Fuel Your Future: Scholarship Opportunities in the Final Quarter of 2025

As 2025 marches toward its close, the last quarter is packed with opportunities—some offering full tuition, others smaller but impactful awards. Here’s a forward-thinking guide to scholarships with deadlines in October, November, and December 2025. Dive in now and give yourself the edge.

October 2025 – Act Fast, Apply Now

• Coca-Cola Scholars Program – $20,000. U.S. high school seniors judged on leadership, service, and academic excellence.
  Deadline: October 1, 2025 Access ScholarshipsStudentScholarships

• Rhodes Scholarships (U.S.) – Roughly $50,000 for graduate study at Oxford.
  Deadline: October 1, 2025 (by 11:59 PM Eastern) StudentScholarships

• Morehead-Cain Scholarship – $80,000 total award for leadership-focused students at UNC Chapel Hill.
  Deadline: October 1, 2025 (by 11:59 PM Eastern) StudentScholarships

• “Pen to Paper” Scholarship for Storytellers – Essay contest.
  Deadline: October 21, 2025 The Scholarship Collective ®

Need more options? The Access Scholarships blog and Scholarships360 offer curated lists across categories. Access ScholarshipsScholarships360

November 2025 – Major & Unique Opportunities Await

• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship – Up to $55,000, for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need.
  Deadline: November 12, 2025 Fastweb

• Future of Connectivity Essay Scholarship – $2,500. Open to undergrads and grads in tech or IT-related programs.
  Deadline: November 25, 2025 Fastweb

• ServiceScape Scholarship – $1,000 essay prize on “How does writing impact today’s world?”
  Deadline: November 29, 2025 Fastweb

• From Scholarships.com, notable awards on November 1, 2025 include:

  • AGC Graduate & Undergraduate Scholarships ($7,500)

  • AIA Site Preservation Grant ($15,000)

  • Charlotte W. Newcombe Dissertation Fellowships ($31,000)

  • Chick-fil-A Community Scholars ($25,000) Scholarships

December 2025 – Secure Full Funding

• DoD SMART Scholarship Program – Full tuition, plus a $30K–$46K annual stipend. STEM majors required, with post-grad DoD service.
  Deadline: December 5, 2025 Fastweb

• Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship – Prize up to $3,000; competition-based.
  Deadline: December 19, 2025 Fastweb

• Financial Goals Scholarship – $2,000 essay award.
  Deadline: December 31, 2026 (Beyond Q4) Fastweb

Bonus: International Opportunity for Nigerian Students & Others

• Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (India) – For academically meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  Deadline: October 31, 2025 The Times of India

While tailored for Indian students, this highlights the importance of checking national or local scholarship portals in your region—many access similar windows.

Smart Steps to Maximize Your Scholarship Success

1. Prioritize by deadline – Start with nearest due dates like Coca-Cola and Rhodes.

2. Organize your materials – Have your transcript, personal statement, essay drafts, and recommendation letters ready to adapt quickly.
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3. Apply for a mix – Target both high-reward, competitive scholarships (like DoD SMART) and smaller, more niche awards where your odds are better.

4. Leverage your strengths – Choose scholarships connected to your interests, background, or academic goals to stand out.

5. Double-check details – Mind eligibility, essay prompts, and submission specifics to avoid avoidable mistakes.
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Final Thoughts

Even as the year winds down, your momentum can fuel your future. Whether you’re applying for Rhodes, DoD SMART, or local awards, each step forward is progress toward your dreams.

Stay strategic, resilient, and purposeful—your scholarship journey this fall could unlock exciting academic and professional paths in 2026. You’ve got this!