TheDream.US National Scholarship 2025-26 Opens for Dreamers

Ongoing

TheDream.US has opened applications for its 2025-26 National Scholarship, offering a powerful opportunity for undocumented, DACA, and TPS students in the United States to pursue higher education. The program provides up to $16,500 for an associate degree and up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree, helping students achieve their college dreams despite financial and immigration barriers.

According to TheDream.US, the initiative is driven by the belief that “talent knows no status.” Since its founding, the organization has awarded scholarships to more than 12,000 Dreamer students across the U.S.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the National Scholarship 2025-26, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be first-generation immigrant students who are undocumented with or without DACA or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Have entered the U.S. before November 1, 2020, and before age 16.
Have lived continuously in the U.S. since entry.
Hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 (high school or college cumulative).
Graduate from a U.S. high school before Fall 2026.
Enroll full-time in an associate or bachelor’s program at one of 75+ partner colleges by Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
Demonstrate significant financial need.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of TheDream.US National Scholarship receive:

Up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree
Up to $16,500 for an associate degree
An additional stipend up to $6,000 for books, transportation, and supplies
Annual renewable funding until graduation
Dedicated college advisors for academic and career guidance

President and CEO Gaby Pacheco highlighted:

“Dreamers have shown unshakable determination. TheDream.US ensures their potential is not lost — because talent knows no status.”

Opportunity Scholarship for Locked-Out States

Students living in locked-out states—where undocumented students face out-of-state tuition or enrollment restrictions—can apply for the Opportunity Scholarship. This program provides up to $100,000 for a bachelor’s degree at selected partner colleges.

Partner Colleges for Locked-Out States:

Christian Brothers University – Tennessee
Delaware State University – Delaware
Dominican University – Illinois
Eastern Connecticut State University – Connecticut
Trinity Washington University (Women’s College) – Washington, D.C.

In North Carolina, Wingate University (Union County) serves as the in-state partner college for the National Scholarship.

Application Deadlines

Opportunity Scholarship Deadline: January 31, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PT)
National Scholarship Deadline: February 28, 2026 (11:59 p.m. PT)
Notification Dates: Mid-March and Late April 2026

Apply online through the official website: https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/

About TheDream.US

Sponsored by the New Venture Fund, TheDream.US is a nonprofit organization supporting undocumented students through scholarships and mentorship. The program partners with colleges that provide individualized advising, financial guidance, and student support services.

“We believe everyone, regardless of where they were born, should have equitable access to a college education and meaningful careers.”

National Scholarship FAQs

Below are the most common questions from applicants for TheDream.US National Scholarship 2025.

Application FAQs

Q1: When is the application period?

A: Opens: November 1, 2025
Closes: February 28, 2026 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
Notifications: Late April 2026

Q2: What are the academic requirements?

A: Applicants must be current high school seniors or graduates with a 2.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale. College students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.

Q3: What are the immigration eligibility requirements?

A: Applicants must be first-generation immigrants, undocumented with or without DACA or TPS, who entered the U.S. before November 1, 2020, and before age 16, and have lived continuously in the country since.

Q4: How do I apply?

A: Visit TheDream.US National Scholarship page to complete your application online.

Q5: How are finalists selected?

A: Applications are evaluated on academic performance, advanced coursework, extracurriculars, community service, home responsibilities, and essay quality. Awards are granted to top-scoring applicants per partner college.

Partner College FAQs

Q6: Do I have to attend a Partner College?

A: Yes. You must enroll at an official Partner College in your state and qualify for in-state tuition (except in Texas).

Q7: Do I need admission to a Partner College before applying?

A: Yes, you must apply for admission before the February 28, 2026 scholarship deadline.

Q8: If I transfer to another Partner College, will I lose my scholarship?

A: No. Your scholarship can be transferred to another Partner College within your state if you remain in good standing and meet all commitments.

Q9: Are there restrictions on Partner College selection?

A: Yes, some colleges have location or online study restrictions (e.g., GCU on-campus only, ASU Online preference for STEM majors, etc.). Review details on the official website.

Scholarship Award FAQs

Q10: What is the difference between the National and Opportunity Scholarships?

A: National Scholarship: For undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition.
Opportunity Scholarship: For students in locked-out states, covering up to $100,000 at select colleges.

Q11: What is the scholarship amount?

A: Up to $16,500 for an associate degree or $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree, with additional funds for books and transportation.

Q12: Can the scholarship be used for graduate school?

A: No. It is for undergraduate studies only.

Q13: Do I need to reapply each year?

A: No, but you must renew annually by confirming your eligibility and submitting your transcript.

Q14: What happens if DACA or TPS ends?

A: Your scholarship remains valid. Eligibility continues regardless of policy changes.

Getting Involved FAQs

Q15: How can I donate?

A: Visit the official website and click “Donate” to contribute directly to the scholarship fund.

Q16: I’m a teacher — how can I help?

A: Encourage undocumented students early to apply for scholarships and assure them that immigration status does not limit college opportunities.

Q17: I’m a parent — how can I help?

A: Motivate your child, assist in scholarship searches, and help with application completion. Belief and support make a critical difference.

Conclusion

TheDream.US National Scholarship continues to be a transformative opportunity for undocumented students across America. With comprehensive funding, academic support, and a growing network of partner colleges, the 2025 scholarship round promises to help even more Dreamers achieve their higher education goals.