Scholarships

AGBU has invested in generations of bright minds seeking to broaden their potential through the pursuit of higher education. Scholarships have been offered since the 1920s to students pursuing diverse fields of study in countless countries across the globe. Our alumni have contributed to shaping industries, leading communities and molding the landscape for success within and beyond the Armenian world.

Scholarships are offered based on merit, need and field of study. Distributions range up to $10,000 per year per student. AGBU also offers highly selective and limited grants up to $20,000 to students demonstrating extraordinary academic excellence, financial need and dedication to Armenian advancement.

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open. Find out more below.

Priority is given to the following fields of study:

Armenian Studies, Education, International Relations/Diplomacy/Political Science, Journalism & Communications, Medicine & Public Health, Performing Arts, Religious Studies, Social Impact & Economics, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

Check eligibility

Explore our Scholarship Offerings

AGBU offers scholarships to students of Armenian descent* who clearly demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. Applications are highly competitive and must meet the following eligibility criteria.

Applicants must be enrolled in full-time degree programs
Applicants must secure and demonstrate a significant portion of tuition from secondary sources to ensure their possibility of enrollment at their desired institution. This is imperative for those students beginning their studies abroad.
Scholarship is available for a maximum of three (3) years toward college/university education expenses.
Applicants must secure and demonstrate a major portion of tuition from secondary sources to ensure their possibility of enrollment at their desired institution. This is imperative for those students beginning their studies abroad.

*Except for the Helen Evans Scholarship for Armenian Art and Culture

Click through each section to learn about the various AGBU Scholarship categories, deadlines and related qualifications.

Open
Closed

	Scholarships	Award	Application Open	Application Deadline	Decisions Posted
	US Scholarship (Graduate)	$3,000- $10,000 USD	Jan 05	May 01	Jul 01	Learn more
Applicants must be enrolled in graduate degree programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Professional) at highly selective colleges and universities in the United States. Students must have a GPA of 3.7 and above, as measured by the American grading system. Applicants must submit proof of their financial need in the form of an official school financial aid package. Award Range: $3,000- $10,000. Application Deadline: May 01 Decision Posted: Jul 01 Applications open January 5, 2026
	International Scholarship (Undergraduate/Graduate)	up to $10,000 USD	Jan 05	Jun 01	Aug 15	Learn more
Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs at highly selective colleges and universities outside the United States. Students must have a GPA of 3.5 and above, as measured by the American grading system. Award Range: up to $10,000. Application Deadline: June 01 Decision Posted: August 15 Applications open January 5, 2026
	Helen C. Evans Scholarship for Armenian Art and Culture (Graduate)	$5,000 USD	Jan 05	May 01	Jul 01	Learn more
*This scholarship is open to students of both Armenian and non-Armenian descent. The AGBU Helen C. Evans Scholarship is intended to honor Helen C. Evans, the Mary and Michael Jaharis Curator of Byzantine Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was established to recognize exceptional students from around the world pursuing studies in the areas of Armenian art, art history, architecture, and/or early Christianity. Helen C. Evans Scholars are to demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing world-leading research, teaching, dissemination of future work that will help develop the areas of Armenian art, art history, architecture, and/or early Christianity, and related fields. Applicants must be enrolled in full-time graduate degree programs. Applicants must complete and submit a pre-screening form before being invited to apply. Award: $5,000 Application Deadline: May 01 Decision Posted: Jul 01 Applications open January 5, 2026
	Performing Arts Scholarship (Undergraduate/Graduate)	$3,000- $10,000 USD	Jan 05	Jun 01	Aug 01	Learn more
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students of Armenian descent who clearly demonstrate artistic excellence and financial need. Students must have a GPA of 3.5 and above, as measured by the American grading system. Applicants must submit examples of their artistic experience in the form of audio/visual recordings for evaluation. Award Range: $3,000- $10,000. Application Deadline: June 01 Decision Posted: August 01 Applications open January 5, 2026
	Religious Studies Scholarship (Graduate)	$3,000- $10,000 USD	Jan 05	Jun 01	Aug 01	Learn more
Applicants must be enrolled in graduate degree programs (Master’s, Doctoral, Professional) at highly selective colleges and universities. Students must have a GPA of 3.5 and above, as measured by the American grading system. Award Range: $3,000- $10,000. Application Deadline: June 01 Decision Posted: August 01 Applications open January 5, 2026

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General Eligibility Criteria

Please read the scholarship offerings and specific eligibility requirements carefully above.

Application deadlines will be strictly enforced. Applications submitted past the designated dates above will not be accepted or considered. Applications are considered submitted when completed in full. No exceptions will be made.

In addition, please note the following:

You may only apply to one scholarship category per academic year.
Applicants for travel grants, study abroad, non-degree program courses, research studies or other short-term educational or professional experience are not eligible for AGBU Scholarships.
Applicants must secure and demonstrate a major portion of tuition from secondary sources to ensure their possibility of enrollment at their desired institution. This is imperative for those students beginning their studies abroad.

Past Recipients / Renewals
Students who have received a scholarship from AGBU in the past and meet the eligibility requirements specific to the scholarship category of interest may apply for renewal for a total of three times. The system will distinguish between new and renewal applicants based on the answers provided to the questions in the Eligibility section of the application. Please note, for students who have received financial assistance from AGBU in the past (either in the form of a grant or a loan), this history is taken into consideration and counted toward the three (3) time award limit when determining eligibility for renewal.

Scholarships for Study in Armenia
AGBU provides financial support directly to institutions in Armenia, primarily to the American University of Armenia (AUA) and Université Française en Arménie (UFAR). Thus, AGBU does not offer individual scholarships to Armenian citizens studying in Armenia.

Get to Know Our Alumni

Our scholarship recipients are taking on the world and making their mark both professionally and throughout the global community. Read some of their impressive profiles from the AGBU Insider Magazine.

King of Couture

AGBU scholarship recipient Eddy Anemian makes waves in the fashion world

Flights of Inspiration

Satellite engineer Kourken Hamalian’s mission to bring the internet to millions

A man with red beard, black jacket and blue shirt poses to the camera inside a building

A Matter of Time

A dialogue with historian Julien Zarifian on social justice

A young advocate at her office in fron of case files

Human Rights Defender

Hasmik Harutyunyan’s mission to end discrimination and persecution in Armenia

Grit and Glory

Dr. Anita Kulukian forges through the failures to bring life-saving breakthroughs to market

A Curatorial Gaze

Historian Mikaël Nichanian explores the vast Armenian collection at the Bibliothèque nationale de France

Musician Michel Petrossian sittiing with his musical instruments and a musical score in his left hand

Keeping Composed

Michel Petrossian is on a quest to compose classical music for contemporary audiences

Violinist smiles to the camera holding his instrument in concert chamber

What Solidarity Sounds Like

Violin prodigy Haig Hovsepian is using his art to support Armenians in crisis

The Improbable Techie

How resilience and optimism took Liana Korkotyan to the center of Armenia’s digital transformation

A Beautiful Mind

The Insider picks the brain of award-winning MIT Economist Professor Daron Acemoglu

Turning Walls Into Doors

Why Gevorg Abrahamian is the ultimate role model for AGBU summer interns

University professor with glasses and blue suit poses in a garden at University of Oxford campus

Field of Study

Exploring Armenian identity issues with Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian

A man with a blue sweater in front of a whiteboard.

Back from Berkeley

Tigran Nazaryan has a passion for software, business, and investing in Armenia

Keys to the City

Lilly Djaniants knows what makes cities function and thrive

Astrid-Poghosyan, female violinist pose with her violin in a theater sitting row

China's Armenian Treasure

Star violinist Astrid Poghosyan raises the profile of Armenia in China

A man in a brown jacket and an orange tie in his office

The Counterpoint

Mark Krikorian states his case for immigration reform

A Quest for Acknowledgement

Anoush Baghdassarian on the power of oral testimony

Soprano woman in a red dress stands with her arms open at the Opera House in Sidney, Australia

Star Soprano

How world-class Soprano Natalie Aroyan discovered her destiny in opera

Back to Basics

Varya Meruzhanyan has one of the world’s toughest challenges on her plate: food insecurity

A Higher Calling

The need for speed, scope and clarity in assessing crises on the ground gave Hripsime Matevosyan an inspired idea

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be sure of which scholarship category I am eligible to apply for?

Please consult the eligibility requirements for detailed descriptions and to learn more about AGBU Scholarships. You may also click on the "Check Eligibility" button. If eligible, you will be directed to the appropriate application.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply varies by the AGBU Scholarship category. Please consult the eligibility requirements table for detailed descriptions and applicable deadlines.

I started an application, how do I login to view or edit it?

Please refer to the link provided in the confirmation email you received from the application system.

Are AGBU Scholarships need-based or merit-based?

AGBU scholarships are both need-based AND merit-based.

Are scholarships granted per semester or per academic year?

AGBU Scholarships are granted once per academic year, not per semester.

What is the maximum amount granted?

The maximum amount granted varies by the AGBU Scholarship category type.

I am not sure which university I am going to attend. Can I apply?

Applications should be submitted after formal acceptance letter or unconditional offer from the university/college has been received. AGBU will only distribute funds after enrollment has been verified by the university. Furthermore, if a student is accepted into or already enrolled at the university, but finds for whatever reason that they cannot continue their studies, AGBU has no choice but to withdraw the scholarship.

The deadline has passed, but I just found out I was accepted to a university. Can I still apply?

No. AGBU application deadlines will be strictly enforced. Applications submitted past these designated dates will not be accepted or considered. In order to submit an application, students must complete each section as instructed and upload all required documents. No exceptions will be made.

What are the main things I need to focus on in my application?

Complete applications undergo a selective review process, based on the following criteria: (1) Academic Excellence, (2) Financial Need, and (3) Public and Community Service, with particular attention to involvement in the Armenian community.

What is a financial award letter?

A financial award letter is a document indicating any scholarship(s) or aid received from a university, foundation, or organization. Supporting documentation is required for the scholarships/loans reported in the Financial Data section of the application. Students must obtain this letter by requesting it from the university, foundation, or organization issuing the scholarship/financial assistance.

What is considered a community service reference?

A community service reference would be a letter from someone who can attest to how involved a student is in the community. For example, it can be from a parish priest, an administrator of a program or organization where the student has volunteered their time, or a coordinator of extracurricular activities at school. Please note it is preferred that a community service reference be from an Armenian organization with which the student has had involvement.

Am I guaranteed an AGBU Scholarship if I am a renewal applicant?

No. Each AGBU Scholarship season has its own review process with a predetermined budget of funds available for distribution. Applications are evaluated on the selection criteria and in comparison to the larger pool of candidates.

I was awarded an AGBU Scholarship, but I have deferred my studies to the following academic year. Can I defer my award as well?

No. Regretfully, we cannot hold scholarships. Students with existing accounts may log in with the same credentials and apply for the following academic year.

I will not be attending university for the entire academic year. Am I still eligible for a partial scholarship?

AGBU does not offer partial scholarships. Students must be enrolled in full-time degree programs for the entire academic year (two semesters) in order to be eligible for an AGBU Scholarship.

Are Ph.D. students eligible to apply for AGBU Scholarships?

Yes.

I am taking an online course. Can I apply for an AGBU scholarship?

Students enrolled in full-time online degree programs are eligible to apply. However, AGBU does not offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships or travel grants to those wishing to take part in a conference, a semester abroad, any non-degree program courses, or similar short-term educational or professional experience. Thus, those registered for individual online courses that do not culminate in a degree are not eligible.

I have completed my degree and am conducting post doc or project-based research. Can I apply for an AGBU Scholarship?

I was offered to participate in a conference. Can I apply for an AGBU Scholarship?

No. AGBU does not offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships or travel grants to those wishing to take part in a conference, a semester abroad, any non-degree program courses, or similar short-term educational or professional experience. H. Hovnanian Family Foundation's Armenian Fellowships program may be a resource in this regard. To learn more and to apply please visit their website here.

Can I apply for an AGBU Scholarship to study in Armenia if I am a citizen of Armenia?

AGBU allocates funding to various universities in Armenia, including Yerevan State University, the French University of Armenia and the American University of Armenia. Students may apply for scholarships directly through these institutions. For this reason, at this time, AGBU does not offer scholarships directly to individual citizens of Armenia studying in Armenia.

Are you aware of additional sources of funding for which I can apply?

Please see the Additional Resources tab (above) to be directed to scholarship opportunities from other Armenian organizations.

Additional Resources

In an effort to help guide students to financial aid opportunities, we have compiled some information on resources for scholarships outside of the AGBU Scholarship Program purview. Please note, since these listings are not maintained by AGBU, we cannot assure you of their ongoing accuracy. Click here to view a list of scholarships offered at various institutions and by other Armenian organizations.

AGBU also offers and supports the following scholarships and fellowship opportunities:

AGBU London Trust/Oxford University Scholarship: The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) London Trust supports a scholarship programme for graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in Classical Armenian Studies at Oxford University for one graduate student per year for five years. This scholarship will play a key role in helping to foster greater understanding of Armenian culture and heritage. The first scholarship will be awarded in October 2021, with the programme running through to 2026. When applicants apply for the MSt, they will automatically be considered for the scholarship. Apply directly via Oxford here.

Creative Armenia - AGBU Fellowship: Filmmakers, musicians, writers, and artists across all creative fields are welcome to apply for the Fellowships—a package of funding, mentorship, promotion, and strategic support.

Teach for Armenia: Teach for Armenia offers a 2-year Leadership Development Program for those who wish to gain experience teaching in classrooms.

AGBU Artsakh Heritage Grants: AGBU offers research grants to graduate/post-graduate students, academics, researchers and independent writers to develop reliable knowledge on the history, culture, and current affairs of Artsakh. Grants support research in fields specializing in, but not limited to, the social sciences and humanities.

The AGBU Scholarship Program is administered by the organization’s Central Office in New York with the help of AGBU’s many Districts and Chapters around the world.

AGBU Scholarship Program
55 East 59th Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10022-1112
Tel: (212) 319-6383
Fax: (212) 319-6507

Program queries can be made by contacting the AGBU Scholarship Program team directly by emailing scholarship@agbu.org.

Scholarships

Priority is given to the following fields of study:

Explore our Scholarship Offerings

Click through each section to learn about the various AGBU Scholarship categories, deadlines and related qualifications.

Annual Impact

General Eligibility Criteria

Get to Know Our Alumni

King of Couture

Flights of Inspiration

A Matter of Time

Human Rights Defender

Grit and Glory

A Curatorial Gaze

Keeping Composed

What Solidarity Sounds Like

The Improbable Techie

A Beautiful Mind

Turning Walls Into Doors

Field of Study

Back from Berkeley

Keys to the City

China's Armenian Treasure

The Counterpoint

A Quest for Acknowledgement

Star Soprano

Back to Basics

A Higher Calling

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