LGBTQ+ scholarships around the world

A growing number of scholarships aimed at supporting members of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community are becoming available. While LGBTQ+ scholarships are relatively common in some countries, such as the US, they’re rare or unheard-of in other countries.

This type of funding may or may not be available, depending on your intended study destination.

For an overview of some of the scholarships for LGBTQ+ students currently on offer, check out our country-by-country breakdown below. Bear in mind that some schemes require you to be a resident or current student.

• The Pride Foundation – Scholarships for current and future leaders in the LGBTQ+ community from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
• The LEAGUE Foundation – Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students entering their first year at an institution of higher learning in the US. You must be a US citizen to apply.
• National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals – Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students or active allies of the LGBTQ+ community, to support undergraduate or graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Successful applicants will be awarded each Fall.
• The Point Foundation  – A large scholarship-granting organisation aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ students, assessed on academic merit. Successful applicants are awarded financial support and are paired with a mentor and given opportunities to participate in leadership development events.
• PFund – LGBT scholarships for students in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa, who are enrolled in or admitted to a post-secondary academic programme.
• Roy Scrivner Research Grants – A US$9,000 grant for graduate students to conduct research which encourages the study of LGBT family psychology and LGBT family therapy.
• Human Rights Campaign Scholarship Database  – A good resource for searching for LGBTQ+ scholarships and other funding opportunities by state.
• Stonewall Foundation Scholarships – A foundation that focuses on the important needs of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in New York, and provides scholarships that offer unique learning experiences and opportunities. Applications for the 2023 cycle open in spring.
• The Gamma Mu Foundation – Provides grants and scholarships for gay men who want to further their education at a college, university, or through a vocational or professional training program. Preference is given to students who come from rural or undeserved areas and those who have overcome issues of discrimination/marginalisation within their community. 
• The Kay Longcope Scholarship Award – Provides up to $3,000 tuition assistance to an LGBTQ+ student of color who plans a career in journalism and is committed to furthering NLGJA’s mission of fair and accurate coverage of the LGBTQ+ community. The Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award is also available for LGBTQ+ students planning a career in journalism.
• NMU ALLIES Scholarship – provides scholarships for full-time students at Northern Michigan University with a top academic record who have shown documented leadership, support or involvement in organizations, activities or issues that promote awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community at the university.
• Acorn Equality Fund - Scholarships for LGBTQ+ students who are attending any accredited, post-secondary educational institution. To be eligible, applicants must retain permanent residence in the Acorn Equality Fund service area of downstate Illinois (all Illinois counties except Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will).