Free scholarships, sorted by when they are due
Checked
Scholarship money is easy to miss because every program runs on its own calendar. This page lists national scholarships that are free to apply for, sorted by the month they are due, so students and parents can see what is coming and plan ahead.
StudentAid.gov puts the timing plainly: "Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts, so if you're in high school now, you should be researching and applying for scholarships during the summer between your junior and senior years."
This is a list to explore, not advice about which programs fit your family. Always confirm on the sponsor's page before you apply.
Listings by month
No national, free-to-apply deadlines we could verify fall in July.
January
February
June
October
November
December
Next deadline not posted yet
These sponsors have not posted their next deadline. Each card shows the last deadline or the usual dates. Check the sponsor's page for the new date.
Washington State students only
Our one exception to national-only: a few awards just for Washington students, since Washington is home.
How we pick
A scholarship makes this list only if:
- It is national. Students across the US can apply, not just one state, city, school or employer.
- It is free to apply. No application fee, entry fee, membership or paid form. If a required form costs money, the program is left off, even if fee waivers exist.
- You apply yourself. No school or teacher has to nominate you. Reference letters and forms you ask adults to fill out are fine.
- It is a real competition. No random drawings.
- We link only to the sponsor. No search sites, no affiliate links, and we take no money from any sponsor, search site or lender.
- We check it every cycle. Dates from last year never carry over. Each listing shows when we last checked it.
How to spot a scholarship scam
Paying to apply. The FTC says: "Never pay to apply for a scholarship. If a company promises you a scholarship or grant in exchange for a "processing cost," "redemption fee," or other upfront payment, walk away." The FAFSA is "always free to fill out and submit."
Guarantees. The FTC: "The difference is that legitimate companies never guarantee or promise scholarships or grants."
Bank or card numbers. The FTC warns that some companies "ask for your checking account or credit card information to "confirm eligibility," then debit the account without your consent." StudentAid.gov adds: "If you are asked for your credit card information while filling out the FAFSA form online, you are not at the official government site."
Pressure. StudentAid.gov: "'Buy now or miss this opportunity.' Don't give in to pressure tactics. Remember, the 'opportunity' is a chance to pay for information you could find yourself for free."
Where to report. The FTC points to "the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov" and "your state attorney general".
Before you apply
Always confirm on the sponsor's page before you apply. Dates, amounts and rules change every cycle. StudentAid.gov also reminds families that "all your student aid added together can't be more than your cost of attendance".
Education only, not financial, legal or tax advice. Not a registered investment adviser. CyberSandberg lists opportunities; we do not tell any reader which ones to apply for. We are not paid by any sponsor listed here.
Sources
All checked Oct 22, 2026.
- FTC, How To Avoid Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
- StudentAid.gov, Avoid Scams
- StudentAid.gov, Finding and Applying for Scholarships
- Each sponsor's official page, linked in its listing above.