Introduction: Not All Scholarships Make Headlines
When students search for scholarships, they often focus on the big, well-known ones. But while those opportunities are valuable, they’re also highly competitive. What many students don’t realize is that there’s an entire world of hidden scholarships—funding opportunities that receive less attention, have fewer applicants, and offer real chances to reduce educational expenses.
In this article, we reveal a list of lesser-known scholarships, explain why they are easier to win, and show you how to discover these hidden gems on your own.
Why Hidden Scholarships Are Valuable
Unlike major scholarships that attract thousands of applicants, hidden scholarships are often funded by smaller organizations, niche industries, or local foundations. They are designed for specific groups or interests, go undiscovered due to lack of marketing or promotion, and are easier to win due to low competition. These scholarships may not fully fund your education, but when combined, they can significantly cut your tuition, living, or academic costs.
Where to Find Hidden Scholarships
Hidden scholarships are not always listed on the front page of major scholarship websites. To uncover them, you need to search deeper.
Tips to find hidden scholarships include looking at community organizations, rotary clubs, and credit unions in your area. Search specific industry associations such as those in engineering, journalism, or hospitality. Check local business foundations or small business grants. Explore academic department websites within your university. Follow nonprofit organizations and niche influencers on social media. Persistence and creativity are key to discovering these opportunities.
10 Hidden Scholarships You’ve Probably Never Heard About
Below are real examples of scholarships that fly under the radar yet offer real value to students who qualify.
The Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies (USA)
This scholarship is available for students who have served as golf caddies. It offers full tuition and housing at partner universities across the United States.
Eligibility
Must have caddied for at least two years
Demonstrate financial need and strong character
Good academic performance
Website: www.wgaesf.org
Zolp Scholarship (Loyola University Chicago)
There’s a scholarship just for students with the last name “Zolp” who are Catholic and attending Loyola University Chicago.
Eligibility
Must be Catholic
Legal last name must be Zolp at birth and upon admission
Enrolled at Loyola University Chicago
American Welding Society Scholarships
If you're pursuing a trade or technical career in welding, the American Welding Society offers a wide range of scholarships at regional and national levels.
Eligibility
Enrolled in a welding or related program
Varies by region and level
Requires minimal academic pressure
Website: www.aws.org
Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
Offered to high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism or veganism in their schools or communities.
Award
Up to $10,000
Eligibility
Must be a vegetarian or vegan
Involved in community activism or awareness campaigns
Website: www.vrg.org
Asparagus Club Scholarship
Funded by the National Grocers Association, this scholarship supports students pursuing a career in the grocery industry.
Eligibility
Enrolled in a food retail-related degree such as marketing or business
Minimum GPA of 2.5
Award
$2,000 per semester
Website: www.nationalgrocers.org
Tall Clubs International Scholarship
This unique scholarship is offered to students who meet a certain height requirement.
Eligibility
Women must be at least 5’10”
Men must be at least 6’2”
Must be under age 21 and entering their first year of college
Award varies by local club
Website: www.tall.org
UNIMA-USA Scholarship for Puppetry Arts
Offered to students interested in the field of puppetry, including performance, design, and history.
Eligibility
Involvement in puppetry at an academic or artistic level
Strong project proposal
Award
Grants up to $1,000
Website: www.unima-usa.org
National Potato Council Scholarship
Students pursuing graduate degrees in agriculture with an interest in the potato industry can apply.
Eligibility
Graduate student in agriculture-related field
Focused on potato research or production
Award
$10,000
Website: www.nationalpotatocouncil.org
Parapsychology Foundation Scholarship
For students interested in the scientific study of paranormal phenomena.
Eligibility
Must be studying psychology, parapsychology, or related fields
Strong research proposal
Award varies annually
Website: www.parapsychology.org
Scholarships for Left-Handed Students (Juniata College)
Offered by Juniata College in Pennsylvania, this scholarship is specifically for left-handed students.
Eligibility
Must be attending Juniata College
Must be left-handed
Award
Up to $1,500 per year
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning Hidden Scholarships
Since these scholarships receive fewer applicants, your odds are already better. Still, follow these steps to stand out.
Apply early and often. Don’t wait for deadlines. Submit applications as soon as they open. Customize each application. Tailor your essay or form to reflect the scholarship’s mission or values. Be authentic. Hidden scholarships often support unique passions, so let your personality and motivation shine. Focus locally. Community-based and state-level scholarships are often less competitive than national ones. Track and organize. Use spreadsheets or scholarship apps to keep deadlines, documents, and links in one place.
Combine Hidden Scholarships for Maximum Impact
Even if one scholarship only covers $500 or $1,000, multiple awards can add up to thousands over your academic career. Some students fund most of their tuition by stacking smaller, lesser-known awards.
Pro tip
Ask your school’s financial aid office if they maintain a list of local or niche scholarships. Many departments have private awards they don’t advertise publicly.
Conclusion: Don’t Just Follow the Crowd
The biggest mistake most students make is only applying to the most famous scholarships. Hidden scholarships offer real value with less competition, and they’re often awarded by people who care deeply about specific causes, communities, or industries.
If you take the time to look beyond the surface, you'll find plenty of scholarships no one else is applying for. That gives you a better shot at funding your education and standing out from the crowd.