5 Best English Literature Scholarships for Students
There is plenty of information about awards and scholarships in technical fields. Lots of companies are very interested in getting skilled engineers, outstanding scientists and brilliant researchers into their headquarters.
In the eyes of society, the English literature scholarships look dim on this background. Literature doesn’t make any practical stuff so why will someone fund it if not of sheer generosity?
There still are lots of English literature scholarships dedicated founded mostly by the individuals and not corporations, like famous writers, journalists and families of deceased authors who are willing to help the young aspiring writers to achieve the same success.
Here are five of the best available English literature scholarships for you to compare and make your choice. Please pay attention to the application deadlines. It’s better to have more time for preparation and polishing your work than to hurry and show you not the best quality you are capable of.
Best English Literature Scholarships
Here are five of the best English literature scholarships worth applying for. Each has different requirements and award amounts, so read the details carefully before applying.
1. Nick Ivins Memorial Literature Scholarship
This scholarship is established by the family of Nick Ivins (English Literature Bachelor) in his memory and to support young people who like English Literature as much as he did. The amount of scholarship is approximately USD1000.
Moreover, the people who got the award once are excluded from the next scholarship list. But still, the requirements are moderate, so it’s easy to try. To apply one need to be a full-time student of English Literature already, have good grades and be an Arizona resident. The applicant should write a short essay of a maximum of 400 words, explaining his love of literature.
Nick Ivins Memorial Literature Scholarship
- Amount: ~USD 1,000
- Eligibility: Full-time English Literature students
- Deadline: Check ASU website
- Country: United States (Arizona)
Memorial scholarship for Arizona-based full-time English Literature students with good grades.
2. Merv Aubespin Scholarship
Founded in memory and honor of Merv Aubespin, the famous American journalist and the former president of the National Association of Black Journalists. The sum of money awarded is fixed and is USD2500 annually.
Applicants should be already enrolled in the universities, be devoted to their future writing career, provide CV and recommendations and write three sample news using the predefined topics. This scholarship award is connected to another one – the Bill Walsh Scholarship, with the same fund of USD2500. Anyone can apply to both but win only one.
- Amount: USD 2,500 annually
- Eligibility: Enrolled university students, writing career
- Deadline: Check ASNE website
- Country: United States
Annual scholarship honoring journalist Merv Aubespin for students devoted to writing careers.
3. Maria Helena Kopschitz Scholarship at UCD
Quite a tricky one to win due to unusual requirements, but the prize – full tuition fee for the annual course plus accommodation (up to 14000 Euros) – is worth it. The scholarship is accessible to Brazilian students who are willing to study Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at University College Dublin.
The applicants should send their CVs, recommendations from two other persons, proof that their English level is enough to meet the standards of the university (certificates for non-native speakers etc) and a sample of any English academic writing done by them (up to 3000 words). Also, as they apply to a Master’s degree, they should already have Bachelor’s diploma with honors.
Maria Helena Kopschitz Scholarship at UCD
- Amount: Full tuition + accommodation (up to EUR 14,000)
- Eligibility: Brazilian students for Anglo-Irish Literature
- Deadline: Check UCD website
- Country: Ireland
Full tuition and accommodation scholarship for Brazilian students studying Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama at UCD.
4. Masters Scholarship Awards (Newcastle)
The most interesting of all, founded by The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics in the UK. The winner will study his Master’s program for free, will receive additional costs for accommodation and other expenses and – what is most important – he is allowed to choose between English Literature, Creative Writing, Writing Poetry, Linguistic or Films. So, both research lovers and devoted writers can find something suitable for them. To apply one have to already have a Bachelor’s diploma with high grades (or compensate for the difference in grades with practical experience) and present a clear plan of their study and purposes of it, up to the idea of their Ph.D. diploma. This scholarship award demands a no-nonsense approach but it is definitely worth it.
Masters Scholarship Awards (Newcastle)
- Amount: Full master's tuition + living expenses
- Eligibility: Bachelor's with high grades or experience
- Deadline: Check Newcastle website
- Country: United Kingdom
Newcastle University scholarship covering full master’s program in English Literature, Creative Writing, Linguistics, or Film.
5. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
The only one on the list available for high school students. The ones who want to apply should be in 7 to 12 grade in the school either in the USA or in Canada. The range of application works is incredibly big: from dramatic scripts to poetry to sci-fi novels.
Actually, everything that is literature will do. 16 students will be awarded $10 000 each and some of the chosen works will be additionally awarded USD1000 each. Also, the students will be allowed to attend summer camps and test their literature skills under the guidance of the best tutors from all around the country.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
- Amount: $10,000 per winner (16 recipients)
- Eligibility: Grades 7-12 in USA or Canada
- Deadline: Typically December-January
- Country: United States and Canada
Prestigious awards for high school students recognizing creative writing across all genres with $10,000 prizes.
Start your applications early. Most literature scholarships require writing samples, recommendation letters, and essays. Give yourself at least 2-3 months to prepare strong application materials. Quality writing samples matter more than quantity for literature-specific awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scholarships are available for English literature students?
Key scholarships include the Nick Ivins Memorial Scholarship ($1,000 at ASU), Merv Aubespin Scholarship ($2,500), Maria Helena Kopschitz Scholarship at UCD (up to EUR 14,000), Newcastle University Masters Awards (full funding), and Scholastic Art and Writing Awards ($10,000 for high school students).
Can high school students get English literature scholarships?
Yes. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are open to students in grades 7-12 in the USA and Canada. Sixteen winners receive $10,000 each, and submissions can include everything from poetry to dramatic scripts to sci-fi novels.
Do I need to be an English major to apply for literature scholarships?
It depends on the scholarship. The Nick Ivins Memorial Scholarship requires enrollment as a full-time English Literature student. Others like the Scholastic Awards are open to any student who submits creative writing. Always check individual eligibility requirements.
Are there international scholarships for English literature?
Yes. The Maria Helena Kopschitz Scholarship at UCD in Ireland and the Newcastle Masters Scholarship Awards in the UK both accept international applicants. The Newcastle scholarship covers multiple disciplines including English Literature, Creative Writing, and Linguistics.
What do literature scholarship applications typically require?
Most require writing samples (essays, short stories, or poetry), academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement explaining your passion for literature. Some also require a study plan or research proposal for graduate-level awards.
How competitive are English literature scholarships?
Literature scholarships are generally competitive because fewer are available compared to STEM fields. However, fewer students apply for them as well, so your odds may be better than expected. Strong writing samples and genuine passion for literature significantly improve your chances.
I chose only five of the countless scholarship awards available this year. Just keep in mind that if none of them is suitable for you, there are dozens of other scholarships you can participate in. I just give some ideas to try and also encourage you to learn more about Literature scholarships
Literature is definitely not of any less importance than Science or Math or Engineering.
Even though it isn’t valued as much in our practical modern society, literature is the thing that makes us grow spiritually and brings us mindfulness.
We are sure that it is one of the most important things humanity invented. And you, as a future writer, completely deserve to be awarded for your devotion to humanity’s growth.