The world’s #1 Guide to Scholarships and Financial Aid

4.1. Eligibility Basics

At its core, eligibility for scholarships and financial aid depends on the specific program or award. However, most opportunities share some basic requirements:

• Enrollment Status: You typically need to be enrolled (or planning to enroll) in an accredited educational institution—think colleges, universities, trade schools, or graduate programs. Some scholarships are available to high school students, but most kick in once you’re accepted to a post-secondary program.

• Citizenship or Residency: Many government-based financial aid programs, like federal grants and loans in the U.S., require you to be a citizen or eligible non-citizen (e.g., permanent resident). Scholarships, however, can be more flexible—some are open to international students or undocumented individuals, depending on the sponsor.

• Application Compliance: Whether it’s submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial aid or writing an essay for a scholarship, meeting deadlines and following instructions is non-negotiable.

Beyond these basics, eligibility splits into two main tracks: merit-based and need-based. Let’s explore each.