Apply for History Scholarships
Explore the latest history scholarships for undergraduates, graduates, and international students. Learn about funding agencies, eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply.
Study History with Fully Funded Scholarships
What Are History Scholarships?
History scholarships are financial awards designed to support students pursuing degrees in history, art history, or related fields. These scholarships can cover tuition, research expenses, living costs, and study abroad programs. They are offered by universities, government organizations, cultural foundations, and private institutions.
Scholarships in history are not only about financial support, they also recognize academic excellence, research potential, and contributions to the study of historical knowledge.
Common types of history scholarships include:
Undergraduate history scholarships
Graduate and master’s history scholarships
Art history scholarships
African American and Black history scholarships
International history scholarships
Scholarships for high school students interested in history
History Scholarships for Undergraduates
Undergraduate students can benefit from a variety of scholarships to pursue a history major or related fields. These scholarships reward academic excellence, community involvement, or special research interests.
| Scholarship | Funding Agency | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAR Undergraduate Scholarship | Daughters of the American Revolution | U.S. undergraduates in history or related studies | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Lucinda Beneventi Findley History Scholarship | Findley Foundation | U.S. undergraduate history majors | Mar 15, 2026 |
| College of Charleston History Department Scholarship | College of Charleston | Undergraduate history students | Apr 1, 2026 |
Tips for Applying:
Include strong recommendation letters from history professors.
Highlight historical research projects or essays.
Write a compelling personal statement about your passion for history.
Graduate & Master’s History Scholarships
Graduate students in history or art history can access scholarships to support advanced research, thesis work, or study abroad programs.
| Scholarship | Funding Agency | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phi Alpha Theta Graduate Scholarship | Phi Alpha Theta | Graduate students in history or library science | Mar 2, 2026 |
| Gilder Lehrman MA in American History Scholarship | Gilder Lehrman Institute | Graduate students enrolled in MA programs | Rolling |
| Fulbright Scholarship in History | U.S. Department of State | International students pursuing history research in the U.S. | Oct 15, 2025 |
Why Apply:
Graduate scholarships provide not only financial support but also research mentorship and networking opportunities with historians worldwide.
Art History Scholarships
Art history scholarships focus on students studying historical art, visual culture, and heritage preservation. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
| Scholarship | Funding Agency | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU Boulder Art & Art History Scholarships | University of Colorado Boulder | Undergraduate and graduate art history majors | Varies |
| NYU Art History Scholarship | New York University | Graduate and PhD students in art history | Apr 15, 2026 |
| Portland State University Art History Scholarships | Portland State University | Undergraduate art history majors | Mar 1, 2026 |
African American & Black History Scholarships
Black history scholarships focus on promoting education among African American students and those researching Black history or culture.
| Scholarship | Funding Agency | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAACP Scholarships | NAACP | African American students in any academic field | Varies |
| McDonald’s Future History Makers Scholarship | McDonald’s Foundation | Students demonstrating leadership in Black history studies | Mar 31, 2026 |
| Regions Bank Black History Scholarship | Regions Bank | Students in U.S. high schools and colleges | Feb 28, 2026 |
Scholarships for International Students in History
Many organizations offer funding to international students pursuing history programs abroad.
| Scholarship | Funding Agency | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| WeMakeScholars International History Scholarship | WeMakeScholars | International students pursuing history degrees | Varies |
| Lafayette Fellowship | French Government | U.S. students studying history in France | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Commonwealth Scholarships for History | Commonwealth Scholarship Commission | Students from eligible countries pursuing history degrees | Feb 28, 2026 |
Pro Tip: Always check if your home country provides additional funding for international study.
High School History Scholarships
High school students can also benefit from scholarships to pursue a future in history studies.
National History Day Scholarships (funded by National History Day Foundation)
History Essay Scholarships (funded by local universities and history societies)
Black History Month Essay Scholarships (funded by NAACP and regional banks)
Tip: Winning these scholarships strengthens college applications and can lead to larger undergraduate awards.
How to Maximize Your Chances
To secure history scholarships, follow these strategies:
Research Early: Identify scholarships aligned with your field and goals.
Prepare Documents: Keep transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and portfolios ready.
Tailor Applications: Customize your essay and personal statement to match scholarship requirements.
Highlight Achievements: Include awards, research, leadership roles, and community service.
Meet Deadlines: Plan ahead and submit all materials before the due date.
Funding Agencies for History Scholarships
Many scholarships are supported by reputable funding agencies. Some top agencies include:
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – Supports historical research and preservation.
Gilder Lehrman Institute – Provides scholarships and fellowships for American history studies.
Phi Alpha Theta – Offers awards for undergraduate and graduate history students.
NAACP – Scholarships for African American students.
WeMakeScholars – Supports international students pursuing history programs.
U.S. Department of State (Fulbright) – Scholarships for international exchange and research.
McDonald’s Foundation – Supports leadership and historical research programs for students.
FAQs About History Scholarships
Can I get a scholarship for art history?
Yes! Many universities and private foundations offer scholarships specifically for art history majors.
Are history scholarships only for U.S. students?
No, international students can also apply for scholarships from organizations like Fulbright, Commonwealth, or WeMakeScholars.
Can high school students apply for history scholarships?
Yes! Scholarships like National History Day or Black History Month essay awards are targeted at high school students.
How competitive are history scholarships?
Competitiveness depends on the scholarship type. Merit-based and prestigious scholarships like Fulbright or DAR can be highly competitive.
History scholarships provide invaluable financial support and recognition for students pursuing a history major, graduate history studies, or art history. With a wide range of scholarships for undergraduates, graduates, international students, and high schoolers, there are opportunities for everyone.
Start early, research funding agencies, and craft compelling applications to secure your History Scholarship.