Introduction: Why Fight Thousands When You Can Apply Smart?
Most students compete for scholarships everyone knows about. This leads to overwhelming application pools and low chances of selection. But what if you could apply for scholarships with almost no competition?
Zero-competition scholarships may sound too good to be true, but they exist. You just need to know where to look and how to apply. These scholarships are often offered by small organizations, local businesses, unique interest groups, or niche communities that don’t receive thousands of applications.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to find and win scholarships that fly under the radar, where your chances of success are much higher.
What Are Zero-Competition Scholarships?
Zero-competition scholarships are awards that receive very few applications. Sometimes, these opportunities go unclaimed because students don’t know they exist or assume they don’t qualify. Unlike large, national scholarships, these ones are:
Local or community-based
Niche or specific to uncommon skills or groups
Unlisted on major scholarship websites
Offered by small organizations or individuals
These scholarships can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and with less competition, your odds of winning are significantly improved.
Why Most Scholarships Have So Much Competition
High-competition scholarships are usually:
Widely advertised across social media and scholarship databases
Open to a broad range of students
Offered by famous institutions or brands
Tied to academic performance or sports achievements
Because they’re easy to find, they attract thousands of applicants. The more visible the scholarship, the tougher it becomes to win.
Types of Scholarships with Low or No Competition
You’re more likely to find low-competition opportunities in the following categories:
Local Scholarships
Offered by town councils, small businesses, or community foundations. Many students don’t apply, assuming they’re not eligible.
Departmental Scholarships
Given by specific departments within a university (like History, Biology, or Education). Often overlooked in favor of university-wide awards.
Employer-Based Scholarships
Available to children of employees at many companies. These scholarships may be internal and not advertised to the public.
Hobby or Interest-Based Scholarships
Offered to people involved in unique hobbies such as knitting, ham radio, chess, birdwatching, or cosplay.
Unusual Demographic Scholarships
For example, awards for single parents, homeschooled students, adopted children, cancer survivors, or descendants of veterans.
Real Examples of Low-Competition Scholarships
Here are several scholarships that typically receive very few applicants each year.
1. American Legion Auxiliary Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
Awarded to children or grandchildren of U.S. military veterans. Many eligible students don’t realize they qualify.
Award
Up to $5,000
2. Make the U (Haz La U) Scholarship
For Hispanic students with leadership qualities. Offered by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Low competition compared to national Hispanic scholarships.
Award
$1,000 to $5,000
Website: www.colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/core-values/community-responsibility
3. Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation
No essays required. Quizzes are used to determine scholarship recipients. Many students ignore it, thinking it’s not a real opportunity.
Award
$250 to $2,500
Website: www.cksf.org
4. Society of American Magicians Youth Scholarship
For young magicians pursuing education. Very few applicants due to the niche field.
Award
Up to $2,000
Website: www.magicsam.com
5. The Little People of America Scholarship
For students with dwarfism or those with family members who are part of the organization.
Award
$250 to $1,000
Website: www.lpaonline.org
6. Carnegie Dartlet Essay Scholarship
Students write an honest, non-academic essay about their personality. Unique application style lowers competition.
Award
$10,000
Website: www.campuschampion.com
7. The American Fence Association Scholarships
Available to students interested in the fencing industry. Very specific and rarely promoted.
Award
Up to $3,000
Website: www.americanfenceassociation.com
How to Find Zero-Competition Scholarships
You won’t find most of these on the first page of Google. Instead, use these smart search strategies:
Search for scholarships by your city, region, or zip code
Look on websites of your local library, town council, or rotary club
Check bulletin boards at your university’s academic departments
Visit your high school counselor and ask about unpublished opportunities
Use niche terms on Google like “scholarships for quilters in Texas” or “chess scholarships 2025”
Use Hidden Scholarship Databases
While popular platforms are still useful, these lesser-known sources offer hidden gems:
Scholar Snapp
DoSomething.org
Peterson’s
MoolahSpot
College Greenlight (for underrepresented students)
These platforms allow you to filter by background, interest, location, and competition level.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
When applying for zero-competition scholarships:
Focus on fit
These scholarships are often based on hobbies, communities, or special interests. Make sure you fit the profile.
Write a strong personal statement
Even if GPA isn’t a factor, a heartfelt essay can help you stand out.
Apply even if the scholarship seems small
Multiple small wins can cover major costs.
Follow up
If it’s a local organization or small group, a personal thank you note or call can strengthen your application for future years.
Stay persistent
These scholarships may require more digging, but the payoff is worth it.
Combine Multiple Small Scholarships
One of the smartest ways to use low-competition scholarships is to stack them. While a single $500 award may seem small, applying for ten of these could mean $5,000 in savings.
Smaller scholarships also typically have faster application processes, meaning you can apply to several in a short amount of time.
Write Reusable Application Materials
To save time, create a base version of your:
Personal essay
Resume
Recommendation request email
List of extracurriculars or achievements
You can then quickly modify these for each scholarship, reducing effort while maintaining quality.
Red Flags to Watch For
While applying, be cautious of scholarship scams. Avoid opportunities that:
Ask for application fees
Request personal bank account information
Promise guaranteed awards
Have no clear organization backing them
Always verify the source before sharing your details.
Conclusion: Stop Competing, Start Winning
Scholarships with zero competition are not a myth. They exist all over the world and in every corner of the internet. The secret is to stop following the crowd and start thinking creatively.
Look local. Look specific. Look niche. And most importantly, apply.
By stepping away from the high-pressure scholarship race and focusing on hidden, overlooked, and low-competition opportunities, you increase your chances of success and fund your education without unnecessary stress.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be smart.