In addition to opening applications for its 2026–2027 scholarship awards, AGBU is announcing significant updates to eligibility requirements, award amounts, and priority fields of study. These changes are designed to attract applicants whose academic pursuits align with social impact, Armenian advancement, and AGBU’s mission.
For the upcoming academic year, AGBU scholarship awards will range up to $10,000 per student, with a limited number of highly selective grants of up to $20,000 available to exceptional candidates. The expanded awards reflect the rising cost of higher education and AGBU’s commitment to providing support that is meaningful and impactful, particularly for students pursuing demanding graduate and professional programs at top universities.
New Criteria
The updated scholarship framework introduces a more focused approach, prioritizing fields of study that contribute to long-term educational, humanitarian, and socio-economic development in Armenia and the global Armenian community. These fields include Armenian Studies, Education, International Relations, Diplomacy and Political Science, Journalism and Communications, Medicine and Public Health, Performing Arts, Religious Studies, Social Impact and Economics, and STEM disciplines.
In addition to field specialization, AGBU has raised minimum GPA requirements for all applicants, including a 3.7 GPA for U.S. based graduate study and a 3.5 GPA for all other categories. Applicants are also evaluated based on the competitiveness of their academic institution.
“Beyond scholarly achievement, applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong connection to Armenianness, reflected through community service, leadership, and active involvement in Armenian life. This emphasis reinforces AGBU’s mission to support students who are committed not only to personal success, but also to giving back to their communities,” stated AGBU Central Board member Lena Sarkissian.
All AGBU scholarships are available to students of Armenian descent who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. An exception applies to the Helen C. Evans Scholarship for Armenian Art and Culture, which is open to applicants regardless of Armenian descent. All applicants must be enrolled in a full-time degree program, demonstrate that a significant portion of tuition is secured through secondary funding sources, and may receive funding for a maximum of three years toward college or university education expenses.
In addition to financial support, AGBU continues to invest in strengthening relationships with scholarship recipients through networking events, virtual career workshops, and mentorship opportunities, fostering long-term engagement within the global Armenian community.
Applicants are encouraged to begin by completing AGBU’s eligibility quiz Scholarship Eligibility | AGBU, which directs applicants to the appropriate scholarship. Full details on all scholarship criteria, and application deadlines are available at https://agbu.org/scholarships.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to uplifting the Armenian lives through educational, cultural, socio-economic and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit www.agbu.org.
