Finding the right scholarship can make a huge difference in your academic journey. Whether you are a high school student preparing for college, a university student pursuing postgraduate studies, or an international student looking for funding abroad, the internet offers countless resources to help you. The challenge lies in knowing which platforms are reliable, up-to-date, and best suited for your needs.
In 2025, scholarship search platforms have evolved, offering smarter filters, AI-powered matching, and comprehensive databases to save students time and effort. Here’s a detailed guide to the best platforms to search for scholarships in 2025—whether you’re looking for local awards, fully funded international programs, or niche opportunities.
1. Scholarships.com
Best for: Students in the United States seeking a wide range of scholarships.
Why it stands out: Scholarships.com is one of the oldest and most trusted scholarship search platforms, offering a massive database of opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. In 2025, the platform has integrated AI-based recommendation tools that help students find scholarships tailored to their profiles, academic interests, and location.
Key features:
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Free to use.
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Over 3.7 million scholarships listed.
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Customizable filters based on major, GPA, ethnicity, and extracurricular interests.
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Includes both merit-based and need-based awards.
2. Fastweb
Best for: U.S. students who want scholarship matches and career resources.
Why it stands out: Fastweb has been a go-to for decades, and its 2025 upgrade includes a more personalized dashboard, reminders for approaching deadlines, and internship/job opportunities alongside scholarships.
Key features:
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Easy profile setup for personalized scholarship recommendations.
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Alerts for new scholarships that match your profile.
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Resources for financial aid, test prep, and career planning.
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Mobile-friendly platform for quick browsing.
3. Chegg Scholarships
Best for: Students looking for a user-friendly interface and quick searches.
Why it stands out: Chegg is well-known for its textbook rental services, but its scholarship search tool is just as valuable. In 2025, the platform features updated filters for online degree scholarships, remote learning stipends, and subject-specific awards.
Key features:
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More than 25,000 scholarships in the database.
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Searchable by academic level, field of study, or award amount.
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Simple interface, perfect for beginners.
4. International Scholarships (InternationalScholarships.com)
Best for: Students seeking funding for study abroad programs.
Why it stands out: This platform focuses on scholarships, grants, and loan programs available to international students around the globe. In 2025, it offers a redesigned interface and more region-specific listings, helping students pinpoint opportunities by destination country.
Key features:
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Scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and exchange programs.
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Extensive information on government-sponsored programs like Chevening, Fulbright, and DAAD.
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Filters for scholarships by subject, destination, and student nationality.
5. Scholarship Portal
Best for: Students looking to study in Europe.
Why it stands out: Scholarship Portal is one of the largest databases for European scholarships, covering EU and non-EU students. In 2025, the platform integrates AI-assisted matching and real-time updates on application deadlines.
Key features:
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Listings from universities, governments, and private organizations across Europe.
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Advanced filters by tuition coverage, living expenses, and study field.
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Guides on European student visa requirements.
6. Bold.org
Best for: Unique, niche scholarships not found on traditional platforms.
Why it stands out: Bold.org is a relatively new but fast-growing scholarship platform. Many awards here are created by private donors, companies, and nonprofits, making them less competitive compared to widely advertised programs. In 2025, Bold.org has expanded to include exclusive scholarships for remote learners, underrepresented groups, and students pursuing unconventional careers.
Key features:
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100% free with no ads.
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Exclusive scholarships available only to registered members.
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Opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds and career paths.
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Simple application process with one-click submissions for certain awards.
7. GoAbroad.com
Best for: Students looking for scholarships tied to travel and cultural exchange.
Why it stands out: GoAbroad.com focuses on study abroad programs, internships, and volunteer opportunities, with a dedicated scholarship section. In 2025, the platform includes a “Scholarship + Program” matching tool to help students find both funding and a suitable placement in one place.
Key features:
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Scholarships for language immersion, volunteer programs, and international internships.
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Search by destination or type of cultural exchange.
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Additional resources on visas, travel planning, and student safety abroad.
8. Prodigy Finance Scholarship Finder
Best for: Postgraduate students seeking funding in high-demand fields.
Why it stands out: Prodigy Finance is known for offering student loans to international postgraduate students, but its scholarship search tool now lists hundreds of graduate-level awards, particularly in business, engineering, and STEM fields.
Key features:
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Focus on postgraduate and MBA scholarships.
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Scholarships available for students in over 150 countries.
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Guidance on combining scholarships with education loans.
9. Your University’s Financial Aid Office
Best for: Finding local and institution-specific scholarships.
Why it stands out: While online platforms are great, many of the best scholarships are offered directly by universities and don’t always appear on public databases. In 2025, most universities have digitized their scholarship portals, making it easier for students to browse internal awards online.
Key features:
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Exclusive scholarships for enrolled or admitted students.
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Often less competitive than national-level awards.
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Direct assistance from financial aid advisors.
Tips for Using Scholarship Platforms Effectively
Simply knowing the best platforms is not enough—you need to use them strategically:
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Create a strong profile: Be honest and detailed so the matching tools work accurately.
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Set reminders: Many scholarships have strict deadlines. Use platform alerts and calendar apps.
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Apply broadly: Don’t limit yourself to one platform or a few scholarships. Apply to multiple opportunities to increase your chances.
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Tailor each application: Even when using the same essay or CV, customize it to match the scholarship’s requirements.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, scholarship search platforms are more advanced, accessible, and user-friendly than ever. From well-known giants like Scholarships.com and Fastweb to specialized platforms like Bold.org and Scholarship Portal, there is a tool for every type of student and academic goal.
By combining these resources with a proactive approach—researching early, applying widely, and customizing each application—you can maximize your chances of securing financial support for your studies.