College isn’t cheap, and the financial pressure can feel overwhelming for many students with big dreams but tight budgets. Perhaps you've been scrolling through countless scholarship lists, only to realize you're either not eligible or the competition is high. But here’s the good news: there are unknown and hidden scholarships just waiting for someone like you to discover them in 2025.
These aren’t your regular awards. We're talking about unique scholarships designed for specific talents, backgrounds, interests, or quirks that often get overlooked. They may not be making headlines, but they can make a significant difference for students who need that extra push to remain in school, smash their goals, and unlock their full potential.
In this article, you’ll learn about 10 scholarships you probably didn’t even know existed and how to apply for them in 2025. Financial need shouldn’t hold you back from becoming everything you’re meant to be. Read this piece, and your future just might thank you.
10 Scholarships You Didn’t Know Existed
Tired of seeing the same old scholarship options? These unique and unknown scholarships might be exactly what you’ve been searching for as you apply for scholarships in 2025.
1. Tall Clubs International Student Scholarships
Every year, the Tall Clubs International Foundation awards scholarships to qualified high school seniors in North America, specifically in the U.S. and Canada. The TCI Foundation awards these scholarships based on nominations submitted by local TCI member clubs and members-at-large from across the continent.
From all the nominations received, a group of students are selected to receive a scholarship from the Tall Clubs International Foundation, Inc. To be considered for this scholarship, here are a few requirements you must meet:
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You must meet the minimum height of 5′ 10″ (178 cm) for women and 6′ 2″ (188 cm) for men in stocking feet.
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Be under 21 years old when heading into your first year of college.
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Plan to attend a fully accredited U.S. or Canadian college/university as a full-time student.
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If you receive the scholarship, the money must be used to fund your college or university expenses.
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You must also start your college/university studies within the same calendar year the scholarship is awarded.
2. Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarship
One of the most unique scholarships available is offered by the Vegetarian Resource Group. It awards annual college scholarships to high school graduating students in the United States who have actively promoted vegetarianism in their institutions or communities.
Vegetarians don't eat meat, fish, or poultry, and vegans take it a notch further by avoiding all animal products, including eggs and dairy. Three scholarships are awarded every year, and only high school students graduating in the spring can apply for their 2025 scholarships.
Applicants will be assessed based on how they've demonstrated courage, compassion, and dedication to creating a more peaceful world through a vegetarian lifestyle. If chosen, the funds will be sent directly to your U.S.-based college.
By applying, winners agree to have their names published in the media. Additionally, all essays and applications become the property of the Vegetarian Resource Group, and finalists might be required to provide extra information. You'll be contacted via phone or email if you win.
To apply for the Vegetarian Resource Group scholarship, send your application and attachments to vrg@vrg.org.
Read this article: How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay: Proven Tips and Examples
3. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest
As a high school senior, one way to earn some college money is by grabbing the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest, offering $9,000 in scholarships. This is undoubtedly one of the unknown scholarships you don’t want to miss.
To register, you must bring your high school transcript and a valid ID. The prizes are quite impressive:
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1st place wins $5,000
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2nd place receives $2,000
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3rd place takes home $1,250
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4th place gets $750
This isn't just a random contest; it's been around for 50 years and has awarded over 114,000 in scholarships to student duck callers. The contest pays tribute to Stuttgart legends, Chick and Sophie Major, who were iconic duck callers.
It all started in 1974 with a modest $500 scholarship for the winner, and it has only grown since then. To participate in this contest, you must be present at the Main Street Stage beside the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce on the contest date and showcase your best duck call. To register, come with a photo ID and proof of age.
4. The Houtan Foundation Scholarship
The Houtan Foundation awards scholarships to Iranian and non-Iranian students with solid academic records and a demonstrated interest in promoting Iran’s rich culture, language, and heritage. To qualify for this award, you must:
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Have a working knowledge of Parsi and be genuinely interested in Iranian culture, heritage, and literature.
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Have a high academic performance or show clear improvement over time.
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Currently be in an accredited graduate school or planning to attend one.
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Also need to demonstrate financial need.
Finalists will be contacted by mail or email once the board reviews all applications and supporting documents. If you’re selected as a finalist, you must undergo an interview, either over the phone or in person, with the Foundation’s chairperson.
The final decision depends on your application, interview, and financial need. If you’re selected as the scholarship recipient, you’ll be notified by mail or email. After that, confirm you got the notice and email the Foundation within one month of receiving it to officially accept the award.
Apply for the Houtan Foundation Scholarship
See also: Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in 2025
5. Stuck at Prom
The Stuck at Prom Contest is one of the most creative scholarship competitions, perfect for students who enjoy a good DIY challenge. As one of the unique scholarships existing, it involves designing a complete prom outfit from Duck Tape, then wearing it to your school-organized prom.
Submitting photos of your handiwork is one of the requirements to enter this contest. The competition is fierce, and here’s how the prizes work:
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One student in the dress category and one in the tux category win a $10,000 scholarship.
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8 runners-up in each category get $500.
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There’s also a $500 bonus prize for one standout individual.
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In total, 21 students win prizes every year.
Note that students from Maryland, Quebec, Vermont, and Colorado aren’t eligible to enter the Stuck at Prom contest.
Apply for the Stuck at Prom Contest
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship awards approximately 80 full-cost scholarships annually to exceptional students from outside the UK interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. You can apply for 2025 scholarships for any subject offered at the University of Cambridge. Meanwhile, about two-thirds of the scholarships go to PhD students.
The awards are split into two rounds:
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25 scholarships are awarded in the U.S. round
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55 scholarships are available in the International round
Furthermore, the Gates Cambridge scholarship focuses on building a global community of future leaders passionate about positively impacting the world. Along with full financial support, scholars get access to non-financial resources and an inspiring, tight-knit community, both at Cambridge and beyond.
If you’re a driven, change-making scholar aspiring to attend Cambridge, this could be your ticket.
Apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship
7. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is an incredible opportunity for graduate students, young professionals, and artists worldwide to study and research in the U.S. It’s among the largest and most prestigious international programs available, operating in over 160 countries. Many might consider this one of the unknown scholarships, but its global reach makes it significant.
About 4,000 foreign students are awarded Fulbright scholarships annually, making it a highly competitive but life-changing opportunity. The program is managed by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or United States Embassies.
So, if you’re interested, you’ll need to apply for the 2025 scholarships through these offices, as they handle all the applications for this program.
Apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Learn more about: The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
8. WaterGadget’s Scholarship for Students in Need
The WaterGadget team sponsors a scholarship contest for driven, ambitious students. WaterGadget is an online platform known for providing in-depth, honest product reviews, particularly in the home water system space. Thus, it’s a prime example of unique scholarships offered by specialized companies.
From water softeners and heaters to filter systems, the platform assists users in making informed decisions about the products they purchase. To enroll for WaterGadget’s scholarship, you simply need to write original content on the topic “Best Water Gadget.”
The gadget could be a water softener, heater, or filter system—whichever topic you feel most confident and excited to write about. Write 800–1000 words and submit your content as part of your entry.
Apply for the WaterGadget’s Scholarship
9. Erasmus Mundus Masters Degree Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are highly respected international graduate programs sponsored by a network of at least three institutions in three different countries. Several academic and non-academic partners also support this program, making them among the most sought-after hidden scholarships for international study in 2025.
You’ll get a well-rounded experience that typically includes study periods, research projects, traineeships, thesis preparation, and defence. And here’s the exciting part: you’ll study at various universities in Europe and beyond.
Students from any country can apply for the 2025 scholarships, and full scholarships are available for top-performing students. So if you're ready to take on a multicultural academic adventure and earn a world-class degree, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters might be perfect for you.
Apply for the Erasmus Mundus Masters Scholarship
10. DAAD Research Grants
DAAD scholarships are focused on graduates, PhD students, and postdocs students who want to study or research in Germany. These scholarships support academic visits to universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. If you're searching for unknown scholarships specifically in Germany, DAAD is a great start.
For PhD students, DAAD offers research grants for applicants from almost any country. There's also a full doctoral program, though it's mainly available to students from developing and emerging countries.
Looking to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany? DAAD has scholarships for that too, particularly for students from industrial countries. But don’t worry if you're from a developing or emerging country, there are still programs for you:
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Study Scholarships for STEM disciplines
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Development-related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
Apply for DAAD Research Grants
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Fully Funded Scholarships for Undergraduate Students
Ways to Find Unknown Scholarships in 2025
Struggling to find hidden scholarships that aren’t already flooded with applicants in 2025? Here are smart and simple ways to discover those unique scholarships hiding in plain sight.
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Search university official websites
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Reach out to foundations and organizations
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Send an inquiry email to the embassies
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Engage in intentional online research
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Search the official government website of different countries
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Follow educational pages on social media
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Network in online communities
Check out: UK Government Scholarships for International Students
FAQs
1. What is the lowest GPA to get a scholarship?
GPA requirements for scholarships can range from 2.0 to 3.75 or higher, depending on the program. Generally, you can qualify for many scholarships if your GPA is 3.0 or above.
2. What is the number 1 scholarship app?
The best scholarship apps include the following:
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ScholarshipOwl
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RaiseMe
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PLEXUSS College Admission Help
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Scholly Search
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HBCU HUB
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College Scholarship Calculator
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Scholarships.com app
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Pocket Points: Student Rewards
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Fastweb College Scholarships
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College Hunch
3. Which country gives the most scholarships?
Germany, the United States of America, Canada, France, Norway, Austria, and Iceland are examples of countries that offer generous scholarships.
Final Takeaway
Whether you’re battling financial hurdles or just seeking extra support, these hidden 2025 scholarships offer real opportunities to move ahead without drowning in debt. The best part? They're usually less competitive and more specific to your unique strengths.
So don’t stop at the obvious ones. Cast a wider net, think outside the box, and apply for scholarships in 2025 that align with who you are. Your future is worth it, and the right support brings it closer than you think.
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