Applying for scholarships often feels like a full-time job—requesting transcripts, gathering letters of recommendation, writing detailed essays, and keeping up with deadlines. For students overwhelmed by traditional applications, easy scholarships that don’t ask for transcripts offer a low-barrier path to free financial aid. These scholarships provide an opportunity to win funding without the stress of submitting academic records or spending hours on paperwork.
Whether you're a high school senior, college student, or adult learner, there are legitimate scholarships available that don’t require transcripts and still offer valuable financial support. In this guide, we’ll explore what these scholarships are, how they work, and where to find them.
Why Choose No-Transcript Scholarships?
Not every student has access to their transcripts on short notice, and not everyone feels that grades alone reflect their potential. That’s why scholarships that don’t require academic transcripts can be ideal for:
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Students with non-traditional education backgrounds
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Adult learners returning to school
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Students with average grades but strong personal stories
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International students facing documentation barriers
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Anyone seeking fast and simple scholarship applications
These scholarships often emphasize personal interests, creativity, community involvement, or random drawings rather than academic performance.
Key Characteristics of No-Transcript Scholarships
Before applying, it helps to understand how these scholarships typically work:
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Quick applications: Often under 10 minutes to complete
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Minimal requirements: No GPA thresholds, no letters of recommendation
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Frequent deadlines: Many accept rolling or monthly submissions
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Broad eligibility: Open to high schoolers, college students, graduate students, or even adults
While they may be less competitive in terms of effort required, they can still attract a large number of applicants, especially if they're sweepstakes-style awards.
Top Easy Scholarships That Don’t Ask for Transcripts
Here are some of the best and most well-known scholarships that skip the transcript requirement:
1. Niche “No Essay” Scholarship
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Amount: $2,000
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Deadline: Monthly
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Eligibility: Open to all students (high school, college, or graduate)
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Application Process: Create a Niche profile—no essay, no transcript, no hassle.
Why It’s Great: Niche is a reputable scholarship platform, and this is one of the easiest recurring awards out there.
2. Bold.org “Be Bold” Scholarship
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Amount: $25,000
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Deadline: Annual (with monthly winners for smaller awards)
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Eligibility: U.S. students of all levels
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Application Process: Create a Bold.org profile; selection is based on “boldness” in profile, not grades or test scores.
Why It’s Great: A major scholarship with a unique focus on personality and persistence rather than academics.
3. ScholarshipPoints $2,500 Giveaway
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Amount: $2,500
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Deadline: Monthly
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Eligibility: U.S. residents 13+ enrolled or planning to enroll in school
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Application Process: Earn points by completing activities; use them to enter drawings.
Why It’s Great: It’s more like a sweepstakes, but it’s fast, easy, and legitimate.
4. Tallo Monthly Scholarship
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Amount: $1,000
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Deadline: Monthly
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Eligibility: Students 13+ in the U.S.
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Application Process: Create a profile on Tallo and answer a quick prompt.
Why It’s Great: Tallo is a student networking and career platform, so you also build a helpful profile as you apply.
5. DoSomething.org Scholarships
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Amount: $500–$2,500+
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Deadline: Varies (monthly or campaign-based)
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Eligibility: Students aged 13–25 in the U.S.
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Application Process: Participate in a social action campaign (no transcript needed).
Why It’s Great: You can win money for doing good deeds—plus, there’s no essay or GPA required.
6. Course Hero $4,000 Scholarships
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Amount: $1,000–$4,000
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Deadline: Monthly or bi-monthly
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Eligibility: U.S. residents 16+ enrolled in school
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Application Process: Answer a short prompt (about 200–300 words); no transcript needed.
Why It’s Great: Many quick-to-apply options on a reputable educational platform.
7. Unigo “Sweet and Simple” Scholarship
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Amount: $1,500
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Deadline: February annually
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Eligibility: U.S. students 14+ planning to attend college
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Application Process: Write a short response (250 words); no academic proof required.
Why It’s Great: Ideal for creative thinkers who want to avoid traditional academic requirements.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
Even though these scholarships are easier to apply for, competition can still be high. Use the following strategies to boost your odds:
1. Apply Often
Most of these scholarships are offered monthly or quarterly, which means more chances to win if you stay consistent. Set aside time weekly to apply for new opportunities.
2. Optimize Your Profile
For platforms like Niche, Bold.org, or Tallo, your user profile can influence your chances. Make sure it's complete and reflects your personality, goals, and interests.
3. Stay Legitimate
Only apply through trustworthy sources. Avoid sites that:
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Ask for payment to apply
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Make you sign up for multiple unrelated offers
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Lack clear contact information or terms
Stick to reputable platforms like:
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Bold.org
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Niche
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Unigo
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Cappex
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Fastweb
4. Look for Niche or Thematic Scholarships
Many organizations offer scholarships based on identity, interests, or hobbies—like scholarships for gamers, writers, artists, athletes, or first-generation students. These often don’t require transcripts either.
5. Check Your School and Local Community
Your high school or local organizations may offer undocumented or “silent” scholarships that don't advertise broadly. These often have light application requirements and great odds.