Biology is one of the most versatile of degrees available. It’s one of the most popular degrees for heading to medical school as well as nursing. Individuals interested in non-human biology can find jobs teaching, in environmentalism, or in scientific labs.
If you find yourself interested in the mechanisms behind the living world, you don’t have to break the bank to further your studies. In fact, there are a range of biology-specific funding options for qualified students. We’ve gathered 50 such funding options below in one of the largest repositories of biology-specific scholarships online.
NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- 80000
- Offers scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are working towards careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. $20,000 each year for a potential four years. Application deadline is in March.
- Students from disadvantaged backgrounds in applicable degree programs.
EPP Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- 45000
- This scholarship provides funding for minority students at minority serving institutions (defined as Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaskan-Native Serving Institutions, and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions). Must be rising junior undergraduate students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. You’ll complete two paid internships as part of this award.
- Minority students at minority serving institutions studying STEM fields.
ACF Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program
- 40000
- For Albuquerque metro area high school graduating seniors. Must have strong (3.8) GPA and math and science credentials.
- Albuquerque metro area high school graduating seniors with exceptional math and science credentials.
The Edison International STEM Scholarship
- 40000
- For high school seniors in STEM. Need a 3.0 GPA. Next application phase is in Fall 2020.
- High School seniors in STEM.
Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship
- 32000
- For people with STEM backgrounds who want to teach in high-need secondary schools in Pennsylvania. Applicants should be current undergraduates, recent college graduates, midcareer professionals, and retirees with STEM experience.
- People with STEM degrees and experience.
The Robert Noyce Scholarship
- 30000
- For encouraging talented STEM majors to become elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Awarded to Trinity University Seniors and post-baccalaureate candidates. Application deadline is January 12th, 2021.
- Trinity University STEM students.
Furman University Furman Scholars Program
- 20000
- For high school juniors. To attend Furman University. Need a 3.5 GPA and at least a 1360 on the SAT, a 1360 on the PSAT or a 29 on the ACT or Aspire (excluding writing), among other credentials. Counselors must nominate students by April 1st.
- High school juniors that want to attend Furman University.
National GEM Consortium Fellowships
- 16000
- For graduate and doctoral students from underrepresented communities majoring in STEM fields. Application deadline is in November.
- Underrepresented graduate and doctoral students in STEM.
Clarkston Scholars Program
- 10000
- For a college sophomore in Pennslyvania studying life sciences and intending to pursue a career in it. Provided as two installments of $5,000 over awardees junior and senior years. Next application cycle is in the Fall.
- College Sophomores studying life science fields in Pennsylvania.
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
- 9500
- Awardees will receive awards including academic assistance for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility over the summer. Application period for 2021 will begin on September 1st, 2020.
- Sopohomore or Junior students majoring in oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics, or teacher education that is essential to NOAA’s mission.
Blandy Experimental Farm Undergraduate Research Education Program
- 8260
- Fellowships for undergraduates studying ecology and environmental science. You’ll work for 11 weeks doing experiments and research that will expand your skillset tremendously. Application deadline is in February
- Undergraduates studying ecology and environmental science.
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship
- 8000
- This scholarship is for Jewish students who have lived and/or worked in the Chicago metro area for at least one year. Eligible applicants are upperclassmen in undergraduate programs or graduate students in “helping” fields (see details on their site). Ever year $500,000 is awarded by the Foundation.
- Jewish students in the Chicago metro area
Rocky Mountain Biological Lab REU Awards
- 5750
- Award includes 10-week periods of full-time independent research or independent research, and a course. Students in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program get a stipend, free room, board and travel. Anyone underrepresented in biological sciences is encouraged to apply. The application deadline is February 15th.
- Biological Sciences students.
Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship
- 5000
- For minority students interested in working in the environmental professions. Must have declared a major in civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical or environmental engineering, or environmental sciences (e.g. geology, hydrogeology, ecology) and have a 3.0 GPA. The next application cycle begins in Fall 2021.
- Minority students in applicable majors.
John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
- 5000
- Must be a colloge sophomore, Junior or Senior with a 3.0 GPA. Must be working with confectionary science and technology. The deadline to apply is in April.
- College sophomores, juniors, and seniors working with confectionary science and technology.
NABT Biology Educator Leadership Scholarship
- 5000
- For teachers to continue their life sciences or life science education. Must be enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program, a NABT member, and nominated by March 15th to be considered.
- Life Science Teachers, NABT members
William F Helms Student Scholarship
- 5000
- For juniors and seniors that are enrolled part-time or fulltime in programs related to agriculture or the biological sciences. Must have at least a 2.0 GPA.
- Juniors and seniors in agricultural, biological sciences, and related programs.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
- 5000
- For Pell Grant holders to study or intern abroad with. There are multiple application cycles to choose throughout the year.
- Pell Grant holders.
Gladys Carol Scholarship
- 5000
- For high school seniors, high school graduates, and current undergraduates that are United States citizens or permanent residents. Must be accepted or enrolled in full-time STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) programs. Next application cycle begins in November.
- High school seniors, high school graduates, and current undergraduates accepted or in full-time STEM programs.
Out To Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ+STEM Students
- 5000
- For LGBTQ or LGBTQ-supportive students in STEM programs or STEM-related teaching fields. Must have a 3.0 GPA. Undergraduate and graduate students alike may apply.
- LGBTQ or LGBTQ-supportive STEM students.
PSGC Graduate Research Fellowship Program at Penn State
- 5000
- For graduate study leading to masters or doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and humanities related to NASA research and development. Students must be attending Pennsylvania schools. Deadline to apply is March 1st.
- Pennsylvania graduate and doctoral students in applicable areas of study.
Catherine H Beattie Fellowship
- 4500
- For graduate students in biology, horticulture, or a related field. To pursue a research project in at a botanical garden. Will serve the Center for Plant Conservation while completing schoolwork. Deadline to apply is January 31st.
- Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or a related field.
Mikkelson Foundation Scholarships
- 4000
- For an outstanding graduate of a Colorado high school. Will major in engineering, physical or biological sciences, or mathematics. Applications must be received by mid-April.
- Outstanding graduates of Colorado high schools.
National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA) Scholarship
- 4000
- For Juniors in bioengineering and horticulture. Must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
- Undergraduate juniors studying horticulture or bioengineering.
PSGC Undergraduate Scholarship
- 4000
- For undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering or mathematics programs. Must be likely to pursue a career in an area of interest to NASA. The deadline to apply is March 1st.
- Pennsylvania undergraduate students.
Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Inc. Founders Fund Scholarship
- 3500
- For undergraduate Juniors through first and second year graduates students. Must be majoring in environmental studies, including, but not limited to,ecology, hydrology, conservation biology, natural resource management, zoology or environmental law and policy. Must have a 3.5 GPA. Deadline to apply is April 8th.
- Juniors through first and second year graduate students in applicable areas of study.
Leo Bourassa Scholarship
- 3000
- For Virginia students who have finished at least two undergraduate semesters. Must be majoring in biology, conservation, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, limnology, stormwater management, water quality, or wildlife studies. The deadline to apply is in April.
- Virginia undergraduate and graduate students in applicable programs.
APS/IBM Research Internship for Undergraduate Women
- 2500
- This is a paid summer internship for ten weeks. Will work with IBM researchers on a topic pertinent to them. Deadline to apply is in February.
- Female undergraduate students majoring in chemistry, physics, materials science or engineering, computer science or engineering, chemical, electrical, mechanical engineering, or biology.
Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship
- 2500
- For high school senior from Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Applicants are planning to attendtwo or four-year colleges to study environmentally-related fields. Application period begins in January.
- High school seniors from Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
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Franklin D. Boyce Health Scholarship
- 2500
- This scholarship funds the education of future nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, physicians, radiology/lab technicians, psychologists, health administration, and biologists. Must be a resident of the City of Hopewell and the following localities: Prince George, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Fort Lee, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Chesterfield (South of Rt. 288 and East of Ironbridge Road), Charles City and Varina (Southeast Henrico, south of I-64). Need to be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a related field and have a 3.0 GPA.
- Undergraduate and graduate students in applicable fields that are residents of the City of Hopewell and the following localities: Prince George, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Fort Lee, Dinwiddie, Sussex, Surry, Chesterfield (South of Rt. 288 and East of Ironbridge Road), Charles City and Varina (Southeast Henrico, south of I-64).
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NDSGC Lillian Goettler Scholarship
- 2500
- This award is for a female Native American student at the University of North Dakota. Applicant should be working on research that’s relevant to NASA. The application deadline is February 13th.
- Female Native American University of North Dakota students.
NDSGC Pearl I. Young Scholarship
- 2500
- For students at the University of North Dakota. Applicants will ideally work on a research project of NASA relevance.Must have female gender identity or outside the gender binary and major in a STEM, and have a 3.5 GPA. Application deadline is February 13th.
- Female or nonbinary gender identity students at the University of North Dakota.
Truman D. Picard Scholarship
- 2500
- For Native American students in higher education institutions studying in natural resources. Must submit a letter of application, resume, three letters of recommendation and evidence of enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native Corporation. Must complete FAFSA. Deadline to apply is March 12th.
- Native American students studying natural resources.
Dennis Raveling Scholarship
- 2000
- For college biology students that want to pursue a career in waterfowl or wetlands ecology. You must propose a research or management project to be considered. Application deadline is in October.
- Biology students in applicable majors, students who want to work in waterfowl or wetlands ecology.
Gill-Elliott Scholarship
- 2000
- For high school seniors attending Fayette County public schools. Must have a 3.5 GPA and intend to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, math or pre-medicine. Applications are due in Mid-March.
- High school seniors at Fayette County public schools intending to major in applicable areas.
Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund
- 2000
- For graduating seniors in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington state to attend Washington universities and colleges. Students are nominated by their schools by March 1st.
- High School seniors in applicable counties of Washington state.
ASABE Foundation Scholarship
- 1750
- For a biological or agricultural engineering student. Must have completed one year of undergraduate study and have a 2.5 GPA. Application deadline is in March.
- Biological of Agricultural Engineering undergraduate students.
Friends of Volo Bog Scholarships
- 1000
- For high school seniors entering college and college students. Must be a resident of Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will County. Must have plans and be studying for a career preserving natural environments. Applications must be received by March 31st.
- High school seniors and college students with residencies in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will County.
Environmental Studies/Natural Science Scholarship Program
- 1000
- For high school seniors and college students from Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will County pursuing environmental careers. Applications must be received by March 31st.
- High school seniors and college students in Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, or Will County.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
- Varies
- For minority students, including African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students. The award’s goal is to increase representation of these groups in computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and other sciences.
- African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students
Libbie H Hyman Memorial Scholarship
- Varies
- For advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Funds are for taking courses or researching invertebrates at a marine, freshwater, or terrestrial field station. Application deadline in the Spring.
- Advanced undergraduates and graduates students studying or researching invertebrates.
National Garden Clubs College Scholarships
- Varies
- For horticultural and environmental undergraduate and graduate students. Applicant must want a career in gardening, landscape design, environmental issues, floral design or horticulture. Check state chapters for local opportunities.
- Horticultural and Environmental undergraduate and graduate students.
Recreational Boating Industries Scholarships
- Varies
- For degrees from colleges, universities, and trade school related to the marine industry. Must be a Michigan resident. Application deadline is June 1st.
- Michigan marine industry students and professionals.
AFE Scholarships in Floriculture and Horticulture
- Varies
- AFE offers scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students studying horticulture and floriculture. There are several awards with different criteria for entry.
- Undergraduate and graduate horticultural and floricultural students.
EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund
- Varies
- For Connecticut residents and members or family members of EPOC. Must be enrolled a bachelor, master or PhD degree program in or out of state, and have declared a major in an applicable environmental area. Next application period begins in January 2021.
- Connecticut environmental undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship
- Varies
- For graduate students. Funds are used to support research and papers on aspects of wilderness. Up to $15,000 can be awarded. The next application period begins in January.
- Graduate students looking to make a difference in wilderness protection.
GRCF Armando “Frank” Quaglia Veteran’s Scholarship
- Varies
- For students from Kent or Ionia County who are veterans or family members (spouse, child, or step-child) of U.S. veterans. Must be attending an accredited four-year college or university full-time studying Engineering or a Medical/Healthcare field. Need a 3.0 GPA. Next application period begins December 1st.
- Veterans and veteran family members from Kent or Ionia County studying Engineering or Healthcare at the undergraduate level.
Indian Health Service Scholarships
- Varies
- For American Indian and Alaska Native health professions students. Next application cycle will begin in December 2020.
- American Indian and Alaska Native health professions students
Mycological Society of America Awards
- Varies
- For MSA society members to nominate deserving candidates. Awardees are members honored for research, teaching and service. Application deadlines and requirements vary among the awards.
- MSA members, students, researchers, teachers, servicemembers.
NDSGC American Indian Scholarship
- Varies
- This award is for Native American students pursuing STEM degrees. Must be undergraduates attending a North Dakota tribal college (United Tribes Technical College, Sitting Bull Community College, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Turtle Mountain Community College, and Cankdeska Cikana Community College) with a 3.0 GPA.
- Native American North Dakotan students attending United Tribes Technical College, Sitting Bull Community College, Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College, Turtle Mountain Community College, and Cankdeska Cikana Community College