Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: April 16, 2025

No Essay Scholarships

female college student with glasses

If you ask the average student why they don’t apply for scholarships, many will say it's because they don't think they can win. However, another common reason dissuading them is that it can be a big hassle to apply. Not only do you have to complete an application, but you also often have to meet other requirements, like getting a letter of recommendation, submitting your official transcript and writing an essay. The essay is one key reason that many students put off applying for a scholarship. It’s time-consuming and exhausting, especially when you have to juggle homework, extracurriculars, and more. That's where no-essay scholarships come in. These scholarships do not require written essays so students can apply without wringing their hands. Read below to learn more about no-essay scholarships, where to find them, and how to apply.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 No Essay Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • $2,000 No Essay Scholarship by Sallie

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2025

Sallie is offering a straightforward monthly scholarship opportunity, awarding $2,000 to eligible entrants. No essays or account sign-ups are required—just a simple scholarship for individuals seeking financial assistance for their education. Scholarship Details Monthly award of $2,000. No essay or account sign-ups needed. Eligibility Criteria Open to individuals seeking financial

  • 2

  • Edvisors $2,500 Monthly Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineMay 15, 2025

Edvisors offers resources on everything from planning & paying for college to creating your first budget. Let us start to help you on your journey through one of our monthly scholarship opportunities! Applicant Requirements: At least thirteen (13) years of age or older on the date of entry A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the fifty (50) united States or District of

  • 3

  • Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineJune 4, 2025

Submit your Duck Tape promwear for a chance to win up to $15,000! Create and wear your original promwear using Duck® Brand Duct Tape and/or Duck® Brand Crafting Tape. Remember to take a high resolution pic of the big moment! See official rules for details. Eligibility Criteria Open to high school students or those in a home school association (at the high-school level) during the current

  • 4

  • One Earth Film Festival Young Filmmakers Contest

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJune 25, 2025

One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest is open to students from third grade through college. Each film submission is based on one or several of the following topics: water, waste, food, transportation, energy, open space, and ecosystems. All entries must be between 3 and 8 minutes in length. Submissions are open to Elementary, Middle School, High School, Undergraduate and Graduate, as well as

  • 5

  • L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of The Future Contest

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field and discovered by a wide audience. Scholarship Details A historic and influential contest in the fields of science fiction and fantasy art. Open to new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide.

  • 6

  • $2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJune 30, 2025

CollegeVine helps simplify the college admissions process by providing free resources to students, from our chancing engine to AI tutor and counselor. To enter this scholarship, simply sign up for a CollegeVine account and complete your admissions profile—there’s no essay required. The winner will receive a $2,000 cash prize to be used on any college expense. Scholarship Details $2,000 for

  • 7

  • Barbara Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Studies

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineJuly 31, 2025

To be eligible for the Barbaras Caras Memorial Scholarship for Film Studies, applicants must be residents of Sarasota or Manatee County, Florida who have completed at least one full year at an accredited Florida college. Must be currently enrolled in one of the following majors: Computer Animation, Creative Writing, Motion Design, Illustration or Film and must provide at least one sample of their

  • 8

  • ConnectHER Film Festival

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineOctober 1, 2025

The ConnectHER Film Festival welcomes submissions that focus on issues that affect the lives of women and girls with a special emphasis on amplifying BIPOC voices. Films, be they animated, documentary or narrative, must be related to any of the following themes, all centered around women’s issues: refugees/IDPs, war and conflict, political enfranchisement and power, gender inequality, ending

  • 9

  • National Rice Month Scholarship Contest

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineOctober 15, 2025

National Rice Month celebrates the harvest of U.S.-grown rice, a small but mighty grain that has been a staple in American diets for over 300 years. Nearly 85% of the rice consumed in the U.S. is grown on family farms across six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. This scholarship allows you to share the importance of rice through a creative and original

  • 10

  • VFW Voice of Democracy Competition

  • Amount$35,000
  • DeadlineOctober 31, 2025

Since 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has dedicated itself to fostering patriotism and nurturing the potential of the future generation. The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program, initiated by the VFW, provides a remarkable platform for high school students (grades 9-12) to express their thoughts on democratic and patriotic themes through recorded essays. The national first place winner

  • 11

  • Cards Against Humanity Science Ambassador Scholarship

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineDecember 16, 2025

Applications open every fall. To apply, film a three–minute educational video of yourself explaining a STEM topic you're passionate about. To view submissions we've liked in the past, check out our previous winners at our website. You must be a high school senior or an undergraduate college student to apply. Scholarship Details Award amount: Five scholarships of $20,000 each

  • 12

  • Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship

  • Amount$25,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 8, 2026

The Live Más Scholarship empowers students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and beyond. This scholarship program by the Taco Bell Foundation supports students at every stage of their journey, helping them channel their passion into transformative change. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has awarded more than $110 million in Live Más Scholarships and grants to

  • 13

  • Virginia Arts Festival Model NATO Challenge

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJanuary 13, 2026

The Model NATO Challenge is a scholarship competition in which the top applicants along with alternates are chosen to participate in a mock global crisis simulation, confronting issues facing today’s NATO Alliance. Student Diplomats are chosen to represent each of the NATO Member Nations. Student Diplomats must work together to address a crisis scenario such as piracy, immigration, or another

  • 14

  • SCAD Challenge Film Scholarship Competition

  • Amount$16,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 17, 2026

The SCAD Challenge Film Competition offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to screen their short films in an online showcase and connect with their filmmaker peers. Winning films will demonstrate originality, craftsmanship and creative use of technical tools. Students who do not have access to high-quality film equipment should view this limitation as an opportunity to demonstrate

  • 15

  • ISF Film Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMarch 21, 2026

To be eligible for the ISF Film Scholarship, applicants must: be Muslim or active members of the Muslim community; be enrolled full-time at an accredited university in the U.S. by August (or employed full-time in an ISF Supported Field and a part-time student at an accredited university in the U.S); be an undergraduate (at least an incoming junior or senior) or of graduate standing (master's,

  • 16

  • Master of Fine Arts Scholarship Competition and Exhibition

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineMarch 28, 2026

This competition, targeting MFA students in visual arts from universities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, offers a unique opportunity to showcase artistic talents. Eligible students must have completed at least one term and have one remaining in their program. The selection focuses on artistic merit, and the competition includes an exhibit opportunity with the Allied Arts Association. This is

  • 17

  • The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences National Scholarships

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMarch 31, 2026

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of television and related electronic media. The academy awards memorial scholarships for Jim McKay, Douglas W. Mummert and Mike Wallace. Scholarship Details Jim McKay Memorial Scholarship: For aspiring sports journalists and broadcasters Douglas W. Mummert Scholarship: For

  • 18

  • Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineApril 15, 2026

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation supports talented musicians from limited financial backgrounds through its scholarship programs and sponsorship of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. The Foundation recognizes that musically talented youth from low-income families often lack the funding for private lessons, master classes, quality instruments, summer programs, and performance experiences. These

What Is a No-Essay Scholarship?

Like the name suggests, a no-essay scholarship is a scholarship that does not require a written essay. However, that doesn't mean that you won’t have to provide some information about yourself. Sometimes you will have the choice of recording a video instead of submitting a written essay.

For example, the Stuck at Prom Scholarship is awarded to a student who creates an inspiring and creative dress or tux using Duck Tape. One $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to each winner from the dress and tux category, and there are several runner-up awards too. Applicants have to describe their creation in either a written essay or in video form.

Types of No-Essay Scholarships

There are several kinds of no-essay scholarships that students can apply for. Here are the most popular types:

Scholarship Sweepstakes

A scholarship sweepstakes is a type of no-essay scholarship. Scholarship sweepstakes are scholarships where students are chosen randomly, like a lottery. For example, the Niche $2,000 No Essay Scholarship chooses a winner at random. As long as you complete the application by the due date and meet the basic requirements, you’ll have a shot at winning.

Applicants usually don't have to submit other common scholarship requirements, like transcripts or letters of recommendation. Some sweepstakes scholarships are given out more than once a year. For example, College Board's BigFuture Scholarship is given out every month. Students can win either $500 or $40,000. There is no essay required. Instead, the College Board requires that you complete several steps that will help your overall college application process.

You have to enter every month to be considered, so don't think that one application is enough. Set a recurring reminder in your calendar so you don’t forget.

Video Scholarships

Some no-essay scholarships may not necessarily be easier to apply for than a scholarship that requires an essay. If a video contest scholarship wants a 5-minute video about why you deserve to win it may take just as much time to write, create, and edit as an essay would.

It also depends on what your skills are. If you’re a budding YouTuber, then submitting a video might be a more appropriate fit for you than writing an essay would be. If you prefer writing or feel you are better at putting pen to paper, feel free to go that route. A lot of these scholarships are fairly flexible regarding which medium you use for creative expression.

Where to Find No-Essay Scholarships

You can find no-essay scholarships on Scholarships.com, which has a large database of no-essay scholarships.

You can also search for no-essay scholarships on Google and other search engines. You can try to narrow down the search by being more specific. For example, if you're comfortable creating video, you can search for “no-essay video scholarship.”

Sometimes your school will also offer no-essay scholarships. In fact, many colleges will automatically consider you for a scholarship when you apply. If you want to be considered for other awards, you may have to submit an essay. However, this depends on your school.

How to Apply for a No-Essay Scholarship

No matter what kind of scholarship you're applying for, you should read through all the rules and requirements beforehand. Make sure you are actually eligible to apply. You may be surprised at how many students submit scholarship applications when they're not actually qualified.

Also, always submit your application before or by the deadline. If you submit your application late, it will almost invariably be automatically rejected.

Some no-essay scholarships will have other components you have to submit. For example, the BigFuture Scholarship requires that you submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

No-Essay Scholarship FAQs

No-essay scholarships have a lot of benefits and drawbacks, and it can be hard to decide if they’re worth spending time on. Keep reading to learn more about no-essay scholarships and how they work:

If I win a no-essay scholarship, what can the funds be used for?

Rules around how you can spend money from a no-essay scholarship are usually similar to those for a traditional scholarship. As such, we recommend reading the description and rules thoroughly and contacting the scholarship provider directly if you can't find the answers to all of your questions on this topic.

For example, winners who receive the Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship can only use the funds for qualified education expenses, including tuition, textbooks, fees, and other necessary supplies.

If you win a no-essay scholarship, you should read through the terms and conditions to understand what you can use the funds for. Some scholarships may have more generous rules than others.

Are no-essay scholarships easier to win?

No-essay scholarships may be easier to apply for, but your chances of winning may be slimmer than with traditional scholarships that require an essay. If a no-essay scholarship has fewer requirements, taking less time and effort than others, there are likely to be more students who apply. When more people are competing for the same award, it automatically decreases each applicant's odds of winning.

What is the GPA requirement for a no-essay scholarship?

No-essay scholarships may still have academic requirements, like a minimum GPA. These can vary depending on the scholarship provider.

Some no-essay scholarships may not even ask what your GPA is. For example, the $2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship only asks what college you plan to attend or are attending, what year in school you’re in, and your high school graduation year. Both current and prospective college students are eligible.

Are no-essay scholarships legitimate?

Sometimes something seems too good to be true, such as being able to enter to win a $5,000 or even $50,000 scholarship without having to put in dozens of hours of work. However, there are plenty of awards that do not require a traditional essay and are 100% legitimate. Just remember that you should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship.

Even no-essay scholarships that operate like sweepstakes do not have an application fee. If you are being told that you have to pay money to apply for a scholarship, then you are likely being scammed.

Many students believe that no-essay scholarships are scams because they don’t end up winning them. It’s important to remember that no-essay scholarships often have huge applicant pools, which makes winning seem impossible.

If you seriously need scholarship funds to pay for college, you should focus on scholarships that match your academic major, school year, interests, skills, special attributes, qualifications, and more. You can also find scholarships designed for someone with your background.

Is there a good time to apply for a no-essay scholarship?

Deadlines for no-essay scholarships are variable, so there’s no “season” or perfect time to apply for one. Unlike college applications, which generally have a standardized time frame, scholarship deadlines vary.

You should start applying for scholarships as soon as possible, whether they require an essay or not. High school is a busy time and you’ll increase your odds of winning a scholarship if you submit as many applications as possible.

Can I apply for multiple no-essay scholarships?

There is no limit on how many scholarships you apply for, including no-essay scholarships. Even if you applied for a scholarship before and didn’t win, it doesn't mean you're prohibited from applying again.

Winning scholarships is partially a numbers game. The more scholarships you apply to, the greater your chances are of winning. Apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for and don't get discouraged if you don't win. Applying for scholarships is difficult, especially if you're focused on awards with few requirements.

How much are no-essay scholarships worth?

The amount you can win from a no-essay scholarship truly depends on the award. Some awards may be as little as $500, while others may give out $50,000.

For example, the Niche $25,000 "No Essay" Scholarship gives out - you guessed it - $25,000. In general, you should expect that generous scholarships that don't require essays will be highly competitive. A basic rule of thumb is that if it's easy to apply for, it will be harder to win.

Are no-essay scholarships harder to find?

With so many students attending college and struggling to afford it these days, scholarship providers are often overwhelmed when trying to choose a winner. That's why essays are so effective in sorting out the right candidate.

No-essay scholarships may be harder to find than scholarships that require a written essay. However, that doesn't mean they’re impossible to find.

Are video scholarships easier to apply for than no-essay scholarships?

In the era of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, it’s easier for some students to create videos instead of writing essays. However, many students don't realize you still have to write a script if you're applying for a scholarship with video components.

Creating a video script from scratch is not that dissimilar from writing an essay. Plus, you may have to do several takes before you get one that is usable.

Should I prioritize no-essay scholarships over scholarships that require an essay?

If you're someone who's not confident in their writing skills, you may feel like looking for no-essay scholarships is the better plan. But, don’t give up. Scholarship providers aren't necessarily looking for the most well-written essay. Instead, they are looking for the student who best fits what they’re looking for. The essay is just one tool to sell yourself.

Plus, you can always ask someone, like a teacher, parent, or another adult, to read through your essay before you submit it. You can also ask them to help you brainstorm what you should write before you start crafting it. There are multiple ways to get around not having the best writing skills.

Do I have to be in college to apply for a no-essay scholarship?

One of the easiest things you can do to win more scholarship money is to start applying for awards early. Some middle school students may even be eligible for scholarships. You should at least start looking while you’re a high school freshman.

Some students also have the opposite problem and think that just because they're already enrolled in college, they no longer qualify for scholarships. Unless you have graduated from college, you can still apply for scholarships.

Can current college students apply for no-essay scholarships?

Many students think that you must be a high school student to be eligible for a scholarship. However, that’s a common misconception. In fact, current college students can still qualify for undergraduate scholarships, even no-essay scholarships.

Are graduate students eligible for no-essay scholarships?

While some students believe that only undergraduate students are eligible for no-essay scholarships, graduate students may be eligible for dozens of different no-essay scholarships.

For example, the Science Go Seek Scholarship is available to high school students, undergraduate students, and even graduate students. Awards are given out monthly. There is no essay required. DoSomething.org has a variety of monthly no-essay scholarships available.

Are there scholarships with in-between essay requirements?

If you’re not inherently opposed to writing essays, you will find a larger number of awards you can apply for. Remember, while no-essay scholarships may seem enticing, there are plenty of scholarships that have low essay requirements.

Many scholarships asks for one essay that is 250 words or less. That’s a fairly small essay requirement, compared to other essay scholarship requirements.