The Association on American Indian Affairs offers multiple scholarships for Native American students enrolled full-time in accredited institutions. These scholarships support undergraduate and graduate students seeking associate degrees or higher and include specialized funding for students in biological sciences and Native Studies. Applications are accepted each year from February 1 through May 31 for fall and spring semester awards.
Native Student Scholarship Program
- Amount: Amount not specified; awarded twice yearly until graduation if you maintain a 2.5 GPA and full-time status
- Who can apply: Native students enrolled with any federally or non-federally recognized Tribe in the continental U.S. or Alaska
- Deadline: May 31
- How to apply: Submit an online application through the Association's scholarship portal, including essays, official Tribal enrollment verification, current transcripts, and class schedule
- Must be seeking an Associate’s degree or higher (certificate and seminary programs not eligible)
- Must maintain 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment each semester
CBIKS Scholarship (with University of Massachusetts Amherst)
- Amount: Amount not specified; follows the same renewal and GPA requirements as the Native Student Scholarship
- Who can apply: Native students enrolled in biological sciences or Native Studies fields, including environmental sciences, archaeology, climate sciences, linguistics, and Indigenous cultures
- Deadline: May 31
- How to apply: Same online process as the main scholarship with required documentation and essays
- Supports students connecting Indigenous knowledge with Western science careers
These scholarships are merit-based and open to Native students attending accredited institutions across the U.S. who intend to use their education to benefit their Tribal Nations. Applications must be submitted online; mailed or emailed packets are not accepted. The Association provides continued funding each semester as long as you meet the requirements.