If you’re looking for scholarships for Jewish students, you’re in the right place. We’ve collected some of the best scholarships out there for Jewish students, regardless of whether they are completing their undergrad, a graduate degree, or another form of study. In addition, some of the opportunities listed below are open to non-Jewish students who are majoring or taking courses in Jewish studies. Good luck, or B’hatzlacha, to all!
Jump ahead to…
- How to win scholarships for Jewish students
- Resources for Jewish students
- Top fellowships and study abroad opportunities for Jewish students
- Frequently asked questions
- Additional scholarship categories to explore
How to win scholarships for Jewish students
Remember, finding the scholarships is only the first step towards earning your scholarship money! Next, it’s time to start writing out your applications. You’ll want to put your all into each of your applications in order to maximize your chances of winning.
One of the best ways to do this is through your essay. As these scholarships are aimed towards Jewish students, it’s a good idea to emphasize the importance of your religion and/or heritage in your essays. Be sure to discuss how your Jewish background has influenced you and how you hope to contribute to Jewish communities in the future. You can also discuss how different Jewish principles have influenced your daily life and the broader choices you’ve made. Before you start writing, sit down and do some reflection to see what your relationship with Judaism means to you!
Essay guides
Once you’ve done your reflection, it’s time to start writing! Check out our guide on how to start a scholarship essay, and another on how to write a winning scholarship essay. Here are a few more helpful resources for writing successful scholarship essays:
- How to write an essay about yourself
- Guide to writing a “Why do you deserve this scholarship?” essay
- How to write a 250 word essay
- How to write a 500 word essay
Resources for Jewish students
Hillel Jewish Scholarship Portal
This portal is a “one stop shopping” experience for Jewish scholarships and study abroad experiences. Scholarship seekers can search by grade, state/country, and/or study in Israel options. Bookmark this one!
Hillel College Guide to Jewish Colleges
This easy to use portal allows students to search for colleges where there is a sizable population of Jewish students. The most recent listing (2018) includes the top 60 public and the top 60 private colleges/universities based on the percentage of Jewish undergraduate students enrolled.
Your school’s Jewish student union
Many schools have a Jewish student union, which can be a great resource for finding scholarships, getting guidance with classes, and just finding a community at your school. Be sure to check for a Jewish student union at your prospective school and see how you might want to get involved.
Top fellowships and study abroad opportunities for Jewish students
Many students seek funding for furthering their education either over the summer or after graduation. With this in mind, we included a number of fellowships for a variety of Jewish Studies majors. For those who are more adventurous, we included opportunities for study abroad in Israel.
Israel Experience High School Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Chicago residents in grades 10, 11 or 12 with financial need
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: March 1 for Summer, April 15 for Fall, and November 1 for Winter and Spring
Hilda Specter Morgenstern Merit Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to female Jewish college students who will study in Israel.
- Amount: $2,500
Frequently asked questions
What else can I do to help fund my education?
The above Jewish scholarships and fellowships are a great start for prospective and current college students to fund their education. In addition to those opportunities, make sure that you explore the following:
- Need-based financial aid from your program, state government, or the federal government. All students should submit the FAFSA to be considered for need-based aid.
- College or institution-specific scholarships. Chances are your college offers scholarships that are specifically for your intended major. Check in with the admissions and financial aid office to see what other opportunities you might be eligible for.
Do I need to be a practicing Jew to qualify for these scholarships?
Each of these scholarships has its own policies regarding who is eligible, so the answer will vary based on the opportunity you are applying for. Some will require that students are studying Judaism, others will require that applicants have a Jewish background, and others will require that students are practicing Jews. Make sure to read the terms of each carefully to determine the answer.
Additional scholarship categories to explore
- Top scholarships for women
- Top scholarships for high school seniors
- Easy scholarships to apply for
- Top leadership scholarships
- Top community service scholarships
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