With academic coursework, extra-curricular activities, and part-time work, writing additional essays and completing scholarship application forms may not seem possible. But thankfully, not all scholarships require a word count. There are a number of “no essay” scholarship options available to students that offer ways to apply easily, creatively, or both.
However, it is important to be aware of advertisements for “no essay” scholarships. Many scholarship search engine companies will offer sweepstakes and entry submissions for high-prize, no-essay scholarships in exchange for your contact information. This could result in a lot of emails sent to your inbox! And the probability of winning these awards is slim.
The following scholarships are not sweepstakes-based, and you may even enjoy the process of applying, through simple steps or creative filmmaking as the medium for submission.
“Get Inspired” Tik Tok Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, follow Scholarships360 on Tik Tok, like the “Get Inspired” Tik Tok Scholarship post pinned at the top of their grid, and leave a comment on the post about what inspires you.
Eligibility: Open to all grade levels
Amount: $500
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Website: https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/get-inspired-tiktok-scholarship/
IvyPanda Annual Video Contest Scholarship
How to Apply: Record and upload an original video of 1–1:30 minutes, on one of three topics related to AI tools.
Eligibility: Open to current high school, college, or university students
Amount: $1,000 for the top prize, $500 for the runner-up prize
Deadline: October 31, 2025
Website: https://ivypanda.com/scholarship-video
PRINT IT Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit a short video (5-10 minutes) that explains your desire to pursue content creation in the future and how your content will be engaging and offer a unique perspective.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are current enrolled in accredited 2- or 4- year colleges or trade schools
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 11, 2026
Website: https://scholarshipconnect.com/scholarships/print-it-scholarship-for-aspiring-content-creators/
C-SPAN’s StudentCam Annual Documentary Competition
How to Apply: Create a 5- to 6-minute documentary that explores the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence.
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–12
Amount: $5,000 grand prize award, with other award categories ranging from $250–$3,000
Deadline: January 20,2026
Website: https://www.studentcam.org/
The Paradigm Challenge
How to Apply: Address one or more of the Paradigm Challenge Projects by submitting your choice(s) of medium, including posters, videos, inventions, public messages, community events, websites, mobile apps, or other ideas.
Eligibility: Open to students age 4–18, individually or as a team
Amount: $100,000 grand prize award, with other award prizes ranging from $50–$10,000
Deadline: May 1, 2027
Website: https://www.projectparadigm.org/
Please note, most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. Scholarships are one of many sources of funding for college, including savings, current income, and federal and private loans. To learn about the variety of ways to pay for college, visit our Paying for College webpage.
