While unusual scholarships are among the most popular ways to fund an education, they are also frequently the most exclusive. These niche scholarships come with specific, sometimes strict eligibility requirements–but that is exactly what makes them easier to win…if you fit the requirements! Whether you have a rare talent or a quirky hobby, there is likely a unique scholarship out there for you.
We’ve organized this into common subcategories of “weird” awards, including creative talents, animal advocacy, physical characteristics, and more.
Creative & Artistic Scholarships
BrightSprout Crossword Scholarship
The BrightSprout Crossword Scholarship is available to current and incoming undergraduate students. To be considered, you must create and submit a 15 X 15 newspaper - style crossword puzzle based on the theme of "My Hobby / Interest." All crosswords must be original, written solely by the applicant, and not previously published elsewhere. The puzzle publishing fee will be waived for scholarship applicants."Comics Are LIT!" Scholarship Contest
The "Comics Are LIT!" Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors, college freshmen, and GED students. To enter, you must read the book The Man Who Died Seven Times by Yasuhiko Nishizawa and create a 10 - page comic book spin-off based on one of three select characters. An artist statement of up to 500 words is also required.Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest
The Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest is open to students who are at least 14 years of age. To enter, you must submit an original design for a Christmas card, holiday card, birthday card, or all-occasion greeting card. All designs or photographs must be the original work of the applicant.Future Designer Scholarship
The Future Designer Scholarship is available to full-time students who are at least 17 years of age. You must submit an original design for a holiday greeting card to be considered for this award. The winning design will be featured as a product on CardsDirect.com.Illustrators of the Future Contest
The Illustrators of the Future Contest is open to new science fiction and fantasy artists. To be considered, you must submit three illustrations in a color or black - and - white medium created from your imagination. Each illustration must represent a subject different from the other two.Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation Endowed Student Support Fund for Diversity
The Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation Endowed Student Support Fund for Diversity is open to students attending the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference will be given to Hispanic and African American/Black students.Unique Scholarships for Animal Welfare & Advocacy
Rover College Scholarship
The Rover College Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and current college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. To be considered, you must submit a 400 - to 500 - word essay on the following topic: "How did growing up with a pet in your life (could be a friend's or family member's) impact the person you are today?"National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition
The National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Competition is open to active 4-H Club members. To be considered, you must submit a 750 - to 1000 - word essay on the following topic: "How is pollen important to bees? Has pollen been changing in plants and in our landscapes? If so, are those changes affecting bees? When do you observe the most and least pollen in your colonies and how does that impact their temperament and productivity?"Future Without Speciesism Award
The Future Without Speciesism Award is available to undergraduate and graduate students. To be considered for this award, students must identify an area in which animals are still exploited and create a potentially patentable, original idea or prototype that allows for their replacement. This award does not convey ownership rights to PETA or prevent you from patenting your invention.Food-Based & Culinary Scholarships
John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
The John Kitt Memorial Scholarship is available to sophomore, junior, and senior students who have a demonstrated interest in confectionery technology. You must be majoring in food science, chemical science, biological science, or a related field at an accredited four - year college or university and have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award.Vegetarian Resource Group Association
The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) offers scholarships each year to graduating U.S. high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and communities. The application requires an essay about how the applicant promoted vegetarianism in their high school or community.National Rice Month Scholarship
The National Rice Month Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors residing in the six primary rice-growing states of Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. To be considered, you must submit an original three - minute video about U.S. - grown rice, National Rice Month, and the importance of rice to you, your state, or the world in general.Niche Career & Trade Scholarships
Future Space Professionals Scholarship
The Future Space Professionals Scholarship is open to students enrolled in a STEM degree program. You must be within 24 months of your graduation date, have a minimum GPA of 3.4, and intend to enter the community of space professionals upon graduation in order to be considered for this scholarship.CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest
The CJ Pony Parts Scholarship Video Contest is open to students who will be enrolling in post-secondary education. You must submit a video of up to three minutes responding to one of the prompts on the topic of Mustangs.Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship
The Pursuit of Excellence Scholarship is open to current high school seniors and college students. You must be passionate about agriculture, the Western way of life, and strive every day to be the best version of yourself. Selection is based on your commitment to personal growth, your history of self improvement, your desire to uplift your community, and how you demonstrate excellence in all areas of life.Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation Scholarship
The Society of Vacuum Coaters Foundation Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a course of study related to vacuum coating technology.American Board of Funeral Service Education National Scholarship
The American Board of Funeral Service Education National Scholarship is available to students pursuing a program in funeral service or mortuary science in an ABFSE-accredited program. You must have completed at least one semester/quarter of study and have at least one remaining before graduation to be eligible for this award.Rove Pest Control Scholarship
The Rove Pest Control Scholarship is available to high school and full-time college students. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be eligible for this award. Special consideration will be given to students pursuing a degree in entomology or a related field.Scholarships for Hobbies & Special Talents
AIAS Girls for Gaming Scholarship
The AIAS Girls for Gaming Scholarship is available to full-time, female undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing the business of interactive entertainment including but not limited to marketing, law, producing, and product management.InspireCraft Scholarship
The InspireCraft Scholarship is available to students who are at least 18 years of age. You must demonstrate a passion for arts, crafts, and decoration, or a related field to be eligible for this award.Play Pokémon Scholarship Program
The Play! Pokémon Scholarship Program is open to students who are the top finishers in Play! Pokémon Events. You must be a full-time high school student or a full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student at a qualified college or university in order to be considered for this award.UFDC Nancy Carlson Scholarship
The UFDC Nancy Carlson Scholarship is available to students interested in antique dolls, specifically composition dolls. You must submit a research topic and plan to be considered for this award."Stuck at Prom" Scholarship Contest
The Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest is open to high school and homeschool students who create and wear prom attire made entirely from Duck® Brand Duct Tape! Students may enter the contest as an individual only. Each individual must create and wear prom attire consisting of either a complete dress or a complete tuxedo and accessories made using Duck brand duct tape and/or Duck brand crafting tape. Other materials, in addition to Duck brand duct tape, may be used or incorporated into the design. You are NOT required to attend prom in order to enter. You must submit at least one high-resolution color photo, a written essay, or a video showing you wearing your Duck Tape Prom Attire. Assistance from family and/or friends is permitted in creating the Prom attire; however, paid professionals cannot participate in any way.Evans Scholars Program
The Evans Scholars Program is open to high school seniors and college freshmen who have worked as golf caddies for 2 or more years. You must have a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character to be eligible for this award.Minecraft Scholarship
The Minecraft Scholarship is open to high school and college students. You must be a U.S. citizen, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and submit an essay of at least 500 words that details your opinion on how Minecraft can be a positive influence on education and career development to be considered for this award.Your Path to Matching with Unusual Scholarships
At Fastweb, we update our scholarship database daily to ensure you have access to the newest niche opportunities for the 2026-27 academic year. From inventors and knitters to golf caddies and more, new "weird" scholarships are added often. The best way to stay in the know about the exclusive awards is by maintaining an up-to-date Fastweb profile. The more detail you provide about your unique hobbies, traits, and skills, the better our matching engine can find the scholarships you qualify for. Don't leave money on the table; update your profile today to see your latest matches.You Might Also Like
Kathryn Knight Randolph
Associate Content Editor
Kathryn Knight Randolph covers trends in higher education, changes to admissions and financial aid practices, and the student experience. She is passionate about simplifying the college search and financia...
