The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar Program awards scholarships of $500 to $5,000, based on relative need, to students of Hispanic heritage at four-year universities and graduate schools. HSF selects 10,000 HSF Scholars a year and awards more than $30 million annually. The last cycle opened January 5 and closed February 15, 2026; HSF has not yet opened the next application.
This profile is based on HSF’s scholarship page, checked in November 2026. Figures below describe the 2026 application, which was for the 2026-2027 school year.
Who is eligible for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund scholarship
HSF’s published requirements for the 2026 application were:
- Heritage: open to students of all races who identify as having Hispanic heritage.
- Citizenship: “US Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, or DACA.”
- GPA: at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for high school applicants; at least 2.5 for college and graduate applicants.
- Enrollment: plan to enroll full-time for the 2026-2027 year at an accredited, U.S.-based, public or not-for-profit four-year university or graduate school.
- FAFSA: complete and submit the 2026-2027 FAFSA.
Two points stand out. DACA recipients are eligible, which many national programs exclude. And for-profit colleges and two-year colleges do not meet the enrollment rule, so a student starting at community college would apply once transferring to a four-year school.
What the award pays
Scholarships “range from $500 to $5,000, based on relative need,” and are paid directly to students. HSF says awards depend on available funds and on participation in its Fund A Scholar Program, which lets individual donors give directly to HSF Scholars.
Being named an HSF Scholar also brings support services, which HSF lists as:
- Career services, including help with internships and full-time jobs
- Mentorship, leadership development, knowledge building and wellness training
- Eligibility to apply for HSF’s Scholar Conferences: the National Leadership Conference, STEM Summit, Finance Conference, and Sports, Media and Entertainment Summit
- Access to the HSF Insider for information and career opportunities
How selection works
HSF says Scholars are selected on merit, while the award amount is based on relative need. The program runs in phases: an application, a finalist phase in March, selection in June, and a documents phase from June through November before awards are paid in the fall.
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The FAFSA is part of the process, because HSF uses need to size awards. Filing it is a requirement, not a suggestion.
Deadlines and timeline
| Phase | 2026 cycle |
|---|---|
| Application available | January 5, 2026 |
| Application deadline | February 15, 2026 |
| Finalist phase | March 2026 |
| Selection | June 2026 |
| Documents | June through November 2026 |
| Awards paid | Fall 2026 |
HSF lists the 2026 application as closed and has not posted dates for the next one. If it follows the same pattern, the application for 2027-28 would open in early January 2027 and close in mid-February. Confirm on HSF’s site in December.
How to make a strong application
- File the FAFSA before the application opens. The FAFSA is required, and the 2027-28 form is open now. Filing early means your need data is ready. Our FAFSA walkthrough covers each step.
- Check your GPA against the right minimum. High school seniors need 3.0; current college and graduate students need 2.5.
- Check your college type. The award is for full-time study at a public or nonprofit four-year school or graduate school. Confirm your school qualifies before you spend time on the application.
- Plan for the long documents phase. Documents run from June through November. Keep your college enrollment and financial aid paperwork organised over the summer.
- Use the services, not just the check. The conferences and career services are where much of the value is, especially for first-generation students. Our first-generation scholarships guide lists more support.
Similar programs to consider
- The APIA Scholars scholarship is a need-focused national program for undergraduates, with 2027-28 applications opening November 15, 2026.
- The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is open to EAD holders and pays up to $40,000 for computer science or engineering.
- Our scholarship finder filters awards by heritage, field and citizenship rules.
- Our guide on state grants for college explains aid that can stack with an HSF award.
HSF Scholar Program FAQ
Can DACA students apply?
Yes. HSF accepts U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents and DACA recipients.
Can graduate students apply?
Yes, if they plan full-time enrollment at an eligible graduate school and have at least a 2.5 GPA.
How much will I get?
Between $500 and $5,000, based on relative need, available funds and Fund A Scholar participation.
Do I have to be of a particular race?
No. The program is open to students of all races who identify as having Hispanic heritage.