Weird and Unusual Scholarships You Didn’t Know Existed

Think Scholarships Are Only for Straight-A Students? Think Again

When you hear the word “scholarship,” what springs to mind? Probably images of academic overachievers, science fairs, or national essay contests. But what if we told you there are scholarships out there for making the best sandwich, designing duct tape prom outfits, or having a specific surname?

Yes — the world of unusual scholarships is wilder, weirder, and far more wonderful than most students realise. These lesser-known awards offer real money, often with less competition, and they’re available to people with quirky hobbies, unique talents, or niche backgrounds.

In this guide, you’ll discover weird scholarships that reward creativity, individuality, and sometimes just being in the right place at the right time. Whether you’re into llamas, potatoes, or speaking Klingon, there might be a unique scholarship opportunity with your name on it.

Let’s dive into the most unexpected ways to fund your education.

Why Unusual Scholarships Deserve Your Attention

Less Competition Means Better Odds

Unlike mainstream academic scholarships with thousands of applicants, these quirky awards often fly under the radar.
That gives you:

• A better chance at winning
• A break from writing another personal statement about “leadership”

They Celebrate Individuality

You don’t have to fit a traditional mould. In fact, many of these scholarships reward:

• Creativity
• Eccentric passions
• Odd achievements
• Fun personality traits

Some Offer Big Rewards

Don’t let the silliness fool you — some of these scholarships offer thousands of pounds or dollars in funding. And the best part? They’re real.

Top Weird and Unusual Scholarships You Didn’t Know Existed

Let’s explore the most intriguing, strange, and oddly specific scholarships available around the world.

Doodle 4 Google Scholarship

• Who Can Apply:School-age students worldwide
• Award: Up to $30,000 for the winner
• Requirement: Create a Google-themed doodle around an annual theme

If you’re a budding illustrator or just love sketching in class, this one’s for you.

The Potato Industry Scholarship

• Who Can Apply: Students pursuing careers in the potato industry (yes, really)
• Award: Varies; typically several thousand dollars
• Fun Fact: Backed by the National Potato Council in the US

Got a passion for agriculture or love carbs? This spud-tacular scholarship is surprisingly serious.

The Stilton Cheese Rolling Scholarship

• Who Can Apply: UK students from select Midlands regions
• Award: £1,000+
• Requirement: Participate in the annual cheese rolling race and write a short essay

This one’s all about balance — on the hill and on paper.

Charmin’s Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Contest

• Who Can Apply: Anyone (mainly in the US)
• Award: Up to $10,000
• Requirement: Design a wearable wedding dress made entirely from toilet paper

Creativity, craftsmanship, and couture meet in this delightfully strange contest.

The Klingon Language Institute Scholarship

• Who Can Apply: Students pursuing language studies
• Award: $500
• Requirement: Knowledge of or interest in constructed languages (e.g., Klingon, Elvish)

Yes, Trekkies — you can boldly go into academia.

American Llama Association Youth Scholarship

• Who Can Apply: US students involved in llama breeding or care
• Award: $500–$1,000
• Requirement: Show involvement in the llama community

Because “llama leader” belongs on a CV, too.

Tall Clubs International Scholarship

• Who Can Apply: Students under 21 and over 5’10” (women) or 6’2” (men)
• Award: Up to $1,000
• Requirement: A short essay on how height has impacted your life

Stand tall — literally — and win funding.

American Dental Hygiene Association Scholarships for Left-Handed Students

• Who Can Apply: Left-handed dental hygiene students
• Award: Varies
• Requirement: Proof of left-handedness and academic enrolment

Because lefties deserve love (and funding) too.

Future Farmers of America – Dairy Scholarships

• Who Can Apply: Aspiring dairy professionals
• Award: Multiple awards up to $10,000
• Requirement: Involvement in dairy farming or related studies

Udderly brilliant for agriculture students.

Vampire Scholarship (Lost Boys Fan Club)

• Who Can Apply: Students with an interest in gothic culture, horror films, or vampire literature
• Award: Varies by year
• Requirement: Essay or creative project

If you’re a fan of the dark and dramatic, bite into this opportunity.

How to Find Unique Scholarship Opportunities

Now that your curiosity is piqued, let’s talk about how to track these gems down.

Start With Niche Scholarship Databases

Try platforms like:

• Unigo
• Fastweb
• Scholarships.com
• Scholarship Owl
• The Scholarship Hub (UK)

Use filters like:

• Interests
• Talents
• Hobbies
• Demographics

Explore Community and Hobby Forums

Many hobby groups, cultural organisations, and even fandoms offer funding:

• Cosplay groups
• Bird-watching societies
• Blacksmithing guilds (!)

Sometimes they’re not on scholarship websites — they live on Facebook pages or Reddit threads.

Ask Local Businesses and Clubs

Rotary, Lions, or even local bakeries sometimes offer awards:

• Essay contests
• Art or community service projects
• Identity-based (e.g., for descendants of town founders)

Don’t be afraid to ask around.

Tips for Applying to Weird Scholarships

Weird doesn’t mean easy — you still need a solid scholarship application . Here’s how to stand out.

Follow the Rules Carefully

Some odd scholarships have quirky instructions. If they say “design a dress with only glue and loo roll,” they mean it.

Let Your Personality Shine

These awards value uniqueness — don’t try to sound too formal or scripted. Be clever, creative, and authentic.

Watch the Deadlines

Some of these contests run only once a year or tie into seasonal events (like the cheese race or prom season). Set reminders early.

Document Everything

Take photos of your project (especially for creative entries) and keep copies of submissions — you may want to showcase your work elsewhere.

Real Success Story: Winning with Wackiness

Riya, a student from Glasgow, discovered a little-known design contest run by a stationery company. She submitted a concept for reusable, scented notebooks — and won £1,500 in tuition support. It wasn’t on any major scholarship site — just a post on their Instagram.

Her advice? “I stopped looking for perfect scholarships and started looking for ones that felt fun. That changed everything.”

Bonus: How to Know If a Weird Scholarship Is Worth Your Time

With all the odd scholarships out there, how do you know which are legit and worth applying to? Here are some smart filters to use before spending time or effort.

1. Check the Sponsor’s Credibility

Google the organisation’s name. Do they have a professional website, contact details, and a track record of past winners? Be cautious of any scholarship with no digital footprint or overly vague information.

2. Watch for Red Flags

Avoid scholarships that:

• Ask for a fee to apply
• Request sensitive personal info like your Social Security number
• Make exaggerated promises like “Everyone wins!” or “Guaranteed award!”

3. Look for Past Winners or Testimonials

Legit scholarships usually highlight former recipients. If you can’t find any proof of previous awards, proceed with caution — or reach out and ask.

4. Evaluate Time vs. Reward

Some weird scholarships are quick and easy (a short essay or quirky video). Others require elaborate projects. Decide if the potential reward is worth the effort, especially if the prize is under £500.

5. Ask Yourself: “Does This Excite Me?”

One of the best signs you’ve found a great fit? You’re genuinely excited about the challenge. If a prompt sparks your creativity or makes you smile, that enthusiasm will show in your application.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Weird — It Might Pay Off

The world of scholarships is far more diverse than most students realise. While grades and leadership matter, sometimes being uniquely you is what really opens doors.

Whether you build robots, write fan fiction, or have a llama side hustle, chances are there’s a weird scholarship waiting just for you.

Next Steps:

• Explore niche scholarship databases and community boards
• Keep a running list of quirky scholarships that match your interests
• Apply fearlessly — you’ve got nothing to lose, and potentially thousands to gain

Know a strange scholarship we missed? Drop it in the comments and help another student discover their dream award.