A Curated List of Unusual and Lesser-Known Opportunities for Students Worldwide
Although for most students, when the word scholarship appears in a casual conversation, the first ideas that come to mind are mostly related to the academic excellence of the students, the ones who have shown outstanding results in sports, or those with grave financial difficulties. Yet the scholarships’ world is vivid and multifaceted; there are more scholarships than someone who is not in the loop would think of. Starting from station awards for duck-calling to ones for southpaw students, there are innumerable under-recognised scholarships that can be your budget-free way to academic pursuit.
Be it the conventional bookworm type or someone with an unexpected gift or talent, here’s a list of 10 special scholarships that are truly one of a kind.
1. The Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest (USA)
For: Creative high school students
Award: Up to $10,000
Criteria: Design and wear a prom outfit made entirely from Duck® Brand duct tape.
Why it’s unique: It rewards fashion design, DIY spirit, and creative flair — with duct tape.
Website: https://www.duckbrand.com/stuck-at-prom
2. The Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship (USA)
For: High school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism
Award: $10,000 (1st place), $5,000 (2 runners-up)
Criteria: Must show strong commitment to vegetarianism in school or community
Why it’s unique: Recognises lifestyle choices and advocacy over traditional academics.
Website: https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm
3. Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship (USA)
For: High school and college students
Award: $2,000
Criteria: Submit a short essay explaining your survival plan in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
Why it’s unique: It’s humour-driven and creativity-based, not GPA-dependent.
Website: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/zombie-apocalypse-scholarship
4. Tall Clubs International Scholarship (USA & Canada)
For: Tall students
Award: Up to $1,000
Criteria: Must be under 21 and at least 5’10” (women) or 6’2″ (men).
Why it’s unique: Literally rewards you for being tall.
Website: https://www.tall.org/tci-foundation.html
5. Parapsychological Association Research Grants (International)
For: Students interested in paranormal studies
Award: Varies
Criteria: Conduct serious research on psychic phenomena, telepathy, and related topics.
Why it’s unique: Few scholarships exist for supernatural research.
Website: https://www.parapsych.org/
6. The American Association of Candy Technologists Scholarship (USA)
For: Students majoring in food science or related areas
Award: $5,000
Criteria: Strong interest in confectionery technology
Why it’s unique: Perfect for the future. Willy Wonkas
Website: https://www.aactcandy.org/scholarship.asp
7. The Doodle 4 Google Contest (Global)
For: K–12 students
Award: $30,000 scholarship + $50,000 tech grant for school
Criteria: Submit a Google Doodle on a given theme.
Why it’s unique: Merges art, design, and digital creativity for massive rewards
Website: https://doodles.google.com/d4g/
8. Chick and Sophie Duck Calling Contest Scholarship (USA)
For: High school seniors
Award: Up to $2,000
Criteria: Must compete in a duck-calling contest
Why it’s unique: One of the very few scholarships based on wildlife calls
Website: https://www.stuttgartarkansas.org/duck-calling
9. The Asparagus Club Scholarship (USA)
For: Students majoring in business, food marketing, or related fields
Award: $2,000 per semester
Criteria: Minimum 2.5 GPA, interest in grocery or food industry careers
Why it’s unique: Sponsored by grocery executives for future industry leaders
Website: https://www.nationalgrocers.org/initiatives/asparagus-club-scholarship/
10. The Little People of America Scholarship (USA)
For: Individuals with dwarfism
Award: Varies
Criteria: Must be a member of Little People of America and meet height criteria.
Why it’s unique: One of the few scholarships supporting people with specific physical conditions
Website: https://www.lpaonline.org/scholarship-applications
Final Thoughts
Grants differ from each other in terms of their requirements, and the process doesn’t have to be dull. These 10 unusual grants are evidence that students with or without good marks or sports ability still have a chance to get money for their education. In the event that you are tall, a vegan, an artist, or one who can imitate a duck call, it’s probable that there is a scholarship for you.
Check out: Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students Worldwide
Hint: We recommend you visit the official website of every scholarship; the information provided there will be the most updated, and the terms of the deal, as well as the places and times when the organisation is receiving applications, will be accurately conveyed.