When was the last time you scrolled through TikTok or recorded a Reel? For most Gen Z students, creating video content is second nature–but did you know those exact creative skills can help you fund your college (and even trade school) education?
Video scholarships are skyrocketing in popularity for 2026 as top providers move away from traditional essays to meet students where they are. If you want to bypass long essays and secure financial aid, video essay contents are the perfect alternative. Check out our 2026 guide to the best video scholarships, complete with deadlines and expert tips to help you win.
Award Amount: $5,000 The Eye of the Eagle Wladyslaw Zachariasiewicz Memorial Journalism Scholarship is available to students of Polish descent and those who have a clear understanding of Polish culture and values. You must be pursuing a career in journalism to be eligible for this award. Selection is based on academic merit, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and a personal essay or video submission.
Award Amount: $2,000 The J and K Climate Change Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students aged 18 or older. To be considered, you must submit a video of seven minutes or less or a 1,000 - to 2,000-word essay describing an activity or idea that is aimed at stopping climate change.
Award Amount: $500 - $1,000 The Parcel Tracker Passion Project Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are thinkers, tinkerers, and creators who are quietly building something cool. You must be majoring in a STEAM field and submit a short demo video and write up that showcases the initiative and creativity of your side hustle, clever coding, tool, or app to be eligible for this award.Headway's Book Lovers Scholarship
Deadline: 9/15/26
Top Video Scholarships for 2026: Featured Contests & Deadlines
We've found the top video scholarships for college students and high school video scholarships as well as video scholarship contests for trade school students.The Eye of the Eagle Wladyslaw Zachariasiewicz Memorial Journalism Scholarship
Deadline: 6/30/26Award Amount: $5,000 The Eye of the Eagle Wladyslaw Zachariasiewicz Memorial Journalism Scholarship is available to students of Polish descent and those who have a clear understanding of Polish culture and values. You must be pursuing a career in journalism to be eligible for this award. Selection is based on academic merit, letters of recommendation, writing samples, and a personal essay or video submission.
J and K Climate Change Scholarship
Deadline: 7/15/26Award Amount: $2,000 The J and K Climate Change Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students aged 18 or older. To be considered, you must submit a video of seven minutes or less or a 1,000 - to 2,000-word essay describing an activity or idea that is aimed at stopping climate change.
Parcel Tracker Passion Project Scholarship
Deadline: 8/31/26Award Amount: $500 - $1,000 The Parcel Tracker Passion Project Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are thinkers, tinkerers, and creators who are quietly building something cool. You must be majoring in a STEAM field and submit a short demo video and write up that showcases the initiative and creativity of your side hustle, clever coding, tool, or app to be eligible for this award.
Headway's Book Lovers Scholarship
Deadline: 9/15/26
Award Amount: $1,500
Headway's Book Lovers Scholarship is available to high school seniors and full - time undergraduate and graduate students. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate leadership at school and / or in the community to be eligible for this award. To be considered, you must submit a 500 – word essay or two – minute video that outlines your vision for a non - fiction book that has the potential to become a timeless handbook for humanity.
Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Deadline: 9/15/26
Award Amount: $250,000
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is available to students between the ages of 13 and 18. To enter, you must create a two - minute video explaining a big idea in one of the following fields: physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Your entry can be in the form of animation, talking head, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, etc. Videos will be judged on engagement, illumination, creativity, and difficulty. The selected challenge winner will receive a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship, $50,000 for a math or science teacher that has inspired them, and $100,000 for their school's renovation or addition of a science lab.
CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest
Deadline: 10/15/26
Award Amount: $500
The CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest is open to students who will be enrolling in postsecondary education. You must submit a video of up to three minutes responding to one of the prompts on the topic of Mustangs.
Farm House Excellence in Horsemanship Scholarship
Deadline: 11/27/26
Award Amount: $2,000
The Farm House Excellence in Horsemanship Scholarship is available to high school seniors and college students. You must be actively involved in equestrian sport and submit a 30 - to 90 - second riding video that reflects your partnership with your horse to be considered for this award. A 300 - to 500 - word essay is also required.
Thea Foundation Film Competition Scholarship
Deadline: 1/10/27
Award Amount: $3,000 - $10,000
The Thea Foundation Film Competition Scholarship is available to high school seniors in Arkansas. To enter, you must submit a 20 minute film that best reflects your unique talents and creativity. A 500 - word essay explaining your process when creating the film is also required.
PRINT IT Scholarship for Aspiring Content Creators
Deadline: 1/11/27
Award Amount: $1,000
The PRINT IT Scholarship for Aspiring Content Creators is available to current college students who are actively creating unique and engaging video or audio content, or who plan to do so. To be considered, you must submit a five - to 10 - minute video that explains how your content will be engaging and tell a unique story.
Floor Covering Education Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: Rolling
Award Amount: Varies
The FCEF Scholarship is available to students who are interested in learning about the flooring installation trade. Selection is based on references, goals, and a video submission.
Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship
Deadline: Rolling
Award Amount: $2,000
The Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship is available to high school and college students. To be considered, you must read the book, "Pulse of Perseverance: Three Black Doctors on Their Journey to Success," and submit a 250 - word essay focusing on how you are currently making a difference in your community and why you believe you have the #pulseofperseverance. You must also submit a 60 - second video on why you possess the #pulseofperseverance and what the scholarship will mean to you.
How to Create a Winning Scholarship Video: 5 Pro Tips
Students applying for video scholarships should treat their submissions like professional projects. To stand out, keep these five strategies in mind:
- Master the Format and Length:
Requirements vary wildly between providers. You might be asked to:
• Attach a 15-second TikTok to a completed form.
• Post an Instagram Reel using a specific campaign hashtag.
• Upload a 60-second application via YouTube or Shorts explaining a personal project.
- Answer the Prompt Directly:
Don't get so caught up in the editing that you forget the "why." Does the scholarship ask a specific question or require a special theme? Ensure your video addresses all requirements outlined in the instructions.
- Optimize for Vertical Viewing:
Since many 2026 scholarships are social-media-based, film in a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical) to ensure your content looks native to platforms like TikTok and Reels.
- Check Your Audio and Lighting:
You don't need a professional studio, but clear audio is non-negotiable. Use a ring light or natural window light to ensure the judges can see your face clearly.
- Include a Call to Action:
If the scholarship allows, briefly mention why this specific award matters to your future goals. It adds a personal touch!
Get more tips on our social channels: Check out Instagram and Facebook for exclusive Reels showcasing new opportunities and expert advice.
While video scholarships are a fantastic way to showcase your personality and bypass long essays, they're just one piece of the financial aid puzzle. To maximize your funding, you need a strategy that matches you with every available opportunity–from local grants to national video contests.
Stop searching and start winning. By creating your personalized Fastweb profile, you'll get scholarships delivered straight to your inbox based on your unique strengths, interests, and creative talents!
Award Amount: $250,000 The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is available to students between the ages of 13 and 18. To enter, you must create a two - minute video explaining a big idea in one of the following fields: physics, mathematics, or life sciences. Your entry can be in the form of animation, talking head, documentary, dramatic reconstruction, etc. Videos will be judged on engagement, illumination, creativity, and difficulty. The selected challenge winner will receive a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship, $50,000 for a math or science teacher that has inspired them, and $100,000 for their school's renovation or addition of a science lab.
CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest
Deadline: 10/15/26Award Amount: $500 The CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest is open to students who will be enrolling in postsecondary education. You must submit a video of up to three minutes responding to one of the prompts on the topic of Mustangs.
Farm House Excellence in Horsemanship Scholarship
Deadline: 11/27/26Award Amount: $2,000 The Farm House Excellence in Horsemanship Scholarship is available to high school seniors and college students. You must be actively involved in equestrian sport and submit a 30 - to 90 - second riding video that reflects your partnership with your horse to be considered for this award. A 300 - to 500 - word essay is also required.
Thea Foundation Film Competition Scholarship
Deadline: 1/10/27Award Amount: $3,000 - $10,000 The Thea Foundation Film Competition Scholarship is available to high school seniors in Arkansas. To enter, you must submit a 20 minute film that best reflects your unique talents and creativity. A 500 - word essay explaining your process when creating the film is also required.
PRINT IT Scholarship for Aspiring Content Creators
Deadline: 1/11/27Award Amount: $1,000 The PRINT IT Scholarship for Aspiring Content Creators is available to current college students who are actively creating unique and engaging video or audio content, or who plan to do so. To be considered, you must submit a five - to 10 - minute video that explains how your content will be engaging and tell a unique story.
Floor Covering Education Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: RollingAward Amount: Varies The FCEF Scholarship is available to students who are interested in learning about the flooring installation trade. Selection is based on references, goals, and a video submission.
Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship
Deadline: RollingAward Amount: $2,000 The Pulse of Perseverance Scholarship is available to high school and college students. To be considered, you must read the book, "Pulse of Perseverance: Three Black Doctors on Their Journey to Success," and submit a 250 - word essay focusing on how you are currently making a difference in your community and why you believe you have the #pulseofperseverance. You must also submit a 60 - second video on why you possess the #pulseofperseverance and what the scholarship will mean to you.
How to Create a Winning Scholarship Video: 5 Pro Tips
Students applying for video scholarships should treat their submissions like professional projects. To stand out, keep these five strategies in mind:- Master the Format and Length: Requirements vary wildly between providers. You might be asked to: • Attach a 15-second TikTok to a completed form. • Post an Instagram Reel using a specific campaign hashtag. • Upload a 60-second application via YouTube or Shorts explaining a personal project.
- Answer the Prompt Directly: Don't get so caught up in the editing that you forget the "why." Does the scholarship ask a specific question or require a special theme? Ensure your video addresses all requirements outlined in the instructions.
- Optimize for Vertical Viewing: Since many 2026 scholarships are social-media-based, film in a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical) to ensure your content looks native to platforms like TikTok and Reels.
- Check Your Audio and Lighting: You don't need a professional studio, but clear audio is non-negotiable. Use a ring light or natural window light to ensure the judges can see your face clearly.
- Include a Call to Action: If the scholarship allows, briefly mention why this specific award matters to your future goals. It adds a personal touch!
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Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
