA+ Shaping Futures Scholarship, provided by the University of Newcastle, offers up to $4,000 to a LGBTQ+ student managing studies alongside personal circumstances like caregiver responsibilities. Eligible students must be enrolled in any year of an undergraduate degree program at the university.
The Crossing Borders Scholarship:
Crossing Borders offers a summer educational initiative in Mexico that brings together students from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, incorporating Spanish language instruction. The program features a Diversity Scholarship specifically designed for ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ students.
The National Gay Pilots Association Education Fund extends Scholarship:
The National Gay Pilots Association Education Fund extends scholarships to students actively engaged in the LGBTQ+ community, possessing a minimum private pilot certificate, and currently enrolled in a recognized U.S. college or university. Citizenship is not a prerequisite for application.
The 49 Scholarship Fund:
The 49 Fund provides $4,900 scholarships to residents of Central Florida who identify as gay, in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Orlando nightclub shooting. Ten students will be awarded the scholarships, and no specific major is required for eligibility.
The Pride Foundation Scholarship:
Pride Foundation Scholarships are available for LGBTQ students residing in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Montana, with varying amounts and a deadline of January 6. No specific major is required, and both current college students and those planning to enroll are eligible. The funds can be used in a state different from the applicant’s residence.
Scholarship By eQuality:
The eQuality Scholarship, with a $6,000 award, is open to California students who have contributed to the LGBTQ community. No specific major is needed, and both LGBTQ-identifying individuals and those who have supported the community can apply. High school seniors in California are also eligible to apply.
The Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund:
The Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund, with a variable amount, is open to undergraduates in Oregon or those with parents on the sexuality spectrum. No specific major is required, and applicants must identify as LGBTQ or have a parent within the spectrum. Eligibility includes living in Oregon for at least one year or residing in a neighboring Washington county for an equivalent duration.
Conclusion:
Discover various funding possibilities through our selection of QS World Merit Scholarships. An increasing number of scholarships are emerging to provide assistance specifically to individuals within the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) community. While these scholarships are prevalent in certain countries like the United States, they might be scarce or unknown in other nations. Availability of this funding depends on your chosen study destination.