USA Scholarships
Partial Funding Pre-University Undergraduate Masters Professional the USA

HSF Scholar Program 2027 - $500 to $5,000

Deadline 15 February 2027, 2:00 p.m. PT 149 days left · Hosted by Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) · Published

The HSF Scholar Program 2027 is the Hispanic Scholarship Fund flagship pipeline for Latino students who want merit recognition plus a support network that lasts beyond a single check. HSF selects about 10,000 scholars annually from more than 70,000 applicants, then layers career coaching, mentorship, wellness training, and invitation-only conferences on top of scholarships that typically range from $500 to $5,000 depending on need and available funds. Phase I on myHSF takes roughly thirty minutes and does not require essays. If you advance, Phase II collects transcripts, personal essays, a recommendation, and FAFSA documentation. You must identify as Hispanic, hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or DACA status, meet GPA minimums, plan full-time study at an accredited public or nonprofit four-year university or graduate school, and submit the FAFSA for the matching aid year. Phase I closes 15 February 2027 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time unless HSF posts a different date.

Merit awards
$500-$5,000
Full-time study
HS - grad school
Phase I close
15 Feb 2 p.m. PT
U.S. citizen, PR, DACA
Hispanic heritage
How to apply Am I eligible? Official website

What is the HSF Scholar Program 2027?

The HSF Scholar Program is what happens when a nonprofit decides the money is only half the job. Hispanic Scholarship Fund still distributes more than $30 million in scholarships in a typical year, yet the part most alumni mention first is the network: career coaches who know which employers hire bilingual engineers, conferences that mix finance workshops with mentorship, and an Insider feed that surfaces internships before your campus career center hears about them.

Phase I is deliberately short because HSF receives more than 70,000 applications and needs a fair first cut. You confirm heritage, citizenship or DACA status, GPA, and college plans, then hit submit before 15 February 2027 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. No essay yet. If you make the finalist pool in late March, Phase II asks for the heavier lift: transcripts, personal essays, a recommendation, and FAFSA proof tied to the 2027-2028 aid year.

Treat the scholar designation as the core prize. Cash awards range from $500 to $5,000 and depend on both merit and need, so some scholars receive the full support package with a smaller check. That still beats skipping the program, because Fund a Scholar donations and conference access can change your junior year even when the initial grant looks modest. Line HSF up with Haz La U if you are a high school senior active in Latino leadership programs, or with QuestBridge if you are aiming for a full ride at a partner college.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 6
  • ✓
    Hispanic heritage and eligible immigration status
    HSF welcomes students of all races who identify as Hispanic. You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, or DACA recipient.
  • ✓
    Minimum GPA by education level
    High school applicants need at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. College and graduate students need at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.
  • ✓
    Full-time enrollment at qualifying institutions
    Plan to enroll full time at an accredited, public or not-for-profit four-year university or graduate school in the United States for the 2027-2028 academic year.
  • ✓
    Complete FAFSA for the matching aid year
    HSF requires submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the same academic cycle so reviewers can verify financial need for monetary awards.
  • ✓
    Phase I submitted before the Pacific Time cutoff
    The Phase I application on myHSF must be finished by 15 February 2027 at 2:00 p.m. PT. HSF does not accept late Phase I submissions.
  • ✓
    Finalists complete Phase II on schedule
    Students notified in late March must upload Phase II documents, essays, and recommendations by the deadline HSF emails to finalists.
What you get

Benefits

  • Monetary award range $500 to $5,000 based on need
  • Scholars selected annually About 10,000 designations
  • Career services and internships Included for all scholars
  • Leadership conferences Eligible to apply for HSF summits
  • Fund a Scholar donations Public donors may support your award
  • Guaranteed $5,000 for every scholar Amount varies with funding
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 6
  • ✓
    Phase I myHSF application
    Create or update your myHSF profile and complete the short Phase I form when the portal opens, historically in early January.
  • ✓
    FAFSA and Student Aid Report
    File the FAFSA for 2027-2028 and be ready to upload verification documents during Phase II if HSF selects you as a finalist.
  • ✓
    Academic transcripts
    Finalists upload official or portal-accepted transcripts showing GPA and enrollment status.
  • ✓
    Personal essays for Phase II
    HSF assigns essay prompts to finalists. Draft them in your own voice because staff verify application information.
  • ✓
    Letter of recommendation
    Phase II typically requires at least one recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or mentor who knows your academic record.
  • ✓
    Enrollment verification for college students
    Continuing students may need proof of full-time status at their four-year or graduate institution during Phase II.
Step by step

How to apply

Register at hsf.net before Phase I opens so you are not building a profile on deadline day.
Submit the 2027-2028 FAFSA as soon as the federal window opens so your Student Aid Report is ready for Phase II.
HSF historically opens Phase I in early January. The form takes about thirty minutes and skips essays.
Convert the Pacific Time cutoff to your local zone and finish at least an hour early to avoid login spikes.
Only finalists receive Phase II instructions. Check spam folders for messages from HSF.
Transcripts, essays, recommendations, and financial documents must arrive complete or HSF cannot advance your file.
Career coaching and conference invitations are part of the value even when your monetary award is modest.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
15 February 2027, 2:00 p.m. PT
149 days left
Early Jan 2027
Phase I application expected to open on myHSF based on prior cycles.
15 Feb 2027
Phase I deadline at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Late Mar 2027
Finalist notifications with Phase II instructions.
Spring 2027
Phase II document and essay deadline for finalists.
Jun 2027
HSF selection announcements for the scholar cohort.
Jun - Nov 2027
Document verification and scholarship disbursement window described on hsf.net.
Questions

FAQ

What is the HSF Scholar Program?

It is the Hispanic Scholarship Fund primary program for students of Hispanic heritage pursuing full-time study at accredited public or nonprofit four-year universities or graduate schools in the United States. HSF names about 10,000 scholars each year and pairs the designation with career support plus scholarships from $500 to $5,000 when funding allows.

When is the HSF Scholar Program 2027 deadline?

Phase I closes 15 February 2027 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time unless HSF announces a change on hsf.net/scholarship. Finalists receive a separate Phase II deadline in late spring.

Do I need Hispanic heritage to apply for HSF?

Yes. HSF states the program is open to students of all races who identify as being of Hispanic heritage and who meet citizenship or DACA requirements.

What GPA do I need for the HSF Scholar Program?

High school seniors need at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. College and graduate students need at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent.

Is FAFSA required for HSF scholars?

Yes. HSF requires completion and submission of the FAFSA for the matching academic year so staff can confirm need for monetary awards during Phase II.

How much money does an HSF Scholar receive?

Award amounts range from $500 to $5,000 based on relative need and available funds. Every scholar gains access to support services even if the cash award is at the lower end.

What happens after Phase I for HSF?

HSF reviews Phase I files and emails finalists in late March. Finalists complete Phase II with transcripts, essays, recommendations, and financial aid verification before selection in June.

Are HSF scholarships renewable?

Monetary awards are not automatically renewable, but students may reapply in future cycles if they remain eligible. Scholar support services continue according to HSF program rules for the active cohort.

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