Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Cara Goldstone Image Written By: Cara Goldstone | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: June 3, 2026

Unusual Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • In 2023, more than 4 billion dollars in Pell Grants went unclaimed, but the total amount of unclaimed private scholarship funds is impossible to calculate.
  • There are countless unusual scholarships with niche eligibility criteria that do not receive many applications each year, meaning they may be easier for students to win.
  • What determines whether a scholarship is weird, unusual, or obscure is largely dependent on the demographics, traits, and interests of the students who apply.

In your scholarship search, you’ve seen the standard fare: merit scholarships for academic excellence, need-based scholarships, athletic or musical performance-based scholarships, and all kinds of automatic-consideration institutional scholarships. Looking for something more out-of-the-box? Scholarships.com has you covered.

From scholarships exclusively for left-handed people to unique awards for birdwatchers and duck callers, Scholarships.com has detailed information about unusual scholarships for every student. Keep reading to view a list of our top 25 weird, strange, and unusual scholarships, plus the answers to your top questions about winning them.

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The 25 Best Unusual Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines in 2026

  • 1

  • Twins Days Festival Twins Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineJuly 5, 2026

The Twinsburg, Ohio Twins Days Festival awards a $2,000 scholarship to a set of twin high school seniors each year. Additional factors for consideration include an essay submission and previous Twins Days Festival attendance record. Scholarship Details Merit-based Each recipient twin receives $1,000 Awarded as a unit to one set of twins All eligibility criteria

  • 2

  • American Red Cross - Leaders Save Lives Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineSeptember 7, 2026

Sign up to host a blood drive while school is out of session and join the impressive group of youth across the nation who are helping save lives with the American Red Cross! You could earn leadership skills, volunteer hours, a gift card and be entered to win a scholarship. Scholarship Details Program encourages high school and college students to host American Red Cross blood drives

  • 3

  • Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineNovember 29, 2026

The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest offers students ages 16 to 20 the opportunity to compete for $9,000 in college scholarships. Held annually in Stuttgart, Arkansas, this unique event celebrates the art of duck calling while honoring the legacies of legendary duck callers Chick and Sophie Major. Participants must be continuing their education through traditional college,

  • 4

  • Southern California Mothers of Multiples Clubs, Inc. (SCMOMC) Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 6, 2027

Since 1987, SCMOMC has awarded over 50 scholarships. Scholarships are presented annually at the SCMOMC May Convention. A SCMOMC Scholarship may be applied for by multiples together or individually, or by a mother of multiples. The Scholarship Committee reviews all complete applications received by the stated deadline and selects the recipients based on the criteria and eligibility noted

  • 5

  • Donald A Strauss Scholarship

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 9, 2027

The Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Foundation awards $15,000 to as many as 15 outstanding students to pursue their projects of public service and social change. The Donald A. Strauss Scholarship Foundation awarded its first Scholarships in April 1997. Scholarship Details Award supports students with a passion for public service $15,000 scholarship to fund student-led public service

  • 6

  • Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 20, 2027

Due to the generosity of anonymous donors, The Vegetarian Resource Group each year will award college scholarship money to graduating U.S. high school students who have promoted veganism in their schools and/or communities. Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or fowl. Vegans are vegetarians who do not use other animal products such as dairy or eggs. Scholarship Details One scholarship

  • 7

  • GSLMTC Mary Joan Wolf Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 20, 2027

The Greater St Louis Mothers of Twins Club offers scholarships for multiple-birth students seeking initial enrollment in accredited post high school education or training. The applicants must reside within the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) which includes the City of St Louis; the Missouri counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis, Warren, Washington,

  • 8

  • Meg Graham Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 28, 2027

The Meg Graham Scholarship, presented by the Junior League of Washington (JLW), is designed for high school seniors in Washington DC who have demonstrated exceptional volunteer service. This scholarship honors the late Reverend Margaret M. Graham, reflecting her legacy of community involvement. It supports students matriculating to a four-year postsecondary institution, rewarding their commitment

  • 9

  • Life on Purpose Scholarship

  • Amount$40,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2027

We provide scholarships for college tuition and expenses to students who demonstrate an interest in developing their unique potential in and beyond the classroom and using their talents to foster the well-being of themselves and others. This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years ($10,000 per year) pending all requirements are met. Scholarship Details Supports college tuition and

  • 10

  • Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2027

The Tall Clubs International Foundation of the U.S. and Canada awards scholarships to Tall Clubs-sponsored students entering college for the first time. The minimum award amount is $1,000; students' height must be considered above-average to apply. Scholarship Details Applicants do not need to be members of Tall Clubs Exact height requirements are outlined in the application

  • 11

  • Sharing Network Foundation Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 2, 2027

We are pleased to announce the availability of multiple scholarships for current college students studying health sciences. Scholarships & scholarship amounts are based on available funds. Awards may be renewed. Scholarship Details Multiple scholarships awarded annually based on available funds Scholarships may be renewable Supports students pursuing majors in nursing, social

  • 12

  • Protect American River Canyons Essay Contest

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2027

Students may enter the PARC Essay Scholarship Contest by submitting an original essay of 500 words or less describing their response to the following question about the North and Middle Fork American River canyons located upstream of Folsom Reservoir, in the Auburn State Recreation Area: "What is your personal connection to the American River and its canyons, and how has a current concern,

  • 13

  • Gerald W. & Edith F. Wallace Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2027

The Gerald W. & Edith F. Wallace Scholarship will assist students with a physical disability who are from North Dakota farm families. First priority is for students from Burke County, North Dakota. The award amount is based on the student's needs and available funds. The fund was established in 1993 by Mr. Wallace shortly after the death of his wife of nearly 50 years. Mr. Wallace was one of

  • 14

  • New York Farm Bureau AG Youth Scholarship

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2027

The mission of New York Farm Bureau is "Supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education." The forward looking NYFB vision is "The voice of New York agriculture that unites a diverse farm community and builds a stronger food system and rural economy." Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer organization financed and

  • 15

  • Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarship

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineApril 10, 2027

To be eligible for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarship, applicants must: have experienced homelessness (living in a shelter, on the street, in a car, or other public place, or doubled-up in someone else’s home; this must be verified on a certification form signed by the applicant’s homeless school liaison or a service/shelter provider); been admitted to or enrolled in an accredited

  • 16

  • Americans Against Gun Violence National High School Essay Contest

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineApril 18, 2027

Americans Against Gun Violence is pleased to announce that our National High School Essay Contest is now open for student entries. We’ll be awarding at least $15,000 in total scholarships again this year distributed among 12 winners, with the option of giving additional awards, as we’ve done in most past years, if there are more than 12 outstanding essays. The deadline for students to enter the

  • 17

  • Hope Starts Here Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineApril 20, 2027

The NH Coalition to End Homelessness Hope Starts Here Scholarship Fund provides financial support to students currently living in NH who have experienced homelessness during their school career, have a desire to continue their education beyond high school, and have demonstrated academic achievement. Applicants must be under the age of 21 prior to the scholarship due date and must be residing in

  • 18

  • Hope Through Learning Award

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineApril 30, 2027

The Hope Through Learning Award is a $2,500 award available to youth aged 24 and under residing in Allegheny County who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness during their school attendance years, and who are going on to a higher education or career training program for the first time. Homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence, and includes

  • 19

  • Houtan Scholarship

  • Amount$3,500
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2027

To be eligible for the Houtan Scholarship, applicants must: have a working knowledge of Parsi and should demonstrate an active interest in Iranian culture, heritage and literature; be presently be attending or anticipate attending an accredited graduate school; have superior academic performance or a significant increase of academic performance over the course of their academic career; and

  • 20

  • New Tracks Modeling Mentoring Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 1, 2027

The New Tracks Modeling Mentoring Scholarship is a unique scholarship for Model Railroaders and other modelers pursuing a STEAM related college degree or technical school credential.Qualified applicants MUST meet the following criteria: Eligibility Must currently be either a current high school senior or a high school graduate living in the United States. Planning to or currently attending a

  • 21

  • SchoolHouse Connection Youth Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineJune 2, 2027

You are eligible to apply for the SchoolHouse Connection Youth Scholarship if you: are currently residing in the United States (undocumented applicants are also eligible); were either born on or after a specified birthdate, will begin college (four year, community college or trade school, or a gap-year) for the first time (not including dual-enrollment courses), or are currently high school

  • 22

  • Lake Erie College Twins Scholarship

  • Amount$71,268
  • DeadlineVaries

A college education is an important investment and represents a major expense in your family's budget. At Lake Erie College, we are committed to helping you find the means to afford a quality private education. We realize there is a lot to understanding the financial aid process — many of our staff are putting - or have already put - our kids through college. We can help you with every step. We

  • 23

  • Grayce Wills MacDonald and Ivan A MacDonald Endowment

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineVaries

The Natural Foods Scholarship is available to students from select counties in North Carolina pursuing a college or postgraduate degree in nutrition with a focus on natural foods and the vegetarian lifestyle. Eligible applicants are students who attended high school in Macon County North Carolina or any one or more of the counties in the far western part of North Carolina. Award amounts

What are weird or unusual scholarships?

Any scholarship that caters to students with uncommon skills, passions, or traits might be considered unusual or weird; each person’s definition of what is weird will differ. There are truly unique scholarships out there for every student. Below are the main types of unusual scholarships, along with examples.

Skill-based

Skill-based unusual scholarships are those which award students money based on their proficiency in uncommon or obscure skills. These skills may include instrumental, academic, athletic, or extracurricular performance in niche fields— whether it’s haiku writing, flyfishing, or agricultural prowess, if you possess unusual skills, you can win money for them.

One often-cited example of an unusual skill-based scholarship is the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest. Up to $5,000 in scholarship funds is available for the student with the best Main Street duck calling routine; given the niche nature of such a skill, this award is generally considered to be unusual.

Trait-based

Trait-based unusual scholarships are offered to students who have uncommon or rare personal traits or life circumstances. Students with novel traits such as red hair or above-average height and those who are twins, triplets, or other multiple-birth siblings are common audience pools for these awards.

For instance, the $1,000 Twins Days Festival Twins Scholarship is awarded to a set of twins each year based on their twin-themed essay submissions and participation history in the Twinsburg Ohio Twins Days Festival. Twins are relatively uncommon, so this scholarship can be described as unusual or obscure.

Art-based

Art-based unusual scholarships are awards whose application processes feature the creation of unusual or weird art. What defines the art in question as unusual may be its subject matter or theme, its medium of creation, or its form upon completion. If any of these components can be considered obscure, so too will the scholarship be.

The most prominent example of an art-based unusual scholarship is the Duck Brand Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest. Students must design and create a wearable prom outfit entirely out of duct tape in order to apply; winners receive scholarships of up to $15,000 and a feature on the Duck Brand website. In fact, 2025 Stuck At Prom Scholarship recipient Calder W. found and won the award through Scholarships.com.

Where to find unusual scholarships

Given the huge variety of unusual scholarships open to high school and college students everywhere, it can be difficult to sift through the opportunities. That’s why the best place to find these obscure scholarships is on Scholarships.com. When you create a free account, we’ll automatically match you with every award in our database for which you can apply— including all kinds of out-of-the-box scholarships, tailored to your individual needs.

Once you have your personalized scholarship matches, you can use Scholarships.com to apply for weird scholarships with ease. You can access the details, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step application guide for each scholarship in the database simply by clicking on the award title. From there, all you need to do is complete your application and submit it for a chance to win.

What are the best unusual scholarships?

There is no universal “best” unusual scholarship. This is because the qualifications for these awards vary widely; each scholarship is targeted to a vastly different pool of students. Therefore, the best unusual scholarship for you might be different from the best unusual scholarship for your peers.

A general guideline to follow when applying for scholarships is to seek out the ones with the most specific eligibility criteria that personally suit you. When the applicant pool for a scholarship is small, you have a higher chance of winning when you apply. If you have an uncommon skill or trait, leverage it by applying to unusual scholarships in that field.

Frequently asked questions about unusual scholarships:

Are there really scholarships for left-handed people?

While they do exist, some widely-known unusual scholarships, such as those for left-handed people or redheads, are only available at certain schools. These are known as institutional scholarships. Check the details of every unusual scholarship you apply for to ensure that its stipulations suit your needs.

If you’ve already committed to a certain college, it won’t be worth your time to apply for institutional scholarships associated with other schools. On the other hand, if you have not yet decided what college to attend, institutional scholarships can help you choose by giving you an idea of the financial support available at each school you’re considering.

What are the most fun scholarships to apply for?

For some students, scholarships with video submissions might be fun alternatives to essay scholarships; for others, the judgment may be reversed. Many students enjoy applying to art scholarships while others would much rather compete in a musical competition. It all depends on who you are.

One scholarship application that many students find fun is that of the highly-competitive Doodle for Google Scholarship. Applicants to this award must compose artwork based on the Google logo. Art submissions of almost any medium are encouraged; students often enjoy applying due to the unorthodox, creative approaches they may take to doing so. The first-place winner receives $55,000 for their effort.

What are the weirdest scholarships for high school students?

Again, weirdness is a subjective quality, so there are countless scholarships for high schoolers that could be considered weird. However, if you are a high school student looking for a truly unique scholarship, there are a few awards which have eligibility criteria that fall distinctly out of the norm.

A prime example of a high school scholarship that may be considered weird is the Tall Clubs International Student Scholarship. Any high school senior in North America may apply for this $2,000 award, with one catch: they must be significantly taller than the average student. The provider outlines the exact height requirements for recipients; these unique qualifications may designate this award as unusual.

What are some random scholarships to apply for?

With a free account on Scholarships.com, you’ll have access to a personalized list of all the scholarships in our database for which you qualify. The best way to find a random scholarship to apply for is by navigating to your Scholarships.com dashboard and choosing a match from your list. That way, you can be sure you’re eligible for whichever random award you choose.

One example of a random scholarship for which the majority of students can apply is the IWSH Scholarship Essay Contest. 4 awards of up to $2,000 are available for high school seniors and college students who are passionate about water safety. Entry involves the composition of an 800 to 1600 word essay and a letter of recommendation.

How many scholarships really go unclaimed each year?

It’s difficult to tally exactly how much scholarship money really goes unclaimed each year. According to the National College Attainment Network, 4 billion dollars worth of Pell Grants went unclaimed in 2023— but this estimate totals the hypothetical amount of unclaimed federal financial aid rather than private scholarships, which do not have a federally-apportioned budget behind them.

It is true that many private scholarships receive too few high-quality applications to choose a winner on occasion, but the exact amount of money that goes unclaimed as a result is unclear. Regardless of the dollar amount, though, there is scholarship money on the table waiting for students to win it; submitting an application to any scholarship, unusual or not, can never hurt.