Jewish Scholarships

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What Kind of Jewish Scholarships Can I Apply to?

There are many agencies that offer scholarships for Jewish students. Jewish scholarships defray costs of college. But unlike loans, scholarships are free. They may fund studies in the U.S. or abroad in Israel.

The goal of this aid is to nurture the Jewish culture by promoting higher education. So, some Jewish students are required to study Judaism or the Hebrew language.

Other scholarships do not restrict the major to the religion. But they may prefer candidates who plan to build the Jewish community.

How Do I Apply to a Scholarship for Jewish Students?

To apply for a scholarship, you will also have to meet various eligibility requirements. Strong grades and financial need are important requirements to meet. Also, a track record of service in your synagogue or community showcases your commitment.

Also, here are other criteria to meet to be eligible:

• Being a resident of a certain area or state
• Up to date member
• Active promoter of Judaism, Israel or your local Jewish community
• Enrolled at a certain college

Where Can I Find Scholarships?

Most Jewish foundations and schools may offer scholarships. These funds may pay for academic and career training. For example, the Masa Israel Grants help Jewish students travel to Israel. The grant award is up to $10,000. Eligible Jewish students must not be an Israel citizen and must be a graduate from a post secondary school. To apply, you must submit an online application and financial information in order to qualify.

Of these, there are agencies that fund employees’ and members’ studies and those that work with local or national students. Colleges are another source for scholarships. Alumni donors often sponsor college scholarship funds. You can find these at most Jewish colleges.

Why Consider Jewish Scholarships?

Scholarships help pay for your college tuition and fees. Other scholarships may help with study abroad and getting to know your Jewish heritage. 

Judaism is one of the oldest religions and about 7 million people practice it in America. Many Jews came to the States after the Holocaust of World War II.

To understand their history, many Jews study it in school and may learn the Hebrew language. Some venture to Israel either as part of a study abroad, college or a Jewish pilgrimage program.

List of Jewish Scholarships

Here is our list of 5,513 Jewish awards worth $4M.

Masa Israel Grants and Scholarships

Masa Israel Journey offers immersive international experiences in Israel for young people ages 18-30. Their diverse portfolio of 2 to 12 month programs includes undergraduate and graduate academic programs at Israeli universities as well as Jewish studies programs, gap year programs, internships and volunteering. You can apply to receive funding, or to donate your grant to another participant. Being part of the Masa ecosystem includes logistical support (housing, transportation, health insurance); placement advisors; quality assurance; 24/7 counselor staffing; security staffing and support; Immersive educational framework, including Hebrew language learning and volunteering; cultural events; & special tracks (business, leadership, and media.) Masa Israel’s grants and scholarships are a gift of the Government of Israel and The Jewish Agency for Israel, made possible through the generous contributions of the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod-UIA.

Total: $50000

Awards: 1

Deadline: December 31, 2020

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Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship

The Helyn B. Reich Memorial Scholarship are awarded each fall and spring to a limited number of American students who choose to study at one of several designated Israeli universities or attend post-college long-term programs.

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline: January 14

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Jewish Federation Academic Scholarship

This scholarship is available for U.S. college juniors and seniors who are Jewish and demonstrate career promise in a helping profession. Students must also meet one or both of the following criteria: he/she was born or raised in either Cook County, the Chicago metropolitan area, or northwest Indiana OR he/she has completed one continuous year of full-time employment in Cook County or the Chicago metropolitan area prior to starting professional education.

Total: $5000

Awards: 110

Deadline: February 01

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Chicago Benton Bernstein Scholarship

This scholarship is available for Jewish graduate students who immigrated to the United States through the assistance of HIAS Chicago and/or applied for permanent residency or citizenship with the assistance of HIAS Chicago between Jan. 1, 2000 and the present. The student must be enrolled in professional study in one of the helping professions.

Total: $5000

Awards: 5

Deadline: February 01

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Jewish Vocational Service of Southern California Scholarship

This award is available for financially needy Jewish students from Los Angeles County. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.7 or higher and plan to enroll full time.

Total: $2750

Awards: 166

Deadline: March 19

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Springfield Council of Jewish Women Scholarship

The Jewish Endowment Foundation Scholarship Awards are available to all qualified students regardless of race, religion and gender chosen based on a combination of academic performance, financial need, and community involvement.

Total: $54000

Awards: 10

Deadline: April 01

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JEF Common Fund Academic Scholarships

The JEF Common Fund Scholarships are available to Jewish students living in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts.

Total: $11000

Awards: 1

Deadline: April 01

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American Jewish League for Israel Scholarships

The American Jewish League for Israel Scholarships is available for any person, regardless of background or faith, that helps further this mission. AJLI’s mission is to foster Jewish spiritual and cultural values through the experience of living and studying in Israel.

Total: $6000

Awards: 6

Deadline: April 15

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UJA- Federation of New York Rose Biller Scholarship Program

This award is for Jewish students living in and studying in the New York metropolitan area. Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need.

Total: $5000

Awards: 320

Deadline: May 30

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The Jean and Albert Nerken Scholarship

This award is for Jewish undergraduate or graduate students attending an institute of higher learning approved by UJA-Federation. Applicants must be international students with no U.S. citizenship.

Total: $5000

Awards: 1

Deadline: June 01

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