Weird scholarships reward unique talents, unusual hobbies, and creative interests. These unconventional awards help students find financial support through quirky competitions, such as duct tape design, greeting card artwork, and advocacy for niche causes.
Scholarships don’t always follow the traditional playbook of perfect grades and stellar resumes. Some of the most fascinating funding opportunities celebrate quirky talents, unusual hobbies, and characteristics that make students genuinely unique. These unconventional awards prove that being different isn’t just okay—it’s actually valuable. From offbeat hobbies to playful competitions, weird scholarships make the search for financial support more enjoyable while rewarding individuality. The scholarship world is far more creative and diverse than most people realize. Standing out from the crowd with unusual interests or talents might just be the golden ticket to educational funding.
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Top 10 Weird Scholarships
This guide highlights the Top 10 Weird Scholarships, emphasizing the importance of careful searching, as these awards fall outside traditional academic scholarships. Many are niche, quirky, or interest-based, making dedicated research essential to uncover them. Thorough exploration and early submission significantly improve the chances of finding awards that match long-term professional goals. Earning these scholarships helps ease financial pressure, supports ongoing academic growth, and opens doors to diverse learning and career opportunities across the healthcare field. Here is a list of the top 10 Weird Scholarships:
- The Stuck at Prom Scholarship
- Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship
- Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship
- Little People of America Scholarship
- Tall Clubs International Scholarship
- American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship
- National Marbles Tournament Scholarships
- American Society for Enology and Viticulture Scholarship
- Google Doodle Scholarship
- American Welding Society Foundation Scholarships
Top 10 Weird Scholarships — Details
Here are key details on the Top 10 Weird Scholarships, created to celebrate unusual talents, quirky passions, and creative expression. These awards highlight originality, personality, and the ability to embrace unconventional strengths. Each scholarship features its own playful criteria, encouraging applicants to think differently and stand out. Understanding themes, submission styles, and eligibility helps applicants confidently pursue fun, unexpected opportunities that make education more affordable. Here is the detailed list of the top 10 Weird Scholarships:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuck at Prom Scholarship | The Stuck at Prom Scholarship is a Weird Scholarship sponsored by Duck Brand duct tape. This creative competition challenges high school students to design and wear complete prom attire made entirely from duct tape. Couples or individuals submit photos of their handmade outfits, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and originality. Judges evaluate design complexity, color use, and overall presentation. Winners demonstrate exceptional artistic ability and dedication to this unique craft, proving that duct tape can be transformed into stunning formal wear. | Varies | Varies |
| Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship | Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship invites students to design original greeting card artwork for any occasion, including holidays, birthdays, or celebrations. This Weird Scholarship includes submissions of photos, paintings, drawings, or computer graphics. Entries are judged on creativity, originality, and overall appeal. The winning design gets printed and sold in The Gallery Collection’s card line, giving students real-world design experience while earning scholarship funds for their education. | Varies | Varies |
| Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship | Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship Awards students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and communities through various initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate leadership by organizing events, sharing information about plant-based diets, or advocating for vegetarian options. This Weird Scholarship recognizes young people committed to animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and healthy eating habits. Candidates submit essays detailing their activism and impact on promoting compassionate, plant-based lifestyles within their spheres of influence. | One award of $10,000 and six awards of $5000 | February 20, 2026 |
| Little People of America Scholarship | The Little People of America Scholarship provides educational funding for individuals with dwarfism pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Applicants for these Weird Scholarships must have a medically diagnosed form of dwarfism and demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and personal determination. LPA supports members in overcoming physical and social barriers as they pursue their educational goals. The program emphasizes empowerment and success for little people across various academic disciplines and career paths nationwide. | Varies | Varies |
| Tall Clubs International Scholarship | Tall Clubs International Scholarship Awards students who meet specific height requirements: women must be at least 5’10”, and men must be at least 6’2″. Applicants for these Weird Scholarships demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and community service. TCI Foundation promotes camaraderie among tall individuals while supporting their educational pursuits. Students must be affiliated with a Tall Club or recommended by TCI members, celebrating the unique experiences and perspectives of exceptionally tall individuals. | $1000 | Varies |
| American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship | The American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship offers an accessible opportunity through a random drawing system after students complete a brief online quiz about fire sprinkler safety. The quiz educates participants on the role of automatic fire sprinklers in protecting lives and property. Open to high school seniors and college students, this program raises awareness about fire safety while providing financial assistance. Winners of these Weird Scholarships are selected randomly, making it an easy-entry scholarship opportunity. | $5000 | twice a year: August & December |
| National Marbles Tournament Scholarships | National Marbles Tournament Scholarships recognize participants who compete in the annual National Marbles Tournament held in Wildwood, New Jersey. Players demonstrate skill in the traditional game of “ringer,” shooting marbles into a circular ring. Competitors must qualify through local and state tournaments before advancing to nationals. This Weird Scholarships program preserves the classic American game while rewarding young athletes who excel in this unique sport that requires precision, strategy, and concentration. | Varies | Varies |
| American Society for Enology and Viticulture Scholarship | The American Society for Enology and Viticulture Scholarship supports students pursuing degrees related to grape growing, winemaking, or viticulture sciences. Applicants of this Weird Scholarships program demonstrate interest in wine industry careers through relevant coursework in areas like horticulture, food science, chemistry, or agricultural business. ASEV promotes excellence in wine and grape research, production, and education. Students must demonstrate academic merit and a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in enology and viticulture. | Varies | Varies |
| Google Doodle Scholarship | The Google Doodle Scholarship Annual competition invites K-12 students to reimagine the Google logo based on a specific theme. Participants create artistic “doodles” using any materials, including crayons, clay, graphic design software, or mixed media. Entries are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and theme communication. Winners of this Weird Scholarships program see their artwork featured on Google’s homepage and receive scholarship funds plus technology packages for their schools, celebrating young artistic talent nationwide. | National Winner: $55,000 in scholarship funding $50,000 technology package for their school/non-profit organization | Varies |
| American Welding Society Foundation Scholarships | The American Welding Society Foundation Scholarships offers numerous scholarships for students pursuing welding education, engineering, or related technical fields. Programs support high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students committed to welding careers. AWS Foundation emphasizes technical skill development, safety, and innovation within the welding industry. This Weird Scholarships program exist with specific eligibility criteria, all promoting excellence in welding education and advancing this essential skilled trade. | Varies | Varies |
What Do You Need to Get a Weird Scholarship?
Weird scholarships offer a refreshing twist on traditional funding by rewarding unusual skills, quirky interests, and standout creativity. While requirements vary widely, most programs look for personality, originality, and a willingness to embrace something different. Understanding these expectations helps applicants showcase what makes them unique and confidently compete for unconventional scholarship opportunities. Here are a few effective ways to qualify for a Weird Scholarship:
- Creativity and Originality
Most weird scholarships prioritize imaginative thinking, unique ideas, or unusual talents. Applicants who express individuality through creative projects, offbeat hobbies, or clever submissions often stand out. Embracing distinct personality traits and presenting them confidently helps meet selection criteria and strengthens overall competitiveness for these unconventional awards. - Clear Understanding of Theme
Weird scholarships often follow fun or highly specific themes. Strong applications demonstrate an ability to follow quirky prompts accurately while delivering thoughtful or humorous submissions. Understanding the theme, aligning entries with expectations, and showing genuine engagement increases the likelihood of catching the scholarship committee’s attention. - Strong Presentation or Submission Quality
Even unconventional scholarships rely on polished, well-prepared submissions. Clear writing, neat presentation, and thoughtful formatting all help showcase effort and respect for the process. High-quality work—whether an essay, photo, video, or creative piece—shows commitment and elevates the applicant above entries lacking care or structure. - Authentic Personality and Enthusiasm
Weird scholarships reward authenticity and passion. Committees look for applicants who embrace their quirks, show enthusiasm for unusual topics, and bring genuine energy to their entries. Demonstrating personality, humor, and confidence in one’s individuality often strengthens an application and leaves a memorable impression on reviewers.
How to Apply for Weird Scholarships?
Applying for weird scholarships is both fun and rewarding, offering creative students a chance to shine outside traditional academic criteria. These programs often celebrate originality, humor, and unique talents. Understanding how to navigate unconventional requirements helps applicants prepare memorable submissions and confidently compete for quirky awards that make education more affordable.
- Research Unique Opportunities Early
Explore scholarship databases, niche listings, and organization websites to find unusual awards that match quirky skills or interests. Early research helps applicants understand themes, eligibility requirements, and submission styles, giving them ample time to prepare thoughtful, creative entries that stand out from typical scholarship applications. - Follow Application Instructions Carefully
Even quirky scholarships expect clear adherence to guidelines. Reading instructions closely ensures submissions fit the theme, meet format requirements, and follow all rules. Attention to detail shows respect for the process and prevents simple mistakes that could disqualify otherwise strong, imaginative entries. - Prepare a Creative, High-Quality Submission
Successful applications showcase effort, authenticity, and originality. Whether crafting a humorous essay, designing artwork, or recording a video, applicants should focus on clarity, creativity, and polish. A strong presentation helps unusual ideas shine and makes the submission more memorable to scholarship reviewers. - Highlight Personality and Confidence
Weird scholarships reward individuality, so applicants should feel free to express their personalities, humor, and creative thinking. Confidently embracing unique traits sets submissions apart. Committees appreciate entries that feel genuine, energetic, and bold, reflecting applicants who fully engage with the scholarship’s playful or unconventional spirit.
Additional Resources for Weird Scholarships
Students seeking unconventional funding options can explore various online platforms designed to simplify the search process and improve application success rates. These websites offer powerful search engines, personalized matching systems, and organizational tools that help track deadlines and requirements for quirky scholarship opportunities. Here are a few websites for the Weird Scholarships program resources:
Scholarships.com
Scholarships.com makes it easy to explore weird scholarships by filtering awards by unusual skills, fun interests, or creative prompts. The platform provides detailed eligibility information, application instructions, and helpful organizational tools. With its broad database, Scholarships.com makes finding unconventional funding options simple, accessible, and well-structured for applicants.
Fastweb
Fastweb connects students to weird scholarships through personalized matching tools that highlight unique, quirky, and interest-based awards. Its streamlined platform offers guidance on requirements, deadlines, and application tips. With a wide database and tailored recommendations, Fastweb helps applicants discover unconventional opportunities that align with creative talents and unusual strengths.
Bold.org
Bold.org features exclusive weird scholarships created by donors who value originality and unique perspectives. Applicants can showcase individuality through creative submissions and profile achievements. The platform’s clean interface, frequent new awards, and emphasis on personal expression make it a strong resource for students seeking unconventional, personality-driven scholarship opportunities.
Niche
Niche provides a straightforward way to discover weird scholarships through searchable categories and interest-based filters. The platform includes clear descriptions, eligibility criteria, and student feedback. Its user-friendly design helps applicants quickly identify unusual awards that match personal quirks, creative strengths, and distinctive talents, making the scholarship search more fun and efficient.
FAQs About the Weird Scholarships
What are weird scholarships?
Weird scholarships are unconventional funding opportunities that reward unusual skills, quirky interests, or creative talents. These awards break traditional criteria by focusing on originality, humor, or unique personal traits. Students can earn money for college by showcasing individuality, completing fun prompts, or participating in distinctive contests designed to celebrate creativity and self-expression.