The Best Poetry Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines in 2024

Poetry Scholarships

Good news for high school writers and college poets everywhere: you can get scholarships for writing poetry!

It seems too good to be true, but it isn't: you can apply for poetry scholarships to fund your college education.

If you’re new to the world of scholarships, let’s review the basics: Unlike federal student loans or private student loans, scholarships offer students debt-free funds to apply toward college tuition and other education-related costs. Most students apply for scholarships in their senior year of high school, but you can actually apply for scholarships throughout high school and college. For more information about the many types of scholarships, browse our scholarship categories at bold.org. 

What can you get a scholarship for? Most people think of two main types of scholarships. One is need-based scholarships, which offer funds to students from low-income students. The other is merit scholarships, which reward all those long hours of studious toil in high school with sweet, sweet college money. 

But did you know there are scholarships specifically for poetry? If you’ve got a talent for verse, poetry scholarships can help turn your passion into real financial support. Whether you’re writing sonnets, free verse, or spoken word, your creativity can help pay for your education. And the best part? There’s no limit to how many poetry scholarships you can apply for, giving you multiple chances to receive funding.

A few minutes spent creating a free bold.org profile will quickly match you to scholarships you qualify for. At Bold.org, we’ve compiled a list of scholarships for everyone, so you can find a poetry scholarship perfect for you and start funding your future with your words.

Best Poetry Scholarships to Apply For

Scholarships for Writing

Creativity can take many forms: some ideas want to be poems, while others work better as short stories, plays, or more experimental forms of creative writing like graphic novels. Some scholarships are open to writers of creative writing more generally. If you write both poetry and prose, consider applying for these scholarships!

Many scholarships are designed for students pursuing a specific major. You can browse our collection of scholarships by major to find scholarships for English majors, creative writing, or other literary-minded subjects.

Scholarships for English Majors

According to Stephen King, “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” If you’re a writer, you’ll benefit from reading widely and deeply, too. Check out scholarships for English majors and other types of literature lovers. 

Not finding the scholarship that you were hoping for? Keep in mind that new scholarships are getting funded all the time, and the rotation of available scholarships will change as the application deadlines come and go. For the latest and most relevant information about scholarships, follow our scholarship blog at Bold.org. We’ll comb through the scholarship updates and deadlines so you have one less thing to worry about during application season. 

Scholarships By State

If you’re a student poet looking for financial support, start your search with state-specific scholarships. Many states have local arts councils and literary organizations eager to nurture young talent. Be sure to check what’s available in your state!

Find scholarships in your state.

Scholarships By Major

Choosing a major in English, Creative Writing, or Literature? Great choice if you’re passionate about poetry! If poetry is your passion, don’t miss out on these opportunities!

See all our scholarships by major.

Scholarships for College Students

For college students who love poetry, scholarships are a wonderful way to get financial support while focusing on what you love most—writing. Whether you’re an undergrad just getting started or a grad student deep into your creative work, poetry scholarships can help with tuition and other costs.

Check out our full list of college scholarships.

William Morgan Poetry Award

The William Morgan Poetry Award, established in 2003 by William Morgan, is presented annually by Illinois State University's Department of English. It recognizes both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate excellence in writing original poetry. In years without a clearly deserving applicant, the award may not be given.

If you attend or graduated from an accredited high school, you might qualify for these high school scholarships. Learn more!

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Poetry Scholarship?

Eligibility requirements for poetry scholarships vary, but they typically target high school and college students who have a passion for poetry. Some scholarships may be open to all students, while others might be restricted to specific educational levels (e.g., high school seniors, undergraduates), writing majors, or students with specific demographic backgrounds.

Looking for more poetry scholarships or scholarships of any major? Check out our scholarships for undergraduate students today.

How Can Young Poets Build Their Writing Careers?

Poetry doesn’t just live inside the classroom. While you’re researching scholarships that you qualify for and working on your application essays, consider non-academic venues for your work, too. Follow national poetry magazines and publications to see the latest artistic developments. Try submitting your work to student publications and poetry magazines. Many high schools and colleges publish literary magazines that welcome students’ creative writing. 

You can also search for poetry contests and other writing competitions for student writers. Look for state and national writing contests as well as contests specific to your school or university. For example, the creative writing faculty at Princeton University awards the Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize every year to an 11th-grade student.

Once you’ve collected a portfolio of your poetry, you can also apply to poetry fellowships such as the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship. The Poetry Foundation awards the fellowship prize to U.S. poets between the ages of 21 and 31. If you’re a college junior or senior committed to your poetry career, take this one seriously: it’s one of the largest poetry grants available to young poets! 

You don't need to be a famous poet to talk with other writers and build your network. Try looking for a writing conference or meetup group in your area.

Of course, one of the best ways to grow your poetry network is to attend college and meet professors and visiting poets who can mentor you and help grow your career. Make your college education more affordable by creating a free bold.org profile today and see how you can get there.

Additional Resources for Poetry Students

Academy of American Poets

The Academy offers several resources, including a large collection of poems, educational materials, and information on poetry events. They also sponsor the University & College Poetry Prizes, recognizing outstanding student poets across the U.S.

Poetry Out Loud

A national recitation contest that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance. Participating can enhance your appreciation of poetry and improve public speaking skills. Poetry Out Loud culminates in a national awards ceremony, where winners of regional and state competitions gather to perform and receive recognition.

The Poetry Foundation

Publisher of Poetry magazine, the foundation offers resources including articles, podcasts, and a vast archive of poems. They also provide information on poetry events and fellowships.

Tulsa's Nimrod International Journal of Prose and Poetry

If you’re a poetry student searching for scholarships, don’t overlook the impact that literary journals like Tulsa's Nimrod International Journal can have on your journey. Based at The University of Tulsa, Nimrod is a renowned publication that has been a platform for emerging and established poets since 1956.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships as they're not limited to just poetry scholarships. Browse our blog today to learn more about scholarships, resources, and college application tips!